JANUARY 2026
Happy New Year to all members.
Please contact me 040767240, if you would like to share your story via this page.
Please contact me if you or your group have any local news or events.
Volunteers are still required to run the office and there are still vacancies on the Darwin District Office Committee
VALE Tony F
Darwin AA lost a long-time member with the death of Tony F on Boxing Day, 2025, aged 64. He had been sober more than 20 years.
His funeral at Resthaven Chapel, Marrara, on 7 January was attended by most of the staff of Larrakia Patrol Services, where he worked for 17 years. AA and Al-Anon members also attended.
Those who spoke at the funeral recalled Tony’s natural humour, his generosity and his dedication to the patrol service. One of his fellow (mostly Aboriginal) patrollers said of Tony: “He was our brother.” Another said: “He was one of our elders.”
Tony was brought up in the Sydney suburb of Villawood and attended schools there. He remained close to his family, some of whom came to Dawin for his funeral. His sister Carol said Tony was so generous he would give anyone the shirt off his back. Another relative said Tony was loved by his family, remained close to them and was “uncle to many”.
Carol said the family had a tradition of calling Tony on Christmas Day “but this year there was no answer”.
A friend who went with him on a trip to Bali – his first time overseas – recalled that when he saw the hard-working people there “he gave away more than he could afford”. The friend recalled Tony’s love of chips and his “special coffee’’.
Tony’s boss, Larrakia Nation CEO Michael Rotumah, recalled visiting Tony in hospital, where he spent some time after breaking his leg. Mr Rotumah said Tony was one of the original patrollers and only dedicated people remained a long time in the patrol. “He was very caring and touched a lot of people”, he said of Tony.
VALE: Malcolm H
Recently passed away
DECEMBER 2025
An update from the General Service Board
DECEMBER 2025
Northern Region — Area A
We are delighted to share some very positive
news from the Northern Region Area A General
Assembly, held on Sunday, 30 November 2025.
Margaret M was nominated by her Area for the
position of Northern Region Trustee and was
elected by the Board on an interim basis on
Tuesday, 16 December. Michael G was also
elected as the Area A Delegate at the Area A
Assembly.
Both Margaret and Michael bring experience,
enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to service.
Their willingness to step forward is warmly
welcomed, and we look forward to the valuable
contributions they will make to the wider
Fellowship. This is wonderful news for the
Northern Region, and we extend our
congratulations and gratitude to them both.
NOVEMBER 2025
CYCLONE UPDATES:
PLEASE REFER TO THE “MEETINGS” PAGE AS SOME MEETINGS ARE TEMPORARILY CLOSED THIS WEEKEND DUE TO CYCLONE ACTIVITY
NORTHERN REGION AREA “A” ASSEMBLY SUNDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 10AM AT THE AA OFFICE BAUHINIA ST NIGHTCLIFF.
ALSO ON ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9697041663?pwd=OS9MREY1eisyTll0YXJlQXQ3Wk5jZz09
Meeting ID: 969 704 1663
Passcode: 946704
All members are welcome to attend. GSR’s this is an opportunity to represent your group and have a say. A Conference 2025 report will be presented to the groups/GSR’s outling the results and reasoning behind the topics 2025 that were either accepted or rejected by the Conference.
An Area vote will be taken to elect the new Area Delegate who will represent the NT at National Conference for the next 3 years
“in all our affairs”
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS – 6PM DARWIN TIME – ZOOM ONLY https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83634401919
OCTOBER 2025.
SPONSORSHIP WORKSHOPS – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON SPONSORSHIP. Join us as we workshop our way through the AA pamphlet on sponsorship.
Ongoing through November
“in all our affairs”
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS – 6PM DARWIN TIME – ZOOM ONLY https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83634401919
How does AA work ? What is a home group? What is the difference between a home group and a meeting? Why do we have a “Conference”
“EVERY QUESTION YOU EVER HAD ABOUT AA AND HOW AND WHY IT WORKS”
One hour of “laidback fun” every Wednesday night from Darwin.
SEPTEMBER 2025
September 12, 2025
“The torch of Service did pass from the hands of us who are older to yours, which are younger; it passed to every oncoming generation of those children of the night whose darkness, God willing, shall be banished within the Society of Alcoholics Anonymous all through the bright years which destiny surely holds in store for us.”
AA Co-Founder, Bill W., June 1951, “To Serve Is to Live”, The Language of the Heart
Thank you to those members who committed to Service positions at the last District meeting.
Thank you to those committee members who rotated off for your two years of dedicated service
The following jobs remain vacant: Treasurer, Secretary, Public Infomation, Treatment and Corrections Coordinator
These are vital jobs in keeping the Darwin District functioning. If you are interested in taking on a job in the DDO and have 6 months sobriety and the endorsement of your home group, please contact Deb H.
“in all our affairs”
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS – 7PM DARWIN TIME – ZOOM ONLY https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83634401919
How does AA work ? What is a home group? What is the difference between a home group and a meeting? Why do we have a “Conference”
“EVERY QUESTION YOU EVER HAD ABOUT AA AND HOW AND WHY IT WORKS”
One hour of “laidback fun” every Wednesday night from Darwin.
WednEsday 17th -Guest Speaker Cliff P – REMOTE COMMUNITIES
https://aavirtualarea.org.au/remote-communities
HISTORY OF THE “MAYFAIR BAR STORY”
May 11, 1935, found Bill Wilson feverously pacing the lobby of the Mayflower Hotel remorsefully reflecting on the failed aforementioned enterprise. Had he been successful, he would have been set on his feet financially which, at the time, seemed vitally important. Bitterly discouraged, he found himself in a strange place, discredited and almost broke. Still physically weak, and sober but five months, he saw that his predicament was dangerous. He wanted so much to talk with someone, but whom?
At the end of the room stood a glass covered directory of local churches. Down the lobby a door opened into an attractive bar. He could see the gay crowd inside. In there he would find companionship and release. Unless he took some drinks, he might not have the courage to scrape an acquaintance and would have a lonely weekend.
Of course he couldn’t drink, but why not sit hopefully at a table, a bottle of ginger ale before him? After all, had he not been sober five months now? Perhaps he could handle, say, three drinks—no more! Fear gripped him. He was on thin ice! Again it was the old, insidious insanity—that first drink.
With a shiver, he turned away and walked down the lobby to the church directory. Music and gay chatter still floated to him from the bar. But what about his responsibilities — his family and the men who would die because they would not know how to get well, ah—yes, those other alcoholics? There must be many such in this town. He would phone a clergyman.
His sanity returned and he thanked God. Selecting the name of Reverend Walter F. Tunks from the church directory, he invested a nickel to make one of the most important calls in AA history (Lois Wilson thought the reason for picking the name of Tunks may have been that one of Bill’s favorite expressions was, “taking a tunk,” which refers to a short walk.)
Excerpt from Pre-AA History
This months’s BOOK REVIEW
‘PASS IT ON’
The story of Bill Wilson and how the A.A. message reached the world
(Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., New York, N.Y 1984
AA World Services Inc. Pass It On . AA World Services Inc. Kindle Edition.)
“. . . I’ll never forget the first time I met Bill Wilson. I was a couple of months sober and so excited, so thrilled to actually meet the co-founder that I gushed all over him with what my sobriety meant to me and my undying gratitude for his starting A.A. When I ran down, he took my hand in his and said simply, ‘Pass it on.’ ”
—from a letter to the A.A. General Service Office
AA World Services Inc. Pass It On. AA World Services Inc. Kindle Edition.
“Pass It On” is the authorized biography of AA co-founder Bill Wilson, chronicling his personal story and the birth, struggles, and growth of Alcoholics Anonymous. It is one of two major biographies produced within AA’s service structure (the other being Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers). The book provides an intimate look at Wilson’s life, from childhood and early struggles to his spiritual awakening and lifelong dedication to the AA movement.
“Bill told his story countless times. He himself dubbed it “the bedtime story,” and this name quickly caught on in the groups, as the story acquired a comforting familiarity. As many times as he told it, A.A. never tired of listening to it. This is a detailed retelling of the bedtime story. Bill’s life was so full of adventure, experiment, thought, and invention that to report it all would require much more space than a single volume affords. Bill showed us how to receive the gift of life. This is our gift to him — his life, as we see it. We like to think he would enjoy this telling of his tale. (forward to pass it on)
AA World Services Inc. Pass It On . AA World Services Inc. Kindle Edition.
Themes and Insights
- Humility and Imperfection: The book doesn’t shy away from Bill’s character flaws—his ego, ambition, and later unconventional spiritual pursuits—presenting him as human and relatable rather than saintly.
- Service and Sacrifice: Bill’s constant willingness to serve AA despite personal suffering is highlighted as central to his legacy.
- Spiritual Evolution: From Christianity to more eclectic spiritual searching, Bill’s inner journey reflects the broad spiritual principles behind AA’s Steps.
- Anonymity and Leadership: Bill’s struggle to lead without dominating illustrates the principle of rotation and spiritual leadership embodied in the Traditions and Concepts.
“Pass It On” is a cornerstone work in Alcoholics Anonymous literature. By providing an honest yet respectful account of Bill W.’s life and the birth of the Fellowship, it allows readers to better appreciate the spiritual, historical, and human roots of the AA program. For anyone seeking to understand how AA evolved—or how one man’s failure became a message of hope for millions—this book is indispensable.
HISTORY OF THE RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
The Responsibility Statement reads:
I am responsible. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there. And for that: I am responsible.
It was written for the 1965 AA International Convention in Toronto. In an article titled, ‘How I am Responsible became a part of AA’, from the GSO newsletter, Box 4-5-9. The article identifies former AA trustee, Al S. as the author of the Responsibility Statement.
In the souvenir book for the 1965 Convention, Dr. Jack Norris writes:
“…We must remember that AA will continue strong only so long as each of us freely and happily gives it away to another person, only as each of us takes our fair share of responsibility for sponsorship of those who still suffer, for the growth and integrity of our Group, for our Intergroup activities, and for AA as a whole.
It is in taking responsibility that real freedom and the enduring satisfactions of life are found. AA has given us the power to choose – to drink or not to drink – and in doing so has given us the freedom to be responsible for ourselves. As we become responsible for ourselves, we are free to be responsible for our share in AA, and unless we happily accept this responsibility we lose AA. Strange, isn’t it?”
In a Grapevine article in October 1965, the Responsibility Statement is discussed, and Bill W. expresses his views:
Two major thoughts stood out in the remarks of the many speakers, alcoholic and nonalcoholic, at AA’s July Toronto Convention. The first was admiration and gratitude for AA’s startling success in sobering up hundreds of thousands of lost-cause drunks. The other was concern that the success which has come to AA over the thirty years since its start in Akron, Ohio in 1935 would not lead us to any complacency about the size of the job still to be done.
The theme of the Convention was: Responsibility. “I am responsible. . .when anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there. And for that: I am responsible.”
AA’s co-founder, Bill, in his talk to over 10,000 attending the major sessions of the Convention, stressed the need for cooperation with all who work on the problem of alcoholism, the more than 100 agencies in the United States and Canada alone now engaged in research, alcohol education and rehabilitation.
“Too often, we have deprecated and even derided these projects of our friends just because we do not always see eye to eye with them,” Bill said. “We should very seriously ask ourselves how many alcoholics have gone on drinking simply because we have failed to cooperate in good spirit with these many agencies. No alcoholic should go mad or die merely because he did not come straight to AA in the beginning.”
“The first concern of AA members should be with problem drinkers the movement is still unable to reach,” Bill said. He estimated that there are 20 million alcoholics in the world today, five million in the U.S. alone. “Some cannot be reached because they are not hurt enough, others because they are hurt too much,” he declared.
“Many sufferers have mental and emotional complications that seem to foreclose their chances. Yet it would be conservative to estimate that at any particular time there are four million alcoholics in the world who are able, ready and willing to get well if only they knew how. When we remember that in the 30 years of AA’s existence we have reached less than ten per cent of those who might have been willing to approach us, we begin to get an idea of the immensity of our task and of the responsibilities with which we will always be confronted.”
There have been two Advisory Actions from the General Service Conference regarding the Declaration of Responsibility since it was introduced. In 1971, the Conference recommended that:
The Literature Committee, following the general feeling of the Conference, reaffirm both the spirit and the wording of the “I am Responsible” Declaration from the International Convention held in Toronto in 1965.
And in 1977, the Conference recommended that:
The Responsibility Declaration not be changed, as it was made at the 1965 International Convention in Toronto.
By Alcoholics Anonymous World Services
AUGUST 2025.
BE A PART OF THE DARWIN DISTRICT OFFICE COMMITTEE
“It’s not a job, it’s a gift” Mick G – former DDO Chair
The Darwin District Office Committee is responsible for the running of the Darwin District Office, to make sure that the still suffering alcoholic can find us.
6 months sobriety the endorsement of your home Group, and a commitment to be of service to AA are the requirements.
On September 4th, the current Committee rotates off, and a new Committee is elected.
Available jobs are: District Committee Member (Chair), Treasurer, Secretary, Registrar, Office Maintenance, Office Coordinator, Treatment and Corrections Coordinator, Webmaster, Literature Officer, Public Information Officer.
Job Descriptions are available.
“ By our Twelve Steps we have recovered, by our Twelve Traditions we have unified, and through our Third Legacy – Service – we shall carry the AA message down through all the corridors of time to come. Of this, I am happily confident.”
Bill Wilson “Language of the Heart” page 134
 Message Stick Stories Now Available in AudioEXPERIENCE INDIGENOUS VOICES OF RECOVERY ONAA AUSTRALIA’S YOUTUBE CHANNELWe’re excited to announce that stories from Message Stick: Personal Stories of Australian First Nation Members of AA are now being released in audio format on the official Message Stick Playlist. These powerful First Nations recovery stories—originally published in the Message Stick book—are now being brought to life through voice. The first releases are already online, offering listeners a heartfelt and personal journey through alcoholism and into recovery. 🎙️ Why listen?Hear directly from First Nations AA members in their own wordsEmbrace the oral storytelling tradition that is central to indigenous cultureShare hope and strength with others who may find reading difficultSupport greater inclusivity and accessibility within our FellowshipThese audio recordings aim to reach alcoholics everywhere—whether in the city, on country, or simply those who prefer to listen rather than read. They are a powerful reminder: “You are not alone.” 🔗 Listen now: Visit AA Australia’s YouTube channel and look for the Message Stick playlist. 📚 Want the book? The Message Stick book, featuring 15 stories from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander AA members, is available from literature.aa.org.au.  Help spread the word by sharing the link, talking about it in meetings, or simply listening with an open heart.Listen Now |
| July 12, 2025 “By our Twelve Steps we have recovered, by our Twelve Traditions we have unified, and through our Third Legacy — Service — we shall carry the AA message down through the corridors of time to come.” AA Co-Founder, Bill W., November 1951, “Services Make AA Tick”, The Language of the Heart |
Want you own personal AA workshops ??? for you or your group. Use the link below:
AA History Quiz
Test your AA IQ with the 12 question AA History Quiz! Have some fun and maybe even learn a thing or two about our meaningful heritage. If you don’t know an answer, just give your best guess. Then, click the blue button below for results.
1.
Where did Alcoholics Anonymous start?
Cleveland, Ohio
Akron, Ohio
Buffalo, New York
New York, New York
Flint, Michigan
Although one of the two co-founders was not a native, Akron Ohio is the birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous.
2.
What are the names of the A.A. co-founders?
Brian W. and Father Thomas
Bob W. and Dr. Bill
Bill W. and Dr. Bob
Clarence S. and Dr. Bob
Ebby T. and John D. Rockefeller Jr.
A.A. was started by Bill W., a New York stockbroker, and Dr. Bob S., an Akron surgeon. Both had been hopeless alcoholics.
3.
What year did Alcoholics Anonymous start?
1925
1934
1935
1939
1945
The official year is 1935. While Bill W. and Dr. Bob had their first meeting on May 12, 1935, most celebrate the “official” start date on June 10, 1935 which was when Dr. Bob took his last drink to steady his hand before surgery. To many, this marks the humble beginnings of what would become Alcoholics Anonymous.
4.
Prior to starting A.A. both co-founders were in contact with what fellowship?
Washingtonian Movement
Sectarian Group
Liberty Society
Oxford Group
Anti-alcohol Prohibition
Bill W. and Dr. Bob had been in contact with the Oxford Group, a mostly nonalcoholic fellowship that emphasized universal spiritual values in daily living. First known as First Century Christian Fellowship founded by the American Lutheran Christian priest Frank Buchman in 1921. Buchman believed that the root of all problems were the personal problems of fear and selfishness.
5.
What year was the basic textbook, Alcoholics Anonymous published?
1935
1937
1939
1942
1945
In April 1939, the Fellowship published some 5,000 copies of its basic textbook, Alcoholics Anonymous. The text, written by Bill W., explained A.A.’s philosophy and methods, the core of which was the now well-known Twelve Steps of recovery. The book was also reinforced by case histories of some thirty recovered members. From this point, A.A.’s development was rapid.
6.
Who was Sister Ignatia?
Just another drunk
Bill W’s spiritual advisor
Dr. Bob’s childhood music teacher
Nurse who helped almost 5,000 hospitalized alcoholic patients
Henrietta Seiberling’s cousin
Born Bridget Della Mary Gavin (January 1, 1889 – April 1, 1966) in Ireland. She moved to the United States in 1914 and joined the St. Augustine Sisters of Charity in Ohio and was given the religious name Sister Mary Ignatia. Along with Dr. Bob, between 1935 and 1965 Gavin was the first to successfully treat thousands of alcoholics as a medical condition at St. Thomas Hospital in Akron as well as St. Vincent Charity Hospital Rosary Hill Solarium in Cleveland. She was remembered for her kindness, honesty and non-judgmental love. Many of the ideas of Alcoholics Anonymous, including the use of tokens to mark milestones in sobriety, were introduced by Sister Ignatia.
7.
How often are International Conventions held?
3 years
4 years
5 years
7 years
10 years
International Conventions take place once every five years, and is attended by delegates from more than 75 countries. The event features meetings, workshops and a traditional flag ceremony that celebrates the sobriety of members worldwide.
8.
What did Bill W. do while staying at the Mayflower Hotel in Akron, Ohio?
He went on drinking binge
He saved a pregnant woman from being hit by a bus
He made a phone call in the hotel lobby instead of going to the bar
He asked the front desk where he could get his shirt pressed
He canceled his business appointment and went home
A short-term job opportunity takes Bill to Akron, Ohio. In the lobby of his hotel, he finds himself fighting the urge to join the conviviality in the bar. He consults a church directory posted on the wall with the aim of finding someone who might lead him to an alcoholic with whom he could talk. A phone call to Episcopal minister Rev. Walter Tunks results in a referral to Henrietta Seiberling, a committed Oxford Group adherent who has tried for two years to bring a fellow group member, a prominent Akron surgeon, to sobriety.
9.
Who was Henrietta Seiberling?
First woman to get sober by joining Alcoholics Anonymous
Founder of the Hazelden Foundation
Daughter-in-law of the Goodyear Rubber company founder
Along with Carl Jung, spiritual advisor to Bill W.
Donated the Stepping Stones house to Bill W.
Henrietta Seiberling (March 18, 1888 – December 5, 1979) was the daughter-in-law Frank (F.A.) Seiberling, founder of the Goodyear Rubber Company. She invited Bill W. to the Seiberling estate in Akron, Ohio, where she lived in the gatehouse. She told Bill of the struggle of Dr. Robert S., and the meeting of the two men took place the next day — Mother’s Day, May 12, 1935. She was a member of the Christian Fellowship group the Oxford group. She and other Oxford group members helped to found Alcoholics Anonymous.
10.
Who started the first A.A. meeting in Cleveland, Ohio?
Abby G.
Clarence S.
Hank P.
Bill D.
Fitz M.
Clarence S., a Cleveland resident who attends Oxford Group meetings in Akron, announces that he and other Clevelanders will be starting a group open only to alcoholics and their families. Like some other breakaway groups, they will also adopt the name of the Big Book mimeographs now circulating in Akron—“Alcoholics Anonymous.” In May 1939, the first A.A. meeting in Cleveland is held in the home of Al G. (also known as Abby G.), a patent lawyer.
11.
Bill W. was homeless for 2 years in sobriety
True
False
In 1939, Bill and Lois W. lost their home at 182 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002. As the Great Depression eases and property values rise, the company that owns the mortgage on 182 Clinton Street sells the building, forcing Bill and Lois to move out. Thus begins the couple’s two years of temporary residency in the homes of Hank P. and other A.A. families. Bill and Lois continue carrying the program’s message for the duration of this unsettled period.
12.
A star catcher for what baseball team achieved sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous?
New York Yankees
Boston Red Sox
Philadelphia Phillies
Cleveland Indians
St. Louis Cardinals
In 1940, a star catcher (Ralston “Rollie” H.) for the Cleveland Indians, described by the press as “rollicking” because of his heavy drinking, announces that he has achieved sobriety through his year-long membership in Alcoholics Anonymous. An unforeseen challenge to the A.A. principle of anonymity. His name and face are splashed over sports pages nationwide. Such violation of the Fellowship’s principle of anonymity leads Bill and members everywhere to consider anonymity’s pros and cons.
JULY 2025
WHAT MAKES AN AA “LEADER”?
From Bill W’s Article in The April 1959 Grapevine.
“Somewhere in our literature there is a statement to this effect: “Our leaders do not drive by mandate; they lead by example.” In effect, we are saying to them, “Act for us, but don’t boss us.” “A leader in AA service is therefore a member who can personally put principles, plans and policies into such dedicated and effective action that the rest of us want to back him up and help him with his job.
When a leader power drives us badly, we rebel; but when he too meekly becomes an order taker and exercises no judgement of his own – well, he really isn’t a leader at all.”
“Good leadership originates plans, policies and ideas for the improvement of our
Fellowship and its services. But in new and important matters, it will nevertheless consult widely before taking decisions and actions.
Good leadership will also remember that a fine plan or idea can come from anybody, anywhere. Consequently, good leadership will often discard its own cherished plans for others that are better, and it will give credit to the source.”
“Good leadership never passes the buck. Once assured that it has, or can, obtain
sufficient general backing, it freely takes decisions and puts them into action
forthwith,provided, of course, that such actions be within the framework of its defined authority and responsibility.”
“Another qualification for leadership is “give and take”, the ability to compromise cheerfully whenever a proper compromise can cause a situation to progress in what appears to be the right direction.
Compromise comes hard to us “all-or-nothing” drunks.
Nevertheless, we must never lose sight of the fact that progress is nearly always characterised by a series of improving compromises. – We cannot, however, compromise always.
Now and then, it is truly necessary to stick flat-footed to one’s conviction about an issue until it is settled. These are situations for keen timing and careful discrimination as to which course to take.”
“Leadership is often called upon to face heavy and sometimes long-continued criticism.
This is an acid test.
There are always the constructive critics, our friends indeed.
We ought never fail to give them a careful hearing. We should be willing to let them modify our opinions or change them completely.
Often, too, we shall have to disagree and then standfast without losing their friendship.”
See also Concept XII: “Leadership in AA: Ever a Vital Need.The Australian Service Manual p76
“in all our affairs”
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS – 7PM DARWIN TIME – ZOOM ONLY
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83634401919
How does AA work ? What is a home group? What is the difference between a home group and a meeting? Why do we have a “Conference”
“EVERY QUESTION YOU EVER HAD ABOUT AA AND HOW AND WHY IT WORKS”
One hour of “laidback fun” every Wednesday night from Darwin.
AUSTRALIAN MEMBERS WEBSITE:
Are you connected yet?
Keep up to date with everything that is “AA in Australia”
Find everything you need from Service Manuals, Stories, Guidelines, Topics Past and Present.
General Service Board reports, downloads and publications.
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.”
Anonymous – Australian members website Members website
Scan the QR code to connect to the Australian Members Website
If you are not a member of AA and are looking for general information about Alcoholics Anonymous, please see the Australian National AA website.
AA History Quiz
- AA History Quiz
Test your AA IQ with the 12 question AA History Quiz! Have some fun and maybe even learn a thing or two about our meaningful heritage. If you don’t know an answer, just give your best guess. Answers in the next edition.
1.
Where did Alcoholics Anonymous start?
Cleveland, Ohio
Akron, Ohio
Buffalo, New York
New York, New York
Flint, Michigan
2.
What are the names of the A.A. co-founders?
Brian W. and Father Thomas
Bob W. and Dr. Bill
Bill W. and Dr. Bob
Clarence S. and Dr. Bob
Ebby T. and John D. Rockefeller Jr.
3.
What year did Alcoholics Anonymous start?
1925
1934
1935
1939
1945
4.
Prior to starting A.A. both co-founders were in contact with what fellowship?
Washingtonian Movement
Sectarian Group
Liberty Society
Oxford Group
Anti-alcohol Prohibition
5.
What year was the basic textbook, Alcoholics Anonymous published?
1935
1937
1939
1942
1945
6.
Who was Sister Ignatia?
Just another drunk
Bill W’s spiritual advisor
Dr. Bob’s childhood music teacher
Nurse who helped almost 5,000 hospitalized alcoholic patients
Henrietta Seiberling’s cousin
7.
How often are International Conventions held?
3 years
4 years
5 years
7 years
10 years
8.
What did Bill W. do while staying at the Mayflower Hotel in Akron, Ohio?
He went on drinking binge
He saved a pregnant woman from being hit by a bus
He made a phone call in the hotel lobby instead of going to the bar
He asked the front desk where he could get his shirt pressed
He canceled his business appointment and went home
9.
Who was Henrietta Seiberling?
First woman to get sober by joining Alcoholics Anonymous
Founder of the Hazelden Foundation
Daughter-in-law of the Goodyear Rubber company founder
Along with Carl Jung, spiritual advisor to Bill W.
Donated the Stepping Stones house to Bill W.
10.
Who started the first A.A. meeting in Cleveland, Ohio?
Abby G.
Clarence S.
Hank P.
Bill D.
Fitz M.
11.
Bill W. was homeless for 2 years in sobriety
True
False
12.
A star catcher for what baseball team achieved sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous?
New York Yankees
Boston Red Sox
Philadelphia Phillies
Cleveland Indians
St. Louis Cardinals
Answers in the next edition
AA BOOK REVIEW
“One to Another — The Beginnings of Alcoholics Anonymous in Australia“
Overview
One to Another is the official history of Alcoholics Anonymous in Australia, documenting the emergence and growth of the Fellowship from its first meetings in the 1940s through the formation of a national service structure. it is both a historical reference and a spiritual tribute to the resilience and service of early Australian AA members.
The book features a treasure trove of member stories, letters, and early correspondence that bring the history to life. These stories show how AA spread in Australia not through organizational planning, but through one alcoholic sharing with another — hence the title.
Chapter Nineteen is dedicated to the history of AA in Darwin, an absolutely riveting read.
Saturday Nightcliff
“the Saturday Nightcliff meeting commenced during 1972 and was held at St pauls school for many years and was probably started by the late Paul V who lived in a caravan on the school grounds where he was employed as the caretaker. He had a black patch over an eye socket – no doubt presenting a frightening sight to some of the pre-schoolers”
Tuesday steps
“In 1983 the first Steps Meeting commenced at the old Darwin hospital and in 1987 was staRted at Amity house in Cavanagh st in 1987 by Doug B, John S, Mick C, and Graham R. John S can recall meetings of 30 -40 people”
Casuarina Group
“The Friday Casuarina group started in 1976 probably in June”
“This venue had a good atmosphere and often had 40 members attending”
Conclusion
One to Another is a faithful and heartfelt account of how AA took root and flourished in Australia. It is not only a book of history but a reminder of the transformative power of one alcoholic helping another.
A MEMBER -“what we used to be like, what happened and what it is like now”
My name is Caroline I am a recovered alcoholic. I am grateful and have hope today. It’s a brand new life today not a hashed up one. My sobriety date is the 6th October 1990, given to me by God’s doing not of my own. It’s a miracle and the work of God. I didn’t want to get sober i just wanted my life to be how I wanted and painless.
I had my first drink when I was 18, first black out and my first experience of ease and comfort that came from that drink. Over time I seeked it yet again. The time came when I had post natel depression after having twins my, it seemed that a glass or two eased my depression (that didn’t work)
My drinking exculated in my late 20’s my children 8 years and twins 18 months. I went to a mothers play group and met 2 mums that asked me to join them for a few drinks at the weekend, I said i don’t normally drink but it sounds like fun. That opened the door for alcoholism to progress and it did for 2 years of degradation that it brought. I couldn’t stop from starting. I had no control over the amount I drank and absolutely no mental control against that first drink. I crossed a distinct red line this night where my conscience said you don’t have to do this, that was my last mental defence I had against alcohol. No I had to go on and I went so close to the gates of insanity or death. I didn’t want to live and I didn’t want to die. So came the many black outs. The not knowing what I did the night before, the not coming home, the pacing up and down till my next drink. Coming to at 4 am in the morning hearing the birds knowing I had another day to face with 3 children to somehow take care of and ever so powerless and hopeless. I’d hold off as long as I could before the next drink like 3pm in the afternoon knowing my daughter was home from school safe and the twins were in day care id go into my room and drink, then at 6 pm my husband and I would go and pick them up. I soon became a daily drinker thinking I never would. The day came when I came to on the couch and said to my also alcoholic husband I don’t want to do this any more. I felt this empty pit in my stomach could not be filled any longer and had no ounce of morals or spirit left in me. That was my sobriety date one id not asked for but God gave me 34 years ago. He removed my mental obsession that is the miracle of it.
My recovery
It took me a good while once in Alcoholics Anonymous to find the solution for being an untreated alcoholic because i thought going to meetings particularly ID meetings and identifying with the blackouts etc … that is was treating it, but it wasn’t until I found a sponsor who would take me through the big book where the steps and recovery program is and was grounded in my truth from Drs opinion through to more about alcoholism turning each statement into a question which then was personal to me. I had the physical craving and mental obsession and absolutely no choice. God, the big book the work of the 12 steps treated my untreated alcoholism which brought about a spiritual experience sufficient to relieve me of my alcoholism. No human power but the power of God could bring me back from my spiritual death that I suffered being in alcoholics anonymous in those few years.
That one is God may you find him now.
Truly grateful
Caroline B
Dr. Bob’s Prescription for Weighing a
Difficult Decision
Dr. Bob Smith, one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, gave us this discernment process. It was his response to the question, “How do we know God’s will?”
- Write out the question:
“What should I do about….?”
“Should I move to xxx or…?”
- Get quiet and meditate on that question for a few minutes each day in your prayer time. (Note: You have a prayer time.)
- Then, each time, write down everything that comes to mind for your question. (Don’t judge or edit the thoughts, just write them down.):
Talk to Susan about…
Take a weekend trip to Detroit
Get catalogs for grad school
Get a dog instead
Buy a kayak and go…
Borrow the money from my brother…
- Then slowly examine each idea and ask of each:
-Is it pure?
-Is it honest?
-Is it loving?
-Is it unselfish. If the answers are not clear, ask these questions again with your sponsor or close friend.
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