Janteloven's Story
This is a story about a deep commitment to supporting communities.
150 years ago, a young Norwegian shepherd left his solitary life herding goats in the alpine regions of Norway, the land of the Northern lights, polar bears and deep fjords.
Yearning for more human connection, he stowed away on a sailing boat, hoping to find a new life and a deeper sense of belonging. 8 months later the big old sailing vessel arrived in Port Adelaide, South Australia. Making his way up through the hills of Adelaide to eventually arrive at South Australia's meandering River Murray, he created a new life for his family as a paddle steamer captain. Each day, moving his heavy wooden vessell up and down River communities, he traded salt, wool and flour.
He was known as a kind, nonjudgemental and humble man, and found new beginnings and contentment in the magic of friendships and connections with the River communities. So well-known was this quiet, kind Norwegian, a television series capturing his ways was made in the 1980s starring Sigrid Thornton and Jon English - All the Rivers Run.
Ole Torjus Fergusen was his name.
Two generations on, and those personality traits are still deeply ingrained in Norwegian communities - inclusive to all, rarely showy or egotistical, where humans support each other to build a happy and contented community. Where there is a focus on the "we" over the "I".
In Norway, this way of being is embedded in their social norm called "The Law of Janteloven". It is no wonder that Norway is well recognised by the United Nations as the most liveable country in the world!
Kylie Fergusen, the great grandaughter of Ole, established Janteloven to continue the tradition of supporting her community based on these ideals.
I AM KYLIE FERGUSEN, DIRECTOR JANTELOVEN
MSc, MSW, GDRUP, FPIA,GAICD, MASW, MHFA
About Kylie Fergusen -
Founder, Counsellor, Trainer
MSC MSW GDRUP BA FAICD FPIA AASW
Kylie is a qualified social worker, therapist, community development specialist and educator. With her professional qualifications gained from Oxford UK, Flinders University SA, Adelaide University and University of New England NSW, she has worked with communities in Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia, Philippines, Fiji, Cambodia and Chile. Over the last 35 years she has worked alongside those who have experienced deep despair, mental health challenges, anxiety, depression, disempowerment in their lives, and trauma. Growing up on a farm in the Adelaide Hills, she has been around animals her whole life, has served on the Board of the Animal Welfare League, and authored a range of publications.
Alongside her counselling and work with community, she continues to spread time between teaching University students in mental health, hanging with her three dogs, three horses and the rest of the farm tribe, enjoying time with her family and going on road trips in her oldie but a goodie campervan.
