On Sunday 12th February, I represented CWLA-NSW, along with the State International Secretary Nancy Lagudi and State Development Officer Peg McEntee, at the Installation Mass in Townsville for the new National Executive. We were very pleased to be able to join with the Executive at this time and we wish them every success in their term of office.
Our members were delighted to be able to sponsor a student for the National Council of Women’s Australia Day Award. The Award was presented at the Australia Day Luncheon at Cello’s Restaurant in Sydney. The recipient of the Award was Emma Baynie who is studying for her Bachelor of Theology Degree at Catholic University Strathfield and is in her Honours year. Emma is a delightful girl, 22 years of age and is achieving very high results in her studies. She had also been a participant at World Youth Day in Madrid after being a part of the Broken Bay Diocesan Internship in preparation for World Youth Day. At this time, Emma has completed 400 hours of Parish based ministry. Emma spoke really well when chosen to respond on behalf of the other Awardees in giving thanks to their sponsors and National Council of Women. Our members wish her every success in her studies.
I would like to extend congratulations to the CWL Branches of Lithgow, Oberon (Bathurst Diocese) and Campbelltown (Wollongong Diocese). Oberon Branch celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 2011 and Lithgow celebrates their 40th Anniversary at their AGM in March 2012. Campbelltown Branch celebrates their 50th Anniversary also in March this year. We thank them for all their wonderful achievements over this time.
Our State Conference will take place this year from the 26th-27th September and will be held in Manly at the Novotel Manly Pacific Hotel. The theme for the Conference is “Passion for Life”. We will keep everyone informed of details throughout the year but please keep these dates in mind. We ensure you of a very enjoyable Conference.
Carolyn Metcalfe,
State President, CWLA-NSW Inc
CWL Diocese of Wollongong: I congratulate Past President Sue Meehan for her leadership, spiritual guidance and generosity of time in attending the many events conducted by the Branches during her term of office. Under the direction of Sue, the number of Branches in the Diocese has risen to 19 with the re-establishment of Port Kembla in September 2011.
This year has begun on a sad note with the entering into Eternal life of Noeleen Green, a member of Albion Park Branch.
The calendar of events for 2012 is extensive with the following Branches having special celebrations: Campbelltown – 50 years (March); Wollongong – 50 years (May); Nowra – 5 years (June); Dapto – 40 years (June); Bowral – 48 years (July); and Port Kembla – 1 year (September)
Parishes will celebrate the World Day of Prayer on Friday 2 March, with the country of study being Malaysia. On St Patrick’s Day, we will be having a social get together on a Shoalhaven Cruise where many a green garment will be worn.
The Mass for the Unborn will be held at Gwynneville on Friday 23 March commencing at 12.10pm. On this day, I will be attending the State Council Meeting at Kincumber.
Sue Freestone
President, CWL Diocese of Wollongong
CWL Sydney: We are already busy with preparations to celebrate our Centenary in 2013.
This year, as our Project of the Year, we are supporting Marist Youth Care’s Affordable Housing for Life. This project provides an opportunity for young people at risk to gain employment, skills and training through community building initiatives. This project addresses the two major issues faced by young people: high unemployment and homelessness. The project operates within a Social Enterprise model in which at risk young people are provided with:
- the opportunity of 6-12 months full time employment with award wages in the building and construction industry;
- participation in on and off the job training which contributes to a nationally recognised qualification (Building and Construction);
- safe, secure, affordable permanent housing;
- assistance into open and ongoing sustainable employment; and
- professional Case Management, Mentoring and Support services (including mental health support, alcohol and drug support, financial counselling, life skills).
Our Sydney members are working diligently to raise funds for this wonderful project and will continue to do so through our various fundraising events throughout the year.