Sunday, August 6 was a day of celebration for all Vincentians in the North West Central Council (NWCC) for it recognised the commitment to the vision and mission of Frederic Ozanam and the Patron Saint of Charity, St Vincent de Paul. Many attended the Mass on this cold, snowy morning, held at the Church of Immaculate Conception Ararat and celebrated by Bishop Paul Bird CSsR. He encouraged all present to continue to ‘listen to Christ’ on the ‘Transfiguration of the Lord’ and exhorted us to act with courage in our everyday life.
Marie O’Brien, President of the NWCC was officially commissioned. So too were Regional Council Presidents Chris Hogan (Avoca Tyrell), Bill Bourke (Corangamite), Leo Sheehan (Sunraysia) and Conference Presidents Allan West (Ballarat), David Boyes (Wendouree), Chris Nolan (Warrnambool West) and Judith Allan (Stawell).
Long service award recipients:
10 years: Mary McAloon, Francis Stuart and Lorraine Stuart (Ballarat), Maida Gilbert, Bryan Watt and Patricia McConnell (Glenelg), Enid Brasier and Kerry Cameron (Avoca-Tyrrell);
20 years: Allen Moloney (Ballarat), Bill Bourke (Corangamite), Sr Ursula Caine and Sr Angela Caine (Avoca-Tyrrell);
30 years: Marie O’Brien (Corangamite), Anthony Goode (Avoca-Tyrell), Lorraine Dooley and Leo Williams (Glenelg);
40 years: John O’Brien (Corangamite);
50 years: John Foott (Avoca-Tyrrell) and Ben van de Camp (Warrnambool).
Glenelg Regional President, Kevin Wright presented an Emeritus Award to his mentor, Sheena Clancey. The Inaugural Servant Leadership was presented to John O’Brien, who has been actively involved in all levels of leadership both within and beyond the NWCC for the last 40 years. Our guest speakers, Dr Ruth Webber and National President, Graham West, inspired members to remain faithful to Frédéric Ozanam’s vision and to look forward to more innovative ways we can build capacity within Conferences and among those we serve.
Marie O’Brien, NWCC President and Danielle Peters, NWCC Development Officer