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President Val Files

A warm hello from Brisbane to all our ESA Sisters around the State. Once again, we are having different weather in Brisbane, but I'm not complaining.

ESA life has been a little quieter this month, and that is all due to Jack's operation and his recuperation. He has done really well with his knee, but is not allowed to drive for a few more weeks yet, so the drive by me to Rockhampton will be rather slow, with lots of breaks. The time allowed me to do lots of cooking for events which were and are coming up. It won't be that long until we are meeting up at Rockhampton. I am looking forward to seeing all who can make it. It should be a great time of fellowship. I have been busy getting things organised for our Half Yearly, so that has been my aim. I hope that all branches were successful in the selling of their Art Union tickets. Don't forget to put your State Art Union tickets in your bag for Half Yearly. Please, also remember that Colleen, our Secretary, has asked that we come to Half Yearly with some idea as to where our Community Trust money can be donated, as well. Thank you to all officers who have sent in their reports for the Half Yearly Workshop Booklet. It makes an interesting read. I'm hoping that all your Educationals are going well for you. We had a very interesting and informative Educational run by our member Margaret. Margaret spoke about being a member of Ikebana, (Japanese floral arrangements). We also had quite a lot of social interaction at the time, so altogether, it was a great Educational. I'm not sure that we can emulate what Margaret did without her guidance, but it was fun! We took away lots of ideas about arrangements. I'm hoping that you are all taking plenty of photos for my album and your own, as I believe I have been the only one to date to pass on photos to Alba. Please get your cameras out, and give Alba plenty of time to arrange the photos in the album. It was lovely to get dressed up in pink for Pink Ribbon Day. I believe by talking to a representative of Cancer Council Queensland who visited our site on that day this will be the last Pink Ribbon Day. I guess there are so many days that are catered for now.

November 2015

ESA Australia QLD State Council & Members Newsletter

Inside This Issue

State President 1

Chaplain 3

Education

Alpha Pi 4

Beta Omicron 5

Branches

Beta Omicron 6

Beta Epsilon 7

Alpha Epsilon 7

Alpha Pi 8

In the News 9

NCWQ 10

All Things Aussie 12

Messages 13

www.esaaustralia.org

Next Issue Deadline

1 December

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Hopefully branches have not forgotten the details of the 2016 ESA International Dorothy Banks Bursary, with funds to be deposited into the Leukaemia Foundation by May 2, 2016. I'm sure that Jenny will be speaking about this at Half Yearly. Please come along with an open heart and mind for our meeting, and enjoy the experience. Don't forget your “sparkly” top if you have one. I will have to go shopping. Safe travelling to Rockhampton.

Vale Sister Pauline

Pauline Coll was an extraordinary woman. Born in Maryborough Queensland in January 1939, the youngest of five children, she joined the Good Samaritan Order of nuns at the age of 20, becoming a teacher and working in the classroom, then as deputy Principal and Principal during the next 20 years. From 1979 Sister Pauline worked in various ministries including the Inter-congregational Development Project with the multicultural people of Western Sydney, coordinated Secondary School Religious Education, Adult Education at Najara Queensland, (a drug free therapeutic care residential centre on the Sunshine Coast,) and Secondary School Pastoral Care. She was a life-long student, qualified in Liturgical Studies, Psychodrama, Reflexology, Reiki, Bio Regional and World

Education, Ecology and World Education and advanced training in Myers Briggs Indicators. She was a social justice advocate and in 2000 worked with Catholic Social Action Office for Eco-Justice as coordinator and resource person. By 2005 she was coordinator of the Good Samaritan Desk for Anti-Trafficking of women and children. Her exceptional and tireless work in the early years of ACARTH – Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking Humans – was recognised in 2014 when Sister Pauline was awarded Membership of the Order of Australia. (OAM). Sister Pauline spent the past three years in Ballycara Retirement Village at Scarborough Queensland, enjoying a gentle rhythm of life and engaging with residents in a range of activities until early this year when she was diagnosed with cancer. Throughout her illness she sought quality of life rather than quantity of days, and died peacefully on October 9, in the 57th year of her religious life. May she rest in peace.

The Hon Brendan O’Connor presents Sr Pauline with her award.

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Donna Suter Hello to my ESA Sisters Our sincere sympathy is extended to Alba on the sad loss of her beloved, Alf. May he rest in peace and may our loving Saviour hold Alba in the palm of His Hands in this sad time. Also keep Sister Pauline Coll who passed into the Lord’s hands recently in your prayers. May she rest in peace.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Bob and Frances McKenzie celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on the 29 October. They went to St. Stephen’s Cathedral on Saturday 3rd October with other couples, for a special blessing. On Friday night, 9th October they renewed their wedding vows with 24 couples from their parish. Congratulations, Frances and Bob on celebrating this wonderful milestone in your married lives.

November Birthday Girls

3rd Robyn Creighton 16th Jenny Hendriks 4th Judy Johnson 18th Rose Gosley 4th Beryl Anderson 20th Lyn Buckley 6th Carol Atfield 25th Elsie Magee 7th Beryl Hughes 27th Sharyn Finlay 9th Vicki Shield

IC CHAPLAIN REPORTS Lots of news has been received from our IC Chaplain, Theda Hall, once again this month. Please keep your American Sisters and their families in your prayers and thoughts. Our sincere sympathy is extended to those who have lost loved ones – may they rest in peace. Congratulations to all those who have been blessed with an increase in their families, had special celebrations and we trust that those recovering from surgery or not enjoying good health will soon be back on the road to recovery. Theda’s email address is - Theda.icchaplain@gmail.com.

THOUGHT OF THE MONTH

A friend is one of the nicest things you can have

And one of the best things you can be.

WANTED - NEWS Please share your Branch & family news with all of your ESA Sisters by contacting me on phone 4122 1023, email donna.suter@bigpond.com or dropping me a line at 11 Gick Street, Maryborough 4650. I need to hear it, if I am to share it.

ESA Australia Chaplain

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Judy Jesshope QLD State Education Officer

Branch: Alpha Pi – Redcliffe Education Officer: Leone Ryan Yearly Theme: Self-Education Topic of this Program: Brisbane’s Open Houses

We visited two of Brisbane’s Open Houses namely Newstead House and Meigunya House. Newstead House is one of Brisbane’s oldest surviving residences dating back to 1846 with a magnificent view over the Brisbane River and the beautiful grounds surrounding this

homestead.

Meigunya House is Classified ‘A’ by the National trust of Qld and dates back to 1857 and is now owned by the

Queensland Women’s Historical Association. Both these houses have been very well preserved and the four of us who were able

to attend this excursion on Sunday had a wonderful time exploring each room and admiring the works of art, furniture and the way of life from that era that each house had on display. We ended the day with lunch at The Booroodabin Bowls Club (or The Boo as it is affectionately called today). It has a history of its own, dating back to 1888. All in all it was a very interesting day

Education Reports

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Branch: Alpha Pi – Redcliffe Education Officer: Leone Ryan Yearly Theme: Self-Education Topic of this Program: Guest Speaker - Mr Noel Powell

Mr Noel Powell was our guest speaker. Noel has just been awarded an OAM – presented to him last Thursday 24th Sept at Government House – for the tireless work he performs for the local youth and programs he has helped develop with the PCYC. Noel spoke on the role that PCYC plays in the local community and explained about the innovative program that he has helped develop to assist our troubled youth. They are mainly those who have been suspended from school or engaging in acts of destruction. The youth begin to change their attitude and turn their life around. He explained how the program has been so successful that other PCYCs in other regions and states of Australia, as well as New Zealand, have made enquiries as to how they can implement these same programs in their communities. He is also on the Board of the Moreton Bay Regional Development

Council which he spoke about, as well. Noel is a past President of one of the Rotary Clubs on the Redcliffe Peninsula and still a very active member. We are a club with 13 members, but only eight members were able to attend on the night. Those who did attend, thought Noel was a very interesting and knowledgeable guest and they had gained so much information they were unaware of prior to his presentation.

Branch: Beta Omicron – Brisbane South Education Officers: Alba Mason / Joan Honor Yearly Theme: Let’s Get Out and About Topic of this Program: Special Interest – Ikebana Workshop

It was a 'hands on' ikebana time. Everyone present was given leaves to knot or strip out. We made the aspidistra leaves into 2 arrangements, one with the knotted leaves and the other with the stripped fringed leaves. Maria brought a piece of cordyline and Margaret made an arrangement with the cordyline and pink snapdragon flowers in a blue container. Another arrangement was in a glass bowl with orchids under water and striped leaves curving around the bowl and the tip coming out the top. I put a branch of palm nut strings which I had trimmed to a strong shape and sprayed black into a black container. Orange

nasturtiums were threaded through the small branches to give vibrant colour to this arrangement. In all we made 5 different arrangements from pieces found in the garden. Everyone enjoyed the fun workshop.

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Beta Omicron – Val Files

Travel is on the agenda for Margaret and John Kortbaek this month, who leave for India on Wednesday, 28th October. We're sure to hear more details after the event.

It has been another mixed emotions month for Beta Omicron members. As reported in the last newsletter, Alba lost her life-time partner Alf, and members of our branch and Alison Muir, President of Alpha Pi, attended the funeral on Wednesday, 8 October. We were all saddened at this news, and feel for our sister Alba. Our sister Laraine, while with us, was busy knitting premmy baby bonnets for the Mater Hospital. There were some to deliver, also one bag from Alba's village of Palmdale. This all started through the generosity of Laraine.

Frances

and Bob McKenzie weren't

sure if they got married some fifty-five years ago, so they renewed their wedding vows on 16th October at the Cathedral (just to make absolutely sure!). We believe that our Fashion Parade was a great success on Thursday, 8 October. Some members from Alpha Pi attended, and

it is always great for the two Branches to meet up. Jack's knee has come through his operation very well, with the only problem being the medication that he was on for pain relief, which created some worry. Members of Beta Omicron met up with Pam Hamby, a lady from Gamma Pi branch of ESA in America on Friday, 16 October, who lives in Indianapolis. Pam emailed me so five members of Beta Omicron had coffee with Pam at the club for a few hours. Unfortunately Pam was only here for a week, and we heard from her nearing the end of her time in Australia. It was great to catch up though and exchange stories. A few photos of our Fashion Parade, Pink Ribbon Day, and catch-up with Pam.

Branch Reports

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Beta Epsilon – Helen Jensen Hello ESA Sisters, Another month has whizzed by, with Beta Epsilon busy selling Art Union tickets and getting ready for Girls Night In. Beta Epsilon performed tea and coffee making for another Driver Reviver shift. Heather

attended Strictly Ballroom in Brisbane which she thoroughly enjoyed. Cherryl, Rae, Heather and Sharyn went to Hervey Bay to view the convention venue and accommodation. The girls had a wonderful day with morning tea at Enzo's followed by a

visit to ESA Park. They came up with entertainment for Sunday night. (please see picture attached)............”Who's up for this vertical experience”. Looking forward to seeing you all at ½ yearly. Bye for now.

Alpha Epsilon - Pat Burns

Our big news this month is that the “WELCOME TO PROSERPINE” road sign is now up, where the road to the Whitsunday Coast Airport branches off from the Bruce Highway.

There are 9 service club logos displayed on the sign, with our stylised ESA logo being at the lower centre of the sign. Members have been busy, as usual, selling our State Art Union tickets, as well as our annual linen hamper raffle tickets. As well as Proserpine, our girls have travelled to Bowen and Cannonvale to sell tickets. We are looking forward to seeing our sisters from the other branches at the half-yearly meeting in Rockhampton. After that our final big event for 2015 will be the Christmas gift wrapping at the Whitsunday Shopping Centre, where we will be helped by members of the Proserpine Citizens’ Band. Our “Break-up Luncheon” will be held at the Chinese Restaurant this year, on the 7th December, where we will exchange our Secret Sister gifts. We were sad to hear that Lisa Zachau’s Mum is facing yet another medical problem and our very best wishes go to Lisa at this worrying time, and to her Mum. We wish her a speedy recovery. Please know our love and thoughts are with you.

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Alpha Pi – Carmel Mulcahy Greetings from Alpha Pi. October has been a mixed month for Alpha Pi members with successful events and a couple of sad losses.

Alison represented the Branch in extending our condolence to Alba and the Beta Omicron members at the funeral service for Alf Mason, which by all accounts was a wonderful send off and tribute to an impressive man. May he rest in peace.

Later in October we were again saddened to learn of the passing of Sr Pauline Coll, a Good Samaritan Sister who had been a most inspirational guest speaker at ESA Conference and at an SEQDC changeover meeting. Thanks to Pat who attended her memorial service, there is a tribute to her in another part of The Queenslander.

On a brighter note, Pat, Frances and Janice enjoyed the Beta Omicron Fashion Parade, at a different venue from usual this year because of massive renovations taking place at Sunnybank Sports Club. This meant more work for members who had to do all the catering but as usual, they came up trumps. ESA ladies can cater!!

Leone, our Education Officer, arranged visits to two houses in Brisbane during Open House Weekend when many historic buildings are open to the public. Janice, Leone and Pat, along with visitors Fran and Ashley, explored Newstead House and Miegunyah (Aboriginal for ‘my house’) Newstead House is Brisbane’s oldest surviving home, established in 1846. Originally a Georgian cottage, it is now a grand residence since renovations and extensions in 1867. The house, which commands an impressive panorama of the Brisbane River is an established house museum, decorated and furnished to reflect the late Victorian period and is a significant part of Brisbane history. Miegunyah was built in the 1880’s when local tradition was at its most opulent. With richly decorated iron-lace

balustrades, filigree columns and friezes, and furnished in the style of the late 19th century, Miegunyah is a living example of Victorian elegance and charm. It is home to The Queensland Women’s Historical Association (QWHA). During the war Miegunyah was requisitioned by the Government. In 1943 it served as a staging camp for the men of Z Special Unit. The month ended with our Funky Friday Girls’ Night In

at the lovely Community Centre at North Lakes. Numbers were down, so the format changed from a games night to a pot-luck dinner which was most enjoyable. Kathy was guest speaker and inspired all with her frank, disarming chat detailing her courageous take on dealing with breast cancer complicated by several other health challenges. Her book “’Kathy, You’re Just Special” is freely available to anyone who is diagnosed with the dreaded ‘C’ and their families.

The Ladies enjoy lunch at the historic Booroodabin Bowls Club – ‘The Boo’

Janice, Pat, Fran and Leone

A magnificent ancient tree at Newstead House

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In the News

Alpha Epsilon

Alpha Pi

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Kathy Cavanagh October saw two main events take place. The first saw a visit to Melbourne for the triennial National Council of Women Australia conference. This three-yearly conference is when the AGM is held, so there are new office bearers at the National level. We welcomed new President, Barbara Baikie, taking over from Julie Morris on completion of her term.

We were all impressed by the Welcome to Country by Aunty Di Kerr – unfortunately the rain prevented the planned outdoor smoking ceremony – we considered that the hotel venue would be unhappy if an inside version set off their fire alarms. But notwithstanding this, it was a highlight. The day before the conference, there had been a meeting of the International Council of Women, so a number of these overseas delegates remained, including Dr Jungsook Kim, President of ICW, who addressed the NCWA conference. A number of Resolutions were presented from the various State groups – these then form the basis of letters etc to the Federal Government, presenting the view of NCWA. Issues ranged from the effects of microsplastics on the environment (QLD); greenhouse gas emissions; foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, mental health management and housing homeless young people. Several resolutions on domestic violence and safe housing for women were withdrawn, given the level of current government activity on these issues. The second event was the Morning Tea and Fashion Parade at Tatts, Brisbane. As usual this popular event is the main fund-raiser for the NCWQ-sponsored bursaries. We enjoy the ambience of Tatts, the fashion parade and high tea. A previous bursary recipient speaks at this function to talk about the significance their bursary has been for them. This year, Jacinta Phillips, the recipient of the ESA bursary, spoke. We also welcomed the news that her Mum has progressed well with new treatment. The bursary committee is already at work discussing the 2016 bursary program with previous sponsors. One new sponsor is already finalised, with several other potential bursaries in the pipeline. More information on these will be available in the next newsletter. Enjoy a wonderful half-yearly

National Council of Women of Queensland

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Below is a copy of my report which I sent to NCWQ on behalf of ESA . This appeared in the NCWQ booklet with reports from Affiliated Organisations.

Val Files It is with pleasure that I tender my report on behalf of ESA International in Australia. ESA International is a ladies service organisation predominantly based in America, where it was first founded. Our Founder in Queensland was a lady called Dorothy Banks, and we celebrated fifty years in Queensland just last year. This was a great time of celebration for us all, and it was wonderful to have present at our luncheon some past members from many years back. We have at the present time five branches and three districts throughout Queensland. Up until recently, we were the only location outside America in which ESA operated. Our aims are to promote the EDUCATION of our members, provide SERVICE within our local and greater communities and enjoy ASSOCIATION with members through the fostering of fellowship and friendship, hence the name E.S.A. We also have a number of “Men of ESA” who are there to help when needed. Branches of ESA International support their local communities but also participate in extensive fundraising for statewide charities, in particular Cancer Council Q'ld and the Leukaemia Foundation. We support Daffodil Day, Pink Ribbon Day, and the Great Australian Morning Tea for Cancer Council, to name just a few. We also support the ESA Wig and Turban Service Libraries at Cancer Council Qld, with nine branches throughout Queensland. This service aims to assist individuals with the side-effects of hair loss as a result from their cancer treatment, through the provision of wigs and turbans, free of charge. Wigs and turbans are being sent to rural and regional areas. And this facility can be accessed on the Cancer Council Web site. A monthly Newsletter called “The Queenslander” is published for all members. This is for branches to tell of their happenings, educationals, and report on the health and wellbeing of members from our caring Chaplain/Jonquil Chairman. Branches conduct their own monthly general meetings as well as monthly educational and social programs. Twice yearly branches combine for Convention and Half Yearly Meetings which are conducted over three days. This is a great time of fellowship and decision-making. Executive Conferlinks are also held through the year to keep the business of the association running, and keep members in touch with what is happening. We are pleased to be a sponsor of the ESA Bursary with NCWQ, and have been for the past three years. As we are State based, our Executive come from many areas of the state from Proserpine in the north to Brisbane in the south. Our State Executive for the current year is as follows: Val Files, President, South Brisbane. Grace Hurst, Vice President, Proserpine. Colleen Proudlock, Corres. Secretary, Redcliffe. Helen Jensen, Recording Secretary, Gin Gin. Lyn Buckley, Treasurer, Redcliffe. Jenny Hendriks, Parliamentarian, Redcliffe. Cherryl Fritz, Liaison Officer, Gin Gin.

Val Files, State President, 2015/2016 year.

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Submitted by Grace Hurst of Alpha Epsilon The following Collection of Australian Sayings by Dawn Hobson is from a book I obtained.

This collection of sayings started out as we sat on our front verandah at Burrum Heads for 'Bird Feeding"' time which occurs late afternoons. Friends and neighbours generally congregate and we all sit around and chat. It was during one of these times realized that at least half a dozen times - sayings would come into the conversation. These are from my folder I recorded the ones said some are 'out of date'; some still used frequently and some which will bring back memories.

At last 'the penny twigs' (or drops) Bob's your uncle! By the living daylights, you scared me! Can't cut the mustard. Cheese and kisses and tin lids. Couldn't give a brass razoo. Don't give me the raw prawn Dry as a lizard's tongue Every dog has his day. Famous last words. Full as a goog. He ran a good race He's a goer Hold your horses! Humble as a meat pie. I didn't come down in the last shower. I bet that set you back a peg or two. It has been 'on song' It's not final until set in concrete Like a bull at a gate Nothing like raindrops on a tin roof. Paint the town red.

For the American readers, some of these are recognizable, but not all. In the December issue, there will be some history and explanation of these sayings.

All Things Aussie

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Messages

An Update Since the launch of my booklet at the NCWQ AGM at the end of September, I have been quite humbled by the level of activity in October. There was a local launch at Bribie on Friday 2 October. This was successful on the bases of those attending and the funds raised. This week the Wesley hospital took a box of books, so that their breast care nurses will give a copy to each newly diagnosed breast cancer patient. With

donations now of over $1,100 I will be able to order reprints when required. The NCWA conference also provided the opportunity for booklets to find their way to the various States and some overseas. Copies will be available at Half-Yearly, courtesy of Lyn Buckley, so please feel free to take some back to your local areas and relevant organisations. I can easily post you more. I really do appreciate the support I have received in what was really a venture of healing

for myself!

I would like to congratulate our very own Kathy Cavanagh for transforming an unfortunate and debilitating situation into a way to help others. She has not only grasped the true spirit of ESA, but has put her words into action.

I will be supporting your cause in the states as I know many of your sisters will be doing the same back home. I am proud to be your sister.

l-r Jim O’Donnell, Avril Kent, Kathy Cavanagh, KC, Noela O’Donnell, Marjorie Voss