Issue 6: — June 2016 Sisters of St John of God Heritage Centre 1

9 Barker St, PO Box 7442, Broome WA 6725

Tel: 9192 3950

Website: heritage.ssjg.org.au Email: admin@ssjgheritagebroome.com.au

Returning to share story with family 47 years ago Barbara Garcia nee Bargas left Broome and

returned for the first time this month. She came with her

daughter and granddaughter for a two day visit to reconnect

with old friends and see the places where she grew up. Visiting the Relationships Exhibition in the Old Convent

brought back memories of student days at St Mary’s School,

which was then just over the fence in Robinson Street. The

children would often visit the Chapel and have activities in the

Convent grounds. Barbara was excited to catch up with her old friend, Sally bin

Demin and they poured over photos in the Photographic

Collection laughing and telling stories. Barbara’s

granddaughter Dannielle, was particularly excited to learn of all

the close connections between families and to see her relatives

as young girls. Linda Iemma (Barbara’s daughter),

Sally bin Demin, Barbara and

granddaughter Dannielle Booth.

Sisters of St John of God

Heritage Centre—Broome

Leonie Webb with husband Paul Edgley

Leonie Webb is the youngest niece of Dorothy Branigan who

was given the religious name of Sr Damian when she arrived in

Broome July 1943 to commence religious life with the Sisters of

St John of God. Sr Damian was a well known and much loved

religious who worked mainly in Derby and Balgo. She was

driving from Balgo to Derby when she was killed in a car

accident in October 1973. Over the years most members of her family have made the trek

from Victoria to Broome. Leonie was emotional to see

photographs of Sr Damian and thanked staff and volunteers for

the experience.

Barbara’s mother, Agatha Roe was removed from Thangoo

Station as a child and grew up with the Sisters at Beagle Bay

Mission. She is highlighted in this photo taken in 1924.

Barbara’s father was Filipino and the family was typical of

Broome’s mixed race heritage. Barbara, with her sisters

Margaret, Rita and Clara attended St Mary’s School.

Issue 6: — June 2016 Sisters of St John of God Heritage Centre 2

Relationships Exhibition An historical exhibition reflecting relationships between Sisters of St John of God and people in the Kimberley

A busy time with visitors Samantha Wally, with her partner John Bennett Jnr and their son

John Bennett the third. This young couple were visiting from

Bidyadanga and were very proud of their young son.

John has memories of Sr Johanna preparing him for First

Communion in 1988. His parents, John Bennett Snr and wife

Cecilia were leaders in the local Catholic community at La Grange

Mission, later changed to Bidyadanga Community.

Samantha was eager to order copies of family photos to take back

to Bidyadanga.

Kees Klep and wife Nelly with their daughter

Nicole (left) were holidaying in Broome and

visited the Relationships Exhibition to view

photographs of his sister, Sr Johanna Klep.

Kate was delighted to be

back in Broome after leaving

in 2001. She spent her time

catching up with family and

old friends. She visited the Relationships

Exhibition to renew

memories and to keep the

connection strong. Kate and her late husband,

Adrian were staff at the

Broome Campus of UNDA.

Kate Haydock

Ruby and Bill Johnson visited the

Relationships Exhibition as Ruby

was keen to view photographs of Sr

Margaret Charleson SSJG. They

had been friends for 30 years. Ruby

and Bill were also able to see

photographs of their nephew Peter

Wright, who taught at Nulungu

College in 1984.

Madeleine Jadai, Arina Aero and

Majella Nardada from

Bidyadanga, called in for a quick

visit. They were in Broome for the

football game between the

Bidyadanga Emus and Looma

Eagles.

A group of community members and staff from the Mowanjum

Collection & Media Centre in Derby. They spent time with the

Heritage Centre staff sharing ideas on work matters as well as

viewing photographs.

Kate was delighted to be

back in Broome after leaving

in 2001. She spent her time

catching up with family and

old friends. She visited the Relationships

Exhibition to renew

memories and to keep the

connection strong. Kate and her late husband,

Adrian were staff at the

Broome Campus of UNDA.

Kate Haydock