This year we have appreciatively received some fantastic items of memorabilia for our archive. At the very beginning of the year we were delighted to discover these hand-made St Ann’s Dolls that had been carefully packaged and mailed to us from Jennifer McCarthy (Class of 1979). These detailed little dolls were made as mascots for a sports day.
And more recently, Catherine McArlein (Peddle), from the Class of 2006 donated the trophies and supporting documentation for Emmanuel College’s very successful 2007 Rock Eisteddfod campaign. The entry, entitled ‘The Blue Bird’, told the story of a group of international jewel thieves as they chase an elusive blue diamond around the world.
Brighid Sammon (Class of 2008) was recognised earlier this year as the Victorian Young Planner of the Year by peak body the Planning Institute of Australia. Nominated by her employer, Hansen Partnership, the award not only recognised Brighid’s work in a number of high profile developments within Melbourne, but also her approach to advocacy, and voluntary contributions to the field. “I am a committee member of the Victorian Young Planner and the Women’s Planning Network. I feel very strongly about advocating for better built form outcomes that consider the future residents and making use of the amazing sustainability technology we have available.” Brighid comments. Well done Brighid!
Helen Ridgwell (Class of 1972) was recognised on Australia Day this year with a Local Achiever Award for her work that led to the creation and success of Tasty Plate, a social enterprise where people who have a disability train in all areas of hospitality and work readiness in a professional work environment. “The driving force behind it was my son, who lives with a significant disability, because all he wanted was to get a job.” Today the service is about everyone’s son or daughter.
Three years of planning went into developing the service which was supported by a local grassroots group of people who were passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for people who have a disability. Tasty Plate is in its seventh year of operation, commencing in January 2011 with 7 people. Today there are almost 50 people including people who have a disability, supporting chefs, kitchen attendants and volunteers. “We expect that 20% of our people will move into open employment” Helen explains. As well as providing opportunities for people who have a disability, a core component of the service model is to educate the broader community regarding the contribution that people who have a disability make to the community in which they live.
Helen feels honoured to receive the award and admits “My staff nominated me, so that made it even more precious.”
Horse Trainer, Ange McDowall (Class of 2003) is currently drawing national attention due to the ongoing success of Lumineer, her 2 year old pacer. Lumineer is unbeaten from 5 starts and made headlines earlier this year following winning harness racing’s Golden Slipper, the Group 1 Australian Gold Final. Ange humbly insists that it’s not his stellar track record that has people talking, but the dominance he demonstrates when racing. Ange is still considering the options for future races for Lumineer – we wish her all the best.
Sophie Cameron (Class of 2009) represented Australia in the World Wool-Handling Championships earlier this year in New Zealand. Sophie qualified and competed in the finals for both the Teams and Individual events.
Sophie was impressed with how high profile the sports of shearing and woolhandling were in New Zealand, commenting “The sport is treated the same as cricket and rugby. The Championships are held in a stadium similar to Rod Laver Arena and it’s all broadcast live on TV. Afterwards, I was stopped in a cafe to sign autographs!”
The World Wool-Handling Championships are hosted every three years, with the next Championships to be held in France.
Following a tremendous 2016-17 season with his NBL Team the Adelaide 36ers, which saw him named the NBL’s most improved player, Nathan Sobey of the Class of 2008 has gone on to play a season with the Greek League’s PAOK Thessaloniki and been re-signed to the 36ers to the joy of many Adelaide fans. Nathan is currently participating in a series of NBA summer camps in the US, which may lead to more exciting opportunities – Outstanding!
Member of the Class of 1987, Angela Moore, has recently become a published author after she attracted the attention of John Hopkins University Press following a narrative she had written for the 1000 Voices Project entitled A Moment in Medicine. Angela, who is now a teacher, writes about her own experiences as someone who acquired a disability as an infant and the impact that has had at various stages of her life. “Basically all I have ever done is to have given things a go – some things have worked and some haven’t. The fact that I have conquered things from a di erent angle doesn’t really come into play.” Read Angela’s published works here:
In May six Emmanuel College teachers were recognised for their 30 years of service to Catholic Education, so we congratulate Tracy Edge, Robbie Lee, Noel Mugavin, Gail Nicolson, Trudy Sharrock and Catherine Taggart
for their service and for being part of what makes Catholic schools great schools.
We are sad to note the passing of Br Don Gallagher cfc, a member of our Inspiring Alumni and a student of St Ann’s (primary) and CBC in the 1930’s. Br Don lived a very full life as a teacher and an accomplished portrait artist who was twice shortlisted for the Archibald Prize. Don’s memory is a blessing. Find Br Don’s complete biography and a short video about his life here.
At the time of publishing we learned of the passing of Mr Jim Dwyer, past student of CBC (Class of 1959) and respected past Board member of Emmanuel College. We offer our prayerful support to Ellen and family on the loss of a much loved husband, father and grandfather.
