VILLAGE NEWSLETTER
‘PNG Shapshot’ C Quirk
APRIL
Dear Residents
Recently I read an article about a program initiated by The Royal Hospital for Women
entitled the ‘Tiny Little Star Beads Program’ where parents of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
babies meet to talk and gather a bead for each procedure their baby undergoes, or a
milestone accomplished.
The article spoke of a little baby boy, Lotani Ale, who was born 16 weeks early. At 32cm long
and weighing only 700g, Lotani’s parents were told that his chances of surviving were 50-50.
So many times Lotani’s parents steeled themselves for the worst, only to have this tiny, little
boy fight for life.
When Lotani finally went home from hospital last week, he took with him a string of beads
four times longer than he was on the day he was born.
His mother Jessica’s favourite bead is the panda bead, earned the first
time she could cuddle her baby boy – a moment that she waited 18
days for. “It brings tears to my eyes thinking about it. My tears were
falling all over him,” she said.
Every one of the 280 beads he is taking home with him represents a
hurdle conquered, a bullet dodged, a victory won against the odds such a beautiful symbol of hope.
The struggle to survive, against the odds, on a day-by-day basis is
exemplified in the ANZAC Day commemorations that will take place this
month. On ANZAC Day we remember all Australians who served and died in war and on
operational service. The spirit of Anzac, with its qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice,
continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity.
In the March edition of the Village Newsletter, the works of Austalian poet, Dorothea
Mackellar, was mentioned. Dorothea’s poem My Country is widely known in Australia,
especially its second stanza, which begins: "I love a sunburnt country/A land of sweeping
plains, /Of ragged mountain ranges, /Of droughts and flooding rains”. The line referencing
“flooding rains” is particularly poignant of late, especially given the catastrophic aftermath
of Cyclone Debbie.
It is in times like these, that we, as a nation, pull together, rallying around those who are
experiencing heartache and loss. Like the tiny coloured beads threaded by Lotani’s parents,
gestures of kindness and support in tough times are akin to diminutive jewel-like symbols of
hope; glimmers of hope for a brighter future.
As Easter approaches, we are reminded that the central message there is also one of hope,
and, as such, it seems a fitting way to end this month’s editorial and to wish you all a very
happy Easter!
Cath Quirk
Editor
Recently Norma Simpkins submitted a poem for the newsletter that she learnt as a young
girl in 6th class at Enfield Public School in 1943. The poem is entitled ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’.
The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels – named for their frizzy hair – were the celebrated stretcherbearers and porters for the Australian troops who fought the Japanese in PNG in 1942.
Given that 2017 marks the 75th anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign and the significant
battles fought in Papua, and the forthcoming ANZAC Day commemorations, it is very timely
that Norma made this submission.
Some 650 Australian lives were lost in the Kokoda campaign and
it is said this number would have been much greater had it not
been for the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. Their compassion and care of
the casualties earned them admiration and respect from the
Australians. After the battle for Kokoda ended, many villagers
continued working for the Allies, carrying supplies and building
tracks, bridges and huts. Others joined the Papuan Infantry
Battalion or the New Guinea Infantry Battalion. Gradually life
returned to normal after the war but the friendship between the
people of Australia and Papua New Guinea has continued to this
day. In his well-known poem, ‘The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’, Sapper
Bert Beros praised the work of the carriers…
THE FUZZY WUZZY ANGELS
Many a mother in Australia,
When the busy day is done,
Sends a prayer to the Almighty
For the keeping of her son,
Asking that an Angel guide him
And bring him safely back
Now we see those prayers are answered
Up on the Kokoda Track,
Though they haven't any halos,
Only holes slashed in the ears,
And with faces worked with tattoos,
With scratch pins in their hair,
Bringing back the wounded,
Just as steady as a hearse,
Using leaves to keep the rain off
And as gentle as a nurse.
Slow and steady in bad places,
On the awful mountain track,
And the look upon their faces,
Makes us think that Christ was black,
Not a move to hurt the wounded,
As they treat him like a Saint,
It's a picture worth recording,
That an Artist's yet to paint.
Many a lad will see his Mother,
And the Husbands, wee ones and Wives,
Just because the Fuzzy Wuzzy
Carried them out to save their lives.
From mortar or machine gun fire,
Or a chance surprise attack,
To safety and the care of Doctors,
At the bottom of the track.
May the mothers of Australia,
When they offer up a prayer,
Mention those impromptu Angels,
With the Fuzzy Wuzzy hair.
by Sapper Bert Beros
New Guinea 1942
Faole Bokoi, the last living Papua New Guinean linked with the World
War II battles of the Kokoda Track, died on the 7th March 2016. He came
from Manari village on the Track and was the last surviving Fuzzy Wuzzy
Angel.
Faole embodied the reputation of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels known for
their dedication, gentleness and bravery leading to them being
immortalized in various books and records of the Kokoda campaign.
The following poem written by Barbara Orlowska-Westwood entitled ‘Broken Brushstrokes’
is published in a book entitled ‘Memory Weaving’ an Anthology of Dementia Journeys edited
by Carolyn Vimpani.
Memory Weaving is a book about loss and love, the gradual loss of the person as dementia
progresses, and the loyalty and love that endures.
As mentioned in the book synopsis, “Our culture tends to define what is human by what a
person does or achieves…this book reminds us that this is not so”.
“The threads of each of our lives are woven to form unique personal memories, our stories.
With the onset of dementia these threads become tangled and frayed forming unfamiliar
designs interwoven with strands collected from yesterday’s fragmented recollections and
today’s confusing encounters.”
The following work penned by Barbara Orlowska-Westwood is sure to resonate with many
who have experienced first-hand the grief as the effects of Dementia become apparent in
those they love.
Broken Brushstrokes
Words – his friends for many years,
they grew with him, matured
became more sophisticated,
spoken with caution as he felt
their weight.
Like a painter who knew how to choose
colour from shades and hues,
his thought always found the desired words,
words that flew out of his mouth
streamed from his pen.
Time has conspired with his genes,
together they sabotage
the intricate network of his mind,
blocks appear on the memory path,
thoughts like broken brushstrokes
lose their sharpness, overlap, edges blur,
words – his long-time friends –
now hide from him.
He knows him enemy,
he fights with no hope to win
and he pleads
not to be captured alive.
Barbara Orlowska-Westwood
Energy Saving Tips
Making a few small changes to the way you use energy could make a difference to your next
energy bill. If you’d like to reduce the amount of energy you use in your home, take a walk
through the rooms below.
The Family Room
The Kitchen
Switch appliances off at the wall
TVs, DVD players, computers, stereos and game
consoles still use energy in standby mode. When
not in use, switch these appliances off at the
wall.
Microwave oven
Thaw food in the fridge first to reduce cooking
time. Microwaves use less energy than an oven.
When using an oven, avoid continuously opening
the door.
Use a power board
A power board can supply electricity to multiple
appliances at the same time and allows you to
switch off all appliances using the same switch.
Using the stovetop
Keep lids on pots when cooking to reduce the
amount of time and energy used. Dinner will be
cooked faster too.
Use lamps or spotlights
If you only need a small amount of light, use
lamps or spotlights instead of main lights.
Dishwasher
Use the economy cycle for everyday washing
and only run the dishwasher when it's full. This
helps save water too.
Use energy-saving globes
Change your old light globes to compact
fluorescent ones.
How many lights are on?
Turn off lights in the rooms you’re not using.
Fridge and freezer
Set your fridge temperature to 4-5 degrees and
your freezer temperature between -15 and -18
degrees celsius. Keep fridges and freezers in a
cool, well-ventilated spot away from the oven
and the sun to save electricity. Keep a fivecentimetre gap around your fridge so air can
circulate freely.
The Laundry
The Bathroom
Washing clothes
Only run the washing machine or dryer on full
load. Use cold water to wash clothes and spin
them thoroughly before drying.
Use water wisely
Installing water-saving showerheads in your
home will reduce the amount of hot water and
energy used. Shorten showers to less than five
minutes.
Drying clothes
Use a clothesline instead of a dryer wherever
possible. Only use a dryer with a full load and
when clothes are wrung well first. Clothes should
never be placed in the dryer dripping wet. Keep
the lint filter clean.
Switch off appliances
Switch off appliances such as hairdryers, electric
toothbrushes and radios at the wall.
Outside
Cooling and Heating
Use timers and sensors
Use programmable timers and sensors to light
outside areas.
Reduce your need for cooling and heating
devices
Use solar power
Consider using outdoor solar lights for your
garden or outdoor areas.
Separate your lighting
Separate the lights so you can choose which
areas to light.
Close the doors to unused rooms to reduce the
area you need to cool or heat.
Keep curtains and outside window shades closed
to reduce the amount of energy needed to
maintain a consistent temperature inside.
Rather than heat your bedroom, add another
blanket to your bed or use an electric blanket or
hot water bottle.
Look after your cooling and heating systems
Clean your air conditioner or cooler so it doesn't
use as much energy to run. Turn off your cooling
or heating overnight and when you're not home.
Did you know that the Village Newsletter is now
available on the Catholic Care of the Aged website?
Take a fresh look online now....
www.stagnesvillages.com.au
We welcome new residents: Tom and Pauline Plunkett (St Agnes Village)
 Myrtle Searle (Lourdes Village)
BRIAN KIRKMAN
Brian Kirkman, known to many long-time village residents, passed away on Sunday, 19th
March 2017. Brian worked for St Agnes Parish over a twenty-five year period. Brian was the
first Village Manager in a paid position appointed by Parish Priest Father Donnelly. Brian’s
office at that time was in the Parish Administration Building in William Street.
Brian was instrumental in the development of the early stages of both St Agnes Village and
Lourdes Village. He had a great working relationship with the Chairman of the Village
Committees in those days, and he had a passion for assisting village residents.
In later years Brian was known to many through his work with the schools as the Parish’s
first School Fees Manager, a position that he held from 1989 to 2012. Most who knew Brian
will remember him for being a very keen Rabbitohs supporter. He also had an acute interest
in following the stock market.
Brian was best known though, for the great love that he held for his family. Our condolences
go to his wife Kerrie, son Christopher and daughter Elizabeth and their respective spouses
and children.
Brian’s funeral was held at St Agnes Church on Friday, 24th March 30, 2017
Eternal Rest Grant Unto Him O Lord.
Rest in Peace Brian
EASTER BINGO
Wednesday, 5th April 2017
10am – 11.30am
Tenison Woods Centre
Cost will be $5.00
Morning Tea will be provided and there will be prizes to be won.
MAGIC
Homeward bound, and then
a magical sight I did see.
It really took my breath away
Nature’s glory held me.
The sun’s rays glimmering through
a mosaic of cloudy shards,
Enfolded on a cushion of blue,
A picture perfect card.
I gazed enrapt, it was magic,
Wonder, humility, a dream
Had an angel with mystique
Iced the clouds with frothy cream?
Remembering that awesome sight,
I feel humble, so small.
I want again that heavenly light
For that wonder, the feeling of awe.
Kate Gaukroger
10th July 2016
This photo above was taken on the bus outing to
The Lorne Valley Macadamia Farm on Thursday, 30th March 2017.
By all accounts a wonderful trip was had by all, despite the rain!
WHO KNEW?
Carol Smedley
What is your greatest strength?
Determination
What is your greatest weakness?
Glass of Wine
Does anything scare you?
Snakes
What virtue do you admire most in
people?
Honesty
What’s one thing about you that would
surprise people?
I love Al Jolson music
What’s your idea of absolute
happiness?
Being with family and friends
If you could have dinner with two
Roger Federer & Hugh Jackman
famous people, who would you choose?
What travel experience is at the top of
your bucket list?
Nothing – The Bucket List is
finished!
What’s your most treasured
possession?
Memories
How do you relax?
Feet up, watching crime shows on
TV
If you could turn back time, what in
your life would you change?
Nothing – I’ve had a good life
What is your greatest achievement?
Riding a bike across the Golden
Gate Bridge in San Francisco at
age 10
Who is your personal hero?
My mother
If you were an animal, what would it Koala because they are cute and
be?
cuddly
What would you spend your last $20 A nice bottle of wine
on?
How would you like to be remembered? A happy-go-lucky person
INTRODUCING PATRICIA NOLAN
Major’s Creek on the Upper Macleay River was
and still is ‘home’ to our family of seven
children. Our parents, Tom Carroll and Kathleen
(Mainey) had a small dairy farm which mum’s
father – J.B. Mainey – cut off from the
homestead property when they married.
Life on the land had a huge formation effect on
us. I grew up loving open space, and outdoor
activities – riding horses, fishing, bird nesting
and rabbit trapping. We rode horses to the
small bush school until I was 11 years old. At
that time we moved closer to town so that we
could go to a Catholic School. Sister Canice
taught 6th class and persuaded Mum and Dad
that I should repeat 6th Class and win a bursary.
I did and ever after she introduced me as “this is
Patty Carroll, my bursary!!
Patricia’s great-grandfather
I loved my five years at St Mary’s College Grafton
John Thomas Carroll
and following that became a Sister of Mercy. My years
Died on the Upper Macleay in
November 1928
of teaching were also rich. Apart from the daily joy of
Aged 104
interaction with my students, I was given some great
opportunities – Chaplaincy of the Young Christian Students Movement (YCS) and also of the
Young Christian Workers Movement (YCW). Both of these took me to National Conferences
and my engagement in Social Action began. The anti-apartheid movement, action on behalf
of apprentices and other minority groups. I spent two years teaching in New Guinea. To be
in another culture was such a learning. I discovered that my life values were not absolute.
These people had other values which worked!
From New Guinea I had a year in Manila, Philippines at the East Asian Pastoral Institute.
Again, a different culture. This time it was the huge difference between rich and poor that
struck me and the involvement of the church in social actions. I discovered the South
American “Theology of Liberation” and Paulo Freres writings. I have discovered since that
our family is related to Daniel O’Connell, the Irish Liberator!!
When I returned in 1975 I was asked to go to Kempsey in response to a request from the
Indigenous people to the Sisters of Mercy. The referendum of 1967 had been put to the
Australian people to determine whether the Aboriginal people should be counted in the
Census. 90% of the people of Kempsey voted “No”. The people gifted me so much over the
following ten years and still do.
Every day brought a new challenge regarding such
small things as how to go into a bank, to the much
larger issues of working to implement the anti
discrimination laws that Mr. Al Grassby MP helped
put into place. This meant acting with aboriginal
people and sometimes on behalf of them.
Sharon Smith & Neeyan
Gumbangirr
Stuart’s Point
Throughout these years we became a team –
Father Steve Nolan, Sister Veronica, Sharon Smith
(Aboriginal), Jan Logan (Y.C.W.) and myself. We
had a small open house in Central Kempsey and
were involved in youth work, holiday camps,
sporting teams, social club as well as dream times
around the open fire in winter or under the lemon
tree in summer.
By 1984 Steve & I knew we should move on so that the people could carry on without us. I
went to the Living Waters Centre in the Blue Mountains and Steve to a Spiritual Leadership
Program in Chicago. During this experience we both entered into a long discernment
process that led each of us separately to leave religious life and priesthood and live the love
that had developed between us.
Together we set up the Inner Journey Centre at Ellenborough in response to people
requesting us to accompany them through life issues.
Steve’s rich life in ministering ended 24th September 2010. I now live happily in Lourdes
Village. I still go to Kempsey once a week and the Aboriginal elder women lead, as we
respond to needs in their community.
I thank God (Baabaga) for the rich life I have been given.
BUS OUTINGS FOR APRIL, 2017
PLEASE NOTE: Dates for bus outings are designated by Catholic Care of the Aged
management. As the bus is shared between several Catholic Care of the Aged facilities,
certain days each month are allocated to St Agnes & Lourdes Villages for the use of the bus.
Thursday 6th April, 2017
A full day outing. The bus will take a leisurely drive to Redbank
where we will be visiting the property of Densey Clyne for
Bus will leave T.W.C and stages morning tea.
7, 8 & 9 at 9.15am.
Densey Clyne is an Australian naturalist, photographer and
writer, especially well known for her studies of spiders and
insects. As a naturalist, conservationist and communicator,
Densey has written 30 books on natural history subjects, in
particular on insects and spiders. She has written scripts for her
own and other television documentaries on natural history, and
published numerous papers and articles dealing with
invertebrate lives and behaviour in professional journals and
popular magazines. Densey has also acted as a consultant on
local wildlife for Australian and overseas television film
productions, including several of Sir David Attenborough’s
natural history series. Densey also presented a regular natural
history segments for eight years on Channel 9’s Burke’s Backyard
lifestyle show.
Densey will give a brief but interesting and informative talk to
residents whilst morning tea is being served. Densey has kindly
waived any admission charge for village residents. Plants will be
available for purchase on the day.
The bus will then make its way to the Abundance Café at Sancrox
where lunch will be held.
Friday 14th April, 2017
Good Friday
No Bus Outing
Monday 17th April, 2017
Easter Monday Public Holiday
No Bus Outing
BUS OUTINGS FOR MAY 2017
Thursday 4th May, 2017
Bus will leave TWC and Stages 7, 8 & 9 at
9.30am.
Friday 12th May, 2017
Bus will leave TWC and Stages 7, 8 & 9 at
9.45am.
Monday 15th May, 2017
To begin the day we will travel to Long Point
Vineyard & Art Gallery at Lake Cathie. Long Point
Vineyard offers wine tastings, local art and delicious
products from the Hastings hinterland. Wander the
grounds and enjoy the spectacular outdoor
sculptures or just relax on the deck overlooking the
view. Morning tea will be supplied, or cheese
platters can be purchased to share amongst
friends. From the vineyard we will travel south
along the beaches and rivers of this beautiful part
of the world and then travel to the top of North
Brother Mountain to enjoy the spectacular views
from that vantage point. The bus will then travel to
Lake Cathie Bowling Club for lunch.
Our visit to Newman Senior Technical College will
start with a tour of the aquarium at the Marine
Studies Department of the College. Fish feeding will
be in progress at this time which always makes for
interesting viewing.
The visit to the Marine
Studies Department will be
followed by morning tea
served by hospitality
students in Newman
College’s stunning new
dining area ‘The Food Project’.
Curley’s Café, Wauchope for afternoon tea.
Experience old world charm in this colonial style
tea room located opposite Timbertown in
Wauchope. Enjoy Devonshire Tea, cakes, scones
and slices using locally sourced products. Shade
sails at the back of Curly’s are there for those who
would prefer to enjoy the outdoor ambience.
Bus will leave TWC and Stages 7, 8 & 9 at 1.15pm.
There will be opportunity to wander through the
shopping precinct or Greenbourne Nursery next
door to Curly’s prior to afternoon tea
APRIL CALENDAR
DAY
DATE
ACTIVITY
TIME
WEDNESDAY
APRIL 5
Social Committee Meeting
Bingo
Hall Booking
8.30am
10.00am-11.30am
6.45pm-9.00pm
THURSDAY
APRIL 6
Full Day Bus Outing
9.15am
FRIDAY
APRIL 7
Hall Booking
9.30am-12.30pm
MONDAY
APRIL 10
Resident’s Committee Meeting
8.30am
WEDNESDAY
APRIL 12
Hall Booking
2.00pm
FRIDAY
APRIL 14
GOOD FRIDAY
SUNDAY
APRIL 16
EASTER SUNDAY
MONDAY
APRIL 17
EASTER MONDAY
WEDNESDAY
APRIL 19
Fire Training
Hall Booking
Hall Booking
10.00am-11.00am
2.00pm
6.45pm-9.00pm
FRIDAY
APRIL 21
Hall Booking
9.30am-1.00pm
TUESDAY
APRIL 25
ANZAC DAY
WEDNESDAY
APRIL 26
Hall Booking
2.00pm
FRIDAY
APRIL 28
St Agnes Village – AGM
Social Event BUGS Ukulele
Happy Hour
10.00am
3.00pm
4.00pm