Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle April 2021 | No.211
n w a d A new
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W W W. M N N E W S . T O D AY / A U R O R A
Restore the harmony
On the cover The cover features the sun rising over Boat Harbour in picturesque Port Stephens. The talented photographer behind the image is Serena Stubbs. You can find more of her images at birubiimages.com
Featured f Bride cuts to the chase
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f Poetry in motion
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f The Manning
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f Fostering unconditional love
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f Lower Hunter
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f Let nature nurture
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f Upper Hunter
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f Neatly packaged care
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f The Mid-Coast
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f Spirit remains as emotions checked
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f Newcastle City
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f Upside to Down
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f Lake Macquarie
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f In to bat for those in need
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f Destiny - Easter Message
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f Putting others first
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With Easter upon us, now is a good time to stop and remember what this time means to Christians. For many, it represents new beginnings.
“Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I learn.” And so, this Easter weekend, I encourage you to immerse yourself in the great outdoors. All faith traditions recognise the power of nature to touch our spirits and foster our sense of wholeness. A walk among trees, a swim in a lake, or a ride through the bush brings us back to the Creator. We can see God’s work among us and feel its healing power. Additionally, it helps to instil a need to take care of the Earth.
This edition’s cover features a photograph of the sun rising over Boat Harbour in picturesque Port Stephens. It was selected as a symbolic reference to the resurrection of Jesus Christ and a nod to the content you will discover in the pages that follow. It was almost 12 months ago on Earth Day 2020, which coincided with Lent, when Pope Francis said it was imperative that people restored “a harmonious relationship” with the Earth and the rest of humanity. He said it required a new way of looking at the Earth, not as a “storehouse of resources for us to exploit”, but as a sacred gift for sustaining all humanity.
Our Diocese abounds with natural wonders of which our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have long been custodians. We highlighted six geographic regions* and places in each area to explore. If any of them pique your interest, then I encourage you to do further research before heading off on a journey. This is particularly important due to recent flooding rains, which are still impacting our surrounds as water levels recede. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Destination NSW, and council websites all provide a wealth of useful information.
His words served as inspiration as the Aurora editorial team busily developed content ideas for this edition. As I pondered over how we could encourage readers to pledge a rekindled love to the beautiful gift of Earth, I was reminded of Benjamin Franklin’s famous words:
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f First word
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f My word
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f Alumni 18 f Care talk
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f Community noticeboard
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f Book talk
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We have also included profiles of interesting people from each of the areas. As the Pope said, we must also look out for Earth’s fellow inhabitants. Often, it is the people you meet on your journey who make all the difference. We profile people who are beacons in their local community. Finally, you will also notice a list of Diocesan services available to support the community. That is what the Church is here for. Finally, I would like to pay special mention to those who have been impacted by recent flooding and intense rainfall. It has taken its toll on many people across our diocese, and we must continue to ban together in support of them. One such is way by donating to CatholicCare’s flood appeal by visiting www.catholiccare.org.au/donate-now I would like to extend a special thanks to Serena Stubbs, Angela Rodrigues Anna Rankmore, Lucie Dei Rocini and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, who have graciously allowed us to include photographs of many of the magical places featured. I wish you and your loved ones a very happy Easter. May this new dawn leave you feeling nurtured by nature.
*The six geographical regions do not reflect the four Deanery, or ten regional boundaries, of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.
Next deadline 10 April, 2021
Regulars f Frankly spoken
FIRST WORD
Aurora online, via www.MNnews.today.
Lizzie Snedden is Editor for Aurora
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is located on traditional lands of Awabakal, Biripi Darkinjung, Kamilaroi, Wiradjuri, Wonnarua, and Worimi
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Editor: Lizzie Snedden Graphic Design: David Stedman Contributors: Elizabeth Baker, Ashleigh Banks, Darrell Croker, Brittany Gonzalez and Alexander Forster.
peoples. We honour the wisdom of and and emerging, and acknowledge the spiritual culture of all Aboriginal and
Aurora appears in The Newcastle Herald on the first Saturday of the month, in the Maitland Mercury, The Singleton Argus and in the Manning River Times the following week. Aurora can also be picked up at IGA’s in Taree, Bulahdelah, New Lambton, Paterson, Karuah, Cameron Park, Wangi, Gloucester, Dungog, Shoal Bay, Boolaroo, Blackalls Park, Woodrising, Stockton, Caves Beach, Rathmines, West Wallsend and Windale. The magazine can also be read at www.mnnews.today
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Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia. We have much to learn from this ancient culture.
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A U R O R A C AT H O L I C D I O C E S E O F M A I T L A N D - N E W C A S T L E
No job application required I missed a great opportunity in 2011. By arrangement with the Holy See, my appointment as Bishop of MaitlandNewcastle was announced on Sunday night, 4 April. Had I my wits about me, it could so easily have been on 1 April, adding to the confusion and speculation that can accompany such news when people first hear of it, and a bit of a “fun fact” for the rest of my days. As it was, though, I had chosen the Sunday night so I would not have to be announcing it to parishioners the next weekend. The word would have spread. I am submitting this column to my editor on 22 March, 10 years to the day since the morning I received the phone call from the Apostolic Nunciature that began the process. The nuncio simply asked if I could meet him at Sydney airport on the Thursday night, which I did. Emerging out of the tunnel, he took me to the Qantas Club and ordered coffee. He was a pleasant, easy-going Italian, and when he said, “so, Father, I suppose you know what this is about”, I felt free to reply, “I’m hoping I’m in trouble”. He laughed and, without further preliminaries, said: “The Holy Father wants you to be the next bishop of Maitland-Newcastle.” That’s how it happens. Then we chatted about this and that until he finally said: “And now I must ask you formally, do you accept?” Actually, of course, I did have a fair idea of why he had summoned me. In 35 years, no nuncio has ever phoned me, let alone asked to meet. I did not know, however, that Bishop Malone was retiring. I only knew that Armidale needed a bishop and Sydney an auxiliary bishop. I also knew that my name had been “out there” because a moderately distant relative by marriage had told me so 18 months before. She had it from a nun, and I will
remark in passing that if you ever want to find out who is going to be the next bishop somewhere, the most reliable source will likely be an elderly nun in a nursing home. I don’t know how they do it, but they know everything. On the way in which information leaks more generally, I will say more shortly. When I had first been told that I might be a bishop, I had confidently denied it on the grounds that Cardinal Pell would never support that idea. We were not out of the same school of thought, really. In the intervening time, however, he had given me a couple of difficult assignments, and, whatever he thought of my theology, he must have found my performance acceptable. Which brings me to the process out of which bishops emerge, a thing in which people are often interested but equally, a process little understood. First, there is a sort-of remote preparation. The bishops of NSW, say, periodically create a list of potential candidates. So do the bishops of Australia, and their list is sent to Rome where the relevant congregation does some advance checking against its records. So, when a diocese becomes vacant, the nuncio in Canberra has some starting points. He then seeks information from people who would have significant knowledge of the candidate, such as bishops, priests, parish staff or school principals. This letter also calls for suggestions of others whose views should be sought, so the consultation can become pretty broad and lengthy.
the Congregation for Bishops does some more detective work of its own and then makes a recommendation to the Pope. He may accept the preferred candidate or, as we understand both John Paul II and Francis have done on occasions, appoint someone entirely different he has personally chosen. Back in Australia, the nuncio will then inform the chosen person, who can decline apparently, and tip off the other bishops just before the announcement is made on the agreed day at midday Rome time.
All of this is top secret, of course, and so naturally this is where information tends to leak out to nuns in nursing homes and others. Finally, the nuncio sends a short-list of three names to Rome where
There are frequently suggestions made about how this process could be better, often harking back to the early days of popular election or at least purely local processes. Some are before the National
Plenary Council. Certainly, refinements are possible, especially to reduce the time the whole thing often takes. There are things here to think about, but I am content to offer you this account of what actually happens now. And happened to me 10 years ago.
Bishop Bill Wright Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle
Frankly Spoken In our Lenten journey towards Easter, let us remember the One who “humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). During this season of conversion, let us renew our faith, draw from the “living water” of hope, and receive with open hearts the love of God, who makes us brothers and sisters in Christ. At the Easter vigil, we will renew our baptismal promises and experience rebirth as new men and women by the working of the Holy Spirit. Pope Francis’ Lenten message for 2021
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Flooding rains did not Gabby and Alex, who were recently married by Fr George at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Taree.
Bride cuts to the chase The heavy rain that poured on Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Taree, was never going to dampen the spirits of Gabby, 21, and Alex, 27, as Fr George performed their marriage ceremony recently. The couple had encountered a few setbacks on their quest to say, “I do”. First, the 2019 bushfires that struck the Manning region prevented them from hosting an engagement party. Next, COVID-19 meant their dream to host a wedding with 130 guests was postponed not once, but three times during 2020. Spurred on by the easing of pandemic restrictions, the couple made plans for family friend Fr James Odo
to wed them in Harrington on Sunday 21 March 2021. That was, until the heavens started opening a few days prior and did not relent. Full of optimism that she was finally going to marry the man of her dreams, Gabby did not let news she would be unable to collect her wedding gown unravel her. The dressmaker was cut off in Tinonee due to rising flood waters. Instead, Gabby donned a beautiful blue dress that she had planned on wearing to her wedding rehearsal dinner. “It was not the wedding dress I imagined,”
Gabby said, “but it was lovely all the same.” As Gabby went about getting ready for her “big day”, many of the couple’s wedding guests were placing sandbags around the homestead on the family property. It was not until Fr James and the couple were unable to reach the wedding destination that reality finally sunk in; they would not be getting married that day. The next morning Alex and Gabby, who are the owners of a butchery in Taree, set off to work. But then Gabby had an idea. A few phone calls later she had arranged for Fr
George to marry them in Taree that night, with their parents and two groomsmen in attendance. Unfortunately, guests including Gabby’s bridesmaids, were unable to make it due to the floods. “It was devastating not to have everyone there, but we just had our hearts set on becoming husband and wife,” Gabby said. After the intimate ceremony, the couple, Mr and Mrs Neale, celebrated at a local restaurant.
Poetry in motion DEACON JOHN PELLETIER Thursday 25 March was a glorious day in many respects. The sun shone and the schools reopened in Gloucester, as was the case in many other flood-affected regions of our Diocese and more widely in NSW. I took the first two lessons that day – combined Christian Special Religious Education (SRE) for Years 3 and 4 at Gloucester Public School. Many young students were bursting with news to share of their experiences of the flooding. I asked if anyone would like to tell us how they had coped. From the cacophony of stories that freely flowed, I’ll mention one. It involves a lost cow. The lad’s father and his father’s friends used a boat to make their way through the fields to find it and bring it to dry ground. It was reminiscent of the parable of “the lost sheep”, which they already knew (Matthew 18:12-14 & Luke 15:3-7). We recalled that parable and agreed that all these people helping to restore what was lost through the flooding were doing what Jesus would do. The assistance this father received from his friends is typical of so many others in the Gloucester region. Reminiscent of the following lines from Banjo Paterson’s ever-
green poem, The Man From Snowy River: “There was movement at the station, for the word had passed around that the colt from Old Regret had got away. And had joined the wild bush horses – he was worth a thousand pound, so all the cracks had gathered to the fray.” The community of Gloucester could be described as follows: “There was action in downtown Gloucester, for social media had given word, that the Gloucester River would surge, and its banks would burst. Many locals joined the throngs of volunteers to mitigate the worst, to stem the tide and put the lives and livelihoods of others first.” Social media played a huge role in “gathering the cracks” – bringing competent and willing people and equipment – to quickly help out. There are some great examples. Realising that flooding from the Gloucester River was imminent, many employees of the largest business in Gloucester’s industrial area made sandbags and
selflessly helped the shop-owners and businesses to place them in the low-lying part of town. Others joined in the work of building protective barriers as best they could. A restaurant made meals and handed them out to the helpers working feverishly to shore-up the defences of shops and homes. A café as well as a chicken and pizza shop also provided free meals and refreshments to volunteers. A motor mechanic and his team and family worked tirelessly to move machinery and equipment to higher than the level of the previous maximum set in the 1978 flood. CT camera footage from the car wash opposite showed that within six minutes of the Gloucester River bursting its banks, a furious surge of water hit the repair shop, gushing through at a significantly higher level than the 1978 maximum. By Sunday night, many people were helping to clean up the horrible mess. A GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to restore the business’s lost machinery and equipment had within three days raised well over $10,000. Contributions continue.
People came from all points of the compass to assist the clean-up of the severely ravaged hardware store, bakery and pie shop, and other businesses on the Gloucester River side of downtown Gloucester. A number of families took in stranded people cut off from their homes and farms. Many volunteers from surrounding RFS brigades arrived on Thursday with their fire trucks, hoses and hands to assist the clean-up. These are but some examples of the community’s outreach. Against the tide of bad news we too often experience, the Gloucester community’s spontaneous outreach as a “good Samaritan” (Luke 10:25-37) is “good news”. It’s a concrete example of how the dignity of human conscience can work very positively. It was a reminder that God, through us, draws goodness out of calamities. It’s a paradox yet a reality that helping others helps us see what really matters in life. John Pelletier is Parish Deacon at Gloucester
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The Manning The most northern region in the Diocese, the Manning Valley boasts an array of natural wonders. The major township of Taree is set against the backdrop of Australia’s only double delta river system. The Manning River flows through to the Pacific Ocean at nearby Old Bar and Harrington. The river is popular with locals and tourists alike, drawn to the powerful water source for fishing, swimming and cruising. Nearby, Brimbin Nature Reserve provides an idyllic setting for kayaking enthusiasts to enjoy a paddle among mangrove-lined waterways. For those keen to stretch their legs on dry land, a visit to the Wingham Brush Nature Reserve is a must. Wheelchairaccessible boardwalks guide you through a rich and rare rainforest, which includes magnificent Moreton Bay fig trees that provide a home to a colony of greyheaded flying foxes. A short, scenic drive north of Wingham leads to Coorabakh National Park, which features ancient peaks, scenic picnic
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spots and the spectacular Ellenborough Falls, one of the longest single-drop waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere. For those keen on an adventure, you can take the 641-step descent to the base of the falls, which provides an amazing vantage point to appreciate the force of water as it cascades down the cliff face. The walk to the base requires good fitness and mobility but is possible for school-aged children to complete. Alternatively, you can view the falls from a purpose-built platform, situated close to the carpark and surrounded by tall, lush trees. IMAGES Main Image: Ellenborough Falls, Coorabakh National Park. Photo kindly supplied by Angela Rodrigues. More photos like these can be found on Instagram @theworldaccordingtoang 1. Wingham Brush Nature Reserve, Wingham. Photo kindly supplied by Serena Stubbs. More photos like these can be found at www.birubiimages.com or, on Instagram @birubi_images 2. Brimbin Nature Reserve, Taree. Photo kindly supplied by NSW National Parks and Wildlife, John Spencer/DPIE.
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In the area Primary schools St Joseph’s Primary School, Gloucester St Joseph’s Primary School, Taree St Joseph’s Primary School, Wingham
High Schools St Clare’s High School, Taree
CatholicCare Social Services Gloucester Taree Taree Community Kitchen
St Nicholas OOSH Taree
Melissa Hunt, Principal of St Joseph’s Primary School, Wingham. Photo: Peter Stoop.
Parishes
Fostering unconditional love On first meeting, Melissa Hunt’s bright eyes draw you in. Then you notice her beautiful smile. However, once you get chatting, you realise it is her warm heart and open mind that make her one of the Manning’s most valued treasures. Mel wears many hats. She is the principal of St Joseph’s Primary School in Wingham, a volunteer at the Taree Community Kitchen, a budding tap dancer and enthusiastic bushwalker, loving mother and wife, as well as a foster carer of more than 10 years. “Our family has opened our home to 47 children in that time,” Mel says, “it has enriched our lives enormously.” Mel’s family includes husband David, their two biological sons Lachlan, 21, and Mitchell, 19, and two girls who will remain in their care long term. “We love to help our community by providing a safe space for children who need it,” she says. “Children in foster care often don’t feel like they belong anywhere. Their life can be really, really hard.” Mel says her experience as a foster carer, and principal, has shown her that children
who have been removed from their parents due to fears for their safety and wellbeing often put on a brave front, but underneath are battling the effects of trauma. “We just hope when they come to our home that they have a nice time,” she says. “We eat meals together and show them what family life can be like.” Mel and David’s calling to become foster carers came just over a decade ago. At that time, their youngest son was nine years of age, and an extended family member had a child removed from their care, which really hit home for the couple. Knowing they had time and space on their side, Mel and David spoke to a friend who was a foster carer, and shortly afterwards made the life-changing decision to become carers themselves. “It took about 12 months to go through authorisation process, and as soon as that was completed, we welcomed the first child into our home,” Mel says. The family now primarily provides emergency care. Mel says she can’t bear to think of children sleeping in hotel rooms with caseworkers night after night due to a
Gloucester Krambach Taree Wingham
chronic shortage of carers. “The quicker these children are in a home environment, the better their short and long-term outcomes.” Asked about the concept of love, Mel’s bright eyes well up with tears and her voice begins to shake. “I never expected to love the children who come into our care as much as I do, but it just happens,” she says. “The children need someone to love them unconditionally, and they love you back.” It is this unconditional love, along with continued support and unwavering patience, that Mel says helps the children reach their potential. “When children are in a stable environment you can see them grow in confidence and become happier. It enables them to begin to heal from the trauma they have experienced.” Mel recognises the important role the children’s biological family members can play in their lives. “It’s important those family ties are
nurtured, as it is part of the children’s life story and helps them to form their identity.” When children come into the Hunts' care, the family love to take them exploring. “Ellenborough Falls and the Manning River provide great opportunities to get amongst nature,” Mel says, adding a drive to the beautiful beaches in nearby Forster makes a great day trip, which almost feels like a mini holiday. “I’ve learnt so much about our land from the traditional owners, the Biripi people, who have been so generous in sharing their cultural knowledge.” Mel says the support of the people in Wingham sustains her – the St Joseph’s Primary School community in particular. “St Joseph’s has a real family environment,” she says. “We all work together; staff, students and parents. The kids love learning and coming to school each day and the parents are so supportive. It’s a great place to be.”
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Lower Hunter The picturesque Lower Hunter abounds with history, vineyards and a network of river systems that consistent rainfall has replenished over recent months. Home to Australia’s oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley is known the world over for its outstanding vignerons, however when in the area take a moment to appreciate the beautiful vista. Whether you do so by hot air balloon, on a bike, on the back of a horse, in a car or on foot, there’s a lot to take in beyond the vines. Rolling hills and beautiful mountain ranges provide a breathtaking backdrop or, if you’re keen, you can get amongst it by tackling part of the Great North Walk, which provides beautiful outlooks of the Cessnock Valley floor. The Allyn River flows through the bushland of the Chichester State Forest, and at the foothills of the Barrington Tops you will discover the Ladies Well. It’s a popular swimming hole, especially in the warmer months, which features cascades and sun-warmed rocks. The road to the Ladies Well is unsealed, and windy, so be sure to take extra care when driving to this rural paradise.
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If it’s history you are most interested in, the Morpeth Heritage Walk should not be overlooked. The township lies on the Hunter River and was once the busiest trade port in NSW. You can undertake a self-guided tour that includes 25 significant sites in town by grabbing a brochure from Maitland City Council or, downloading the Maitland Walks app. If you’d like to really immerse yourself in the experience then consider a voyage into Morpeth from Newcastle via the river, with tours regularly operating that provide an opportunity to take in the history and beauty of the region by boat. Lake St Clair, nestled among the undulating hills at the foot of Mount Royal Range north of Singleton offers a premium outdoor water playground. Traversing the eastern shoreline on Carrowbrook Road is a particularly scenic drive. IMAGES Main Image: Ladies Well, Allyn River, Chicester State Forest. 1. Hunter River, Morpeth. 2. Hunter Valley vignerons.
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In the area Primary schools Holy Spirit Infants School, Abermain Rosary Park Catholic School, Branxton St Patrick’s Primary School, Cessnock St Aloysius Catholic Primary School, Chisholm St Joseph’s Primary School, Dungog St Joseph’s Primary School, East Maitland Holy Spirit Primary School, Kurri Kurri St Patrick’s Primary School, Lochinvar St John The Baptist Primary School, Maitland St Paul’s Primary School, Rutherford St Catherine’s Catholic College, Singleton (K-12)
High Schools Bronwyn and Max, spiritual directors and owners of Fosterton Retreat. Photo: Peter Stoop.
St Bede’s Catholic College, Chisholm St Joseph’s College, Lochinvar All Saints' College, Maitland St Catherine’s Catholic College, Singleton (K-12)
Let nature nurture
CatholicCare Social Services Maitland Singleton
Of an evening, you will find Max and Bronwyn perched on the veranda of their Fosterton home. Together, they watch the sun’s rays drop below the rolling green hills that surround them on their 40-hectare property. It is a ritual completed in silence, sometimes with a glass of wine or pot of tea. It starts by leaving their phones inside and includes taking five deep breaths. Then, they reflect internally on questions adapted from the Josephite Nun’s Prayer Book, which prompt them to consider what they are thankful for, what they are least thankful for, what can they smile over, what is stirring in their heart, how they are feeling, and what their body is telling them. “No two sunsets are alike, and we are often filled with gratitude and wonder at this moment of day's close,” Max says. “Silence, gratitude and observing whilst sitting in nature is a great tonic.” When Max speaks, he does so gently. There is a soothing eloquence in his voice you might not expect given the boldness of his attire. You get the impression everything he says is done so with purpose, influenced by his Christian faith and love for nature, which he describes as “God’s canvas”. It’s a love shared by Brownyn, Max’s wife of more than 30 years. Seeing them
together and listening to their stories is a joy that all can experience at Fosterton Retreat. “We like to help people in their quest to find a greater depth, meaning, peace and enjoyment in life,” Bronwyn says. And, if their credentials are anything to go by, the couple are more than qualified to assist those seeking spiritual and personal growth. Max has training in Choice Theory, spiritual direction, labyrinth facilitation and years of experience in welfare. Bronwyn is trained in Choice Theory as well as The Enneagram and is currently undertaking a PhD in Natural History Illustration and spiritual direction training. They are also both practising artists, with decades of experience in creative pursuits. Five years ago, they started Fosterton Retreat, which is located 15 minutes outside of Dungog and not far from the World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops. There, they welcome singles, couples, families, work groups and staff leadership teams for retreats that can vary in focus from spiritual, to nature and the arts and even understanding personality types or, a combination of all the above. “Our retreats, even the creative ones, are for stepping back, not running away; to take stock of the now, learn new things and go deeper within before heading
forward,” Bronwyn says. “Over the years we have found a lot of guidance from practices used for centuries within various Christian traditions. “At Fosterton Retreat, we go through a variety of these including using imagination in prayer, Lectio Divina as we sit 'in' the scriptures and walk our onsite labyrinths prayerfully. We also engage our guests in more recent practices using pencils, colour and fabric as a creative way to connect with God influenced by the Celtic proverb: ‘If you want to know the creator – create’,” Bronwyn says. The retreats range in length from a few hours to multiple days, with a variety of onsite accommodation available. Whether it is at Fosterton Retreat or elsewhere, Max and Bronwyn’s message is clear; allow yourself to be nurtured by nature and chances are you will find yourself developing a closer relationship with yourself, and God.
St Nicholas Early Education Branxton Chisholm Gillieston Heights Lochinvar Maitland Singleton
St Nicholas OOSH Abermain Branxton Chisholm East Maitland Lochinvar Maitland Rutherford
Parishes Beresfield Branxton Cessnock Dungog East Maitland Gresford Kurri Kurri Lochinvar Maitland Morpeth Rutherford Singleton
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Upper Hunter Nestled among the rolling green hills of the Upper Hunter is an intertwined network of world-famous vineyards, rich farming land, stunning natural attractions and picturesque lakes. Near the western edge of the Diocese is Burning Mountain Nature Reserve, home to Australia’s only naturally burning coal seam that has been smouldering under the surface of the earth for an estimated 5,500 years. According to traditional landowners the Wanaruah people, it is the fiery tears of a woman long since turned to stone by Biami, the sky god. The reserve caters to day walks, scenic drives, and birdwatching opportunities. Washpools waterhole is a natural swimming hole in Towarri National Park and provides the perfect opportunity to refresh after a challenging hike through the nearby bushland, which features river oak forest and box woodland. Lake Glenbawn, located 14 kilometres east of scone at the Hunter River, boasts one of the best freshwater fishing spots in NSW. The lake is also popular for water sports including canoeing, pleasure boating, sailing, water-skiing and wakeboarding. Surrounded by bushland, there are more than 100 species of birds
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in the area, making it a perfect location for budding twitchers. If it’s a magnificent vista you’re after, be sure to head to Lee’s Pinch Lookout in the Goulburn River National Park. Along the one kilometre walking track there are three different viewing areas, and you’ll be rewarded with views of the lush forest below and the Goulburn River flowing through a sandstone gorge. However, it’s not just the destination you should have your sights set on, as during your journey if you look closely enough you may encounter native fauna such as wallabies and wombats in their rugged, natural terrain. IMAGES Main image: Burning Mountain Nature Reserve, near Wingen. Photo kindly supplied by Anna Rankmore. More photos like these can be found on Instagram @ anna.rankmore.photos 1. Washpools waterhole, Towarri National Park. Photo kindly supplied by Anna Rankmore. More photos like these can be found on Instagram @anna.rankmore.photos 2. Lake Glenbawn.
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In the area Primary schools St St St St
Joseph’s Primary School, Denman Joseph’s Primary School, Merriwa James’ Primary School, Muswellbrook Mary’s Primary School, Scone
High Schools St Joseph’s High School, Aberdeen
CatholicCare Social Services Muswellbrook
St Nicholas Early Education Muswellbrook
St Nicholas OOSH Denman
Parishes
Neatly packaged care Aberdeen’s Carole Johnston recently assembled 489 care packages that will hopefully reach Australian troops in the Far East, including the Sinai, Egypt and Syria, to coincide with Anzac Day. It brings to about 5,000 the number of packages assembled in the past decade since putting together the first consignment of 30 in 2011 for Australian troops deployed overseas. Mrs Johnston co-ordinates this mini military operation with the able assistance of the Aberdeen Care Package Cadets, including students from St Joseph’s High School. The group’s ongoing dedication has become well-known throughout the Upper Hunter and within Australian military circles. A helicopter from HMAS Newcastle flew to Aberdeen on Remembrance Day in 2015 to thank the Care Package Cadets. Defence personnel attended a St Joseph’s assembly and formally recognised Mrs Johnston and the school’s care package cadets. Mrs Johnston says her aim is to teach
children to do something without a reward. It fits neatly with St Joseph’s philosophy. Every package contains a letter, and there is a sequence when filling the boxes. “The magazine goes in first, then the Tim Tams, then the tinned tuna and so on, because everything has a spot,” Mrs Johnstone says. “When they open the box we don’t want it to look like we’ve hoicked everything in. And the first thing we want them to see is their letter.”
Denman Merriwa Murrurundi Muswellbrook Scone
difference to someone’s life. This year’s intake includes a first, a girl, and she’s only 7. “I never have to remind them why they’re doing it,” Mrs Johnston says her charitable works have always had a strong link to St Joseph’s. Her secondhand shop, Aberdeen Treasures, which unfortunately closed last year during Covid, donated all its profits to the community, helping those in need and to fund the pre-school.
Mrs Johnston’s cover letter introduces the cadets and explains why they are doing what they do.
Thinking of going for a drive on unsealed roads?
It reads in part: “My aim is to teach the boys about community, caring for others, selflessness, mateship, taking responsibility, giving their time without reward, which I think will make great men. We send our love to you across the miles in a country far from home… stay safe, return soon.”
When visiting national parks or reserves in your car, remember these simple tips to minimise environmental damage and ensure your safety; check your vehicle is in good mechanical order and can handle the conditions e.g. research in advance if tracks require a 4WD, ensure your tyres and undercarriage are free from weeds or other environmental contaminants; stay on designated roads; drive in the middle of tracks; drive at speeds appropriate to the conditions; keep a lookout for wildlife and other visitors; avoid dazzling wildlife with powerful lights and horns; and, ensure your car is an appropriate height to cross waterways. For more useful tips visit www. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
The cadets quickly learn about teamwork, working for no reward, and making a
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The Mid-Coast The coastline between Port Stephens and the Great Lakes is filled with sandy beaches, stunning lakes and coastal rainforests, which beg to be explored. Whether you’re seeking an adventurous hike, a more leisurely stroll with the opportunity to do some birdwatching, take in ancient sites, or a dip in the water, you won’t be disappointed when you’re on the eastern border of our Diocese. Port Stephens, famous for its sparkling blue bays, is best appreciated from Tomaree Head. At 161m, it is 2.2 kilometre return walk, but provides a fantastic vantage point to see whales migrate during May and November. It involves a lot of stairs and requires a moderate level of fitness and mobility but is achievable for school-aged children to complete. If you’re after something a little less strenuous take the nearby Wreck Beach walk, which winds through an angophora forest before coming to a cove that provides the perfect setting for a picnic. Further south, you can visit the largest coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, which are located in the Worimi Conservation Lands. Further north is the Myall Lakes National Park, which features one of the state’s largest coastal lake systems as well as 40km of beaches. Taking a dip in one of the lakes is an obvious choice, however
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one of the many highlights of the park is Mungo walking track. At 21 kilometre one way it is a long track, but also relatively easy. You can do the whole walk, or just sections of it, taking in Aboriginal and post-colonial heritage sites, landforms, and diverse vegetation along the way. Nearby Wallingat National Park abounds with flooded gums and offers great walking tracks, including a trail to Whoota Whoota lookout, which stuns with its natural beauty. You can also choose to explore this park and its network of unsealed roads via car – 2WD is fine in dry weather – or by horseback or bike. Booti Booti National Park, nearby to Wallingat and just south of Forster, is a smaller but no less spectacular park. Wedged between the beautiful Wallis Lake and the Pacific Ocean, there are plenty of lookouts and scenic headlands to explore with the Booti Hill Lakeside walking track proving popular with locals and tourists alike. IMAGES Main image: Myall Lake, Myall Lakes National Park. 1. Mount Tomaree, Tomaree National Park. 2. Mungo walking track, Myall Lakes National Park. Photo kindly supplied by NSW National Parks and Wildlife, John Spencer/DPIE.
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In the area Primary schools St Joseph’s Primary School, Bulahdelah Holy Name Primary School, Forster St Michael’s Primary School, Nelson Bay St Brigid’s Primary School, Raymond Terrace
High Schools Catherine McAuley Catholic College, Medowie
CatholicCare Social Services Forster Foster Community Kitchen
St Nicholas Early Education Fr Greg Barker, Administrator of the Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry. Photo: Callam Howard.
Medowie Raymond Terrace
Spirit remains as emotions checked
St Nicholas OOSH Forster Karuah Tea Gardens
Parishes Forster–Tuncurry Myall Coast Nelson Bay Raymond Terrace
Fr Greg Barker has established an extraordinary bond with the mid-north coast region after his appointment as Administrator of the Catholic Parish of Forster Tuncurry in early 2015. He had some experience of the region during his time as a full-time Air Force chaplain, which included a stint at RAAF Williamtown. In his first five years in the parish his people have endured severe drought, incredibly destructive bushfires, then Covid and most recently, flooding rains. Fr Greg was adamant the fires of 2019 would not destroy the heart of the people. He wrote this not long after the catastrophic experience. “Some fires burnt to the very edges of houses, taking out sheds and cars but leaving homes intact — a testament to the fighting spirit of the Rural Fire Service and the communities that were able to stand their ground and defend. I am confident the tenacity and resilience displayed across the region, as
communities stood side by side to defend their homes, will see those affected rebuild and carry on.
determination of our communities to do more than simply survive these disasters,” Fr Greg wrote after the event.
“Talking with families during the crisis I was impressed with the calmness of everyone as they prepared. Good decisions were made as some chose to evacuate and others decided to fight.”
Now, he says, they are also wondering what will happen next.
Fr Greg says the resilience is still there “but Covid following the drought has made people reluctant”. “They are holding their emotions in,” he says. “Drought, bushfire and then Covid have really tested people's strength to hang in. But people are rallying around each other and checking on their neighbours.” It is the way the parish operates. During the bushfires, incredible stories emerged of neighbours and strangers pulling together and of genuine community spirit in the face of adversity. “At times like this we really witness the heart of the Australian people and the
“Many are looking forward to the Covid vaccination,” he says. “They believe the sense of security it offers will bring them back to a sort of normality and to what they had before.”
Thinking of going bushwalking? If you’re going bushwalking or camping be prepared and stay safe. Plan your trip, check weather and road conditions ahead of time, tell somebody your plans, stay on track, dress appropriately and take emergency supplies with you. For more useful tips visit www. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
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Newcastle City Glenrock State Conservation Area provides an idyllic opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the bush, while taking in the awe of the Pacific Ocean from a secluded beach. As you make your way down the Yuelarbah walking track towards the lagoon, you’ll encounter waterways, ancient Aboriginal sites and if you’re lucky, maybe even a bandicoot or glider. You’ll likely feel miles away from civilisation, but in reality, it’s only a fiveminute drive from the Newcastle CBD. The walk to the beach requires moderate fitness and mobility but is possible for school-aged children to complete. If you do not want to walk the entire route, you can still catch a picturesque view from Leichhardt's Lookout that is accessible by path and only 1km from the carpark, making it perfect for people in wheelchairs or with prams. Glenrock is also popular with mountain bike riders, and occasionally horse riders too. The Bogey Hole is an ocean rock pool nestled against the Newcastle coastline, accessed by picturesque King Edward Park at the foot of Shepherds Hill. The convict-built waterhole blends perfectly with the surrounding natural setting
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of sandstone. Immerse yourself in the saltwater, which is constantly replenished by waves crashing in from the Pacific. There is a staircase down to the Bogey Hole, which means a moderate level of ability is required to access this site. A little bit further from the CBD, situated in suburbia, is Blackbutt Reserve. The 182ha sanctuary is home to an abundance of native flora and fauna and provides the perfect backdrop for recreational activities including playgrounds and walking trails, conservation efforts, educational programs and wildlife exhibits. The reserve has wellmaintained paths, as well as hilly tracks, making it the perfect location for people of all ages and mobility levels. IMAGES Main image: Glenrock State Conservation Area, Newcastle. 1. The Bogey Hole, Newcastle. 2. Blackbutt Nature Reserve, Newcastle. Photo kindly supplied by Lucie. Photo kindly supplied by Lucie Dei Rocini. More photos like these on Instagram @ljdr23
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In In the the area area Primary schools St Columba’s Primary School, Adamstown St James’ Primary School, Kotara South St John’s Primary School, Lambton St Dominic’s Centre, Mayfield (K-10) St Columban’s Primary School, Mayfield St Joseph’s Primary School, Merewether Holy Family Primary School, Merewether Beach St Therese’s Primary School, New Lambton Our Lady of Victories Primary School, Shortland St Peter’s Primary School, Stockton Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School, Tarro St Patrick’s Primary School, Wallsend Corpus Christi Primary School, Waratah
High Schools St Pius X High School, Adamstown St Laurence Flexible Learning Centre, Broadmeadow St Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton San Clemente High School, Mayfield St Dominic’s Centre, Mayfield (K-10)
Molly Drinkwater, Tutor Group Leader at St Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton. Photo: Peter Stoop.
CatholicCare Social Services
Upside to Down
Mayfield
St Nicholas Early Education Newcastle West
Molly Drinkwater recently took to a stage and in front of a crowd of more than 1,000 peers proudly declared "people with Down syndrome have hopes, dreams and interests … just like you". The thought of addressing such a large cohort of teens would be enough to make most people tremble, but not Molly. Standing proudly in rainbow-coloured socks, she relished the opportunity to educate her friends and teachers at St Francis Xavier's College, Hamilton, about Down syndrome, dazzling them with her powerful words and infectious zest for life. Molly's speech came on the eve of World Down Syndrome Day, 21 March, which aims to raise money and awareness for people with Down syndrome and "help them live normal lives, learn and achieve their goals". "Thank you to those wearing crazy socks today," she said, with her parents watching on. "This is to represent that people with Down syndrome are all diverse; we have different goals, interests
and abilities." Beyond the school assembly, the Year 12 student inspires all those she comes across. A week after Molly's presentation, walking through the college playground for her Aurora photo shoot, countless students and staff came up to say “hello”. When you're around Molly, you get the sense you're in the presence of greatness. Julia Lederwasch, Assistant Principal at St Francis Xavier's College, said Molly had an innate ability to gel a community. "If anyone is having a bad day, you know to go and have a chat with Molly,” Ms Lederwasch said. “She radiates positivity." Year 12 student Elliah Bertoncello echoes the sentiment. She first met Molly in Year 7 when they attended St Pius X High School, Adamstown, together. "Molly is so caring and loves to look after everyone else,” Elliah said. “She always puts herself forward and gets involved.
We could all learn a lot from Molly about having a go." With these stellar qualities, it is not surprising Molly was elected as one of the college's Tutor Group Leaders in 2021. "It makes me very proud," she said of the leadership responsibilities bestowed on her. Outside of her school commitments, Molly is an active member of the broader Newcastle community and can be found shooting hoops on a basketball court, swimming laps at the local pool, serving hits at table tennis or dancing to her favourite songs. "People with Down syndrome want the same chances as everyone else,” she said. “We want to be included in all parts of life."
St Nicholas OOSH Adamstown Kotara South Lambton Mayfield Merewether Beach New Lambton Shortland The Junction Waratah
Parishes All Saints' Blackbutt South Holy Trinity Blackbutt North Mayfield Newcastle Inner City Parishes Stockton
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Lake Macquarie Lake Macquarie is the largest saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere and its magnificence lies in its beauty, not just its size. Locals seeking a therapeutic splash can be found wading in the historic Belmont Baths, or using the lake as an aquatic playground that provides ample opportunities for sailing, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. For those wanting to get lost in nature, immerse yourself in the stunning wilderness that awaits you in Watagans National Park. The ancient bushland is as diverse as it is large, home to mosscovered walls and boulders, towering canopies of red cedar and Illawarra flame trees, pine trees and more. You can spend days exploring the Watagans on foot, by bike or in a 4WD and still not get bored. The jewel in the crown is Gap Creek Falls, which due to recent rainfalls abounds with freshwater cascading downstream. Watch people abseiling down the cliff face as you take a dip in the water below. The walk to the falls requires good fitness and mobility. There are plenty of other less strenuous, but just as beautiful walks the whole family can enjoy.
southern end of the diocese. Surrounded by great walking trails in the Wallarah National Park, if you want to explore the caves themselves, be sure to go at low tide and be prepared to get a little wet as the ocean laps the entrance and fills the tidal rock pools. This adventure does not require much physical exertion, but you will have to climb up and over some rocks to access the caves. IMAGES Main image: Caves Beach, Lake Macquarie. 1. Lake Macquarie. 2. Gap Creek Falls, Watagans National Park.
Caves Beach, as the name suggests, is a network of sea caves towards the
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In In the the area area Primary schools St Francis Xavier’s Primary School, Belmont St Kevin’s Primary School, Cardiff St Joseph’s Primary School, Charlestown St Benedict’s Primary School, Edgeworth St Paul’s Primary School, Gateshead Holy Cross Primary School, Glendale St Joseph’s Primary School, Kilaben Bay St John Vianney Primary School, Morisset St Patrick’s Primary School, Swansea St Mary’s Primary School, Warners Bay St Pius X Primary School, Windale
High Schools St Paul’s High School, Booragul St Mary’s High School, Gateshead
CatholicCare Social Services Rick McCosker, leader of the Diocese’s Cursillo Movement. Photo: Peter Stoop.
Cardiff
In to bat for those in need As the central character in a well-storied moment in international sport, Rick McCosker is synonymous with one of Test cricket’s truly memorable matches
Newcastle is the busiest coal port in the world and each year 40,000 seafarers alight for a few hours before disappearing back to the deep blue sea.
But it is an unforgiving life, and they are separated from their families for nine months of the year. Covid has worsened their plight.
After a Bob Willis bouncer broke his jaw in the first innings of the MCG Centenary Test in 1977, Rick bravely came out to bat in the second innings, ensuring Australia accrued enough runs to set up a victory. His heroics will forever be regarded as the epitome of Australian courage and bravery.
In 2012, Rick completed a Christian Formation Course. Teresa Brierley, Director of Pastoral Ministries in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, approached him during the graduation ceremony about taking on the role of chaplain to the Port of Newcastle. The chaplaincy is linked to the Mission to Seafarers.
As an ex-international cricketer, Rick has empathy for their plight. He would often miss time with his young family when touring.
Rick grew up on a sheep farm near Inverell in northern NSW, the eldest of seven siblings and a typical product of a country upbringing. Tough and determined, he always put the team before his own statistics. He ended up playing 25 Tests for Australia, which would have been more but for the introduction of World Series Cricket, and averaged just shy of 40. He moved to Newcastle before his international career ended and started a career in property conveyancing before establishing his own successful financial planning business. It all seems a lifetime ago as Rick looks out to the ocean from Redhead Beach and a line of ships extending from the Port of Newcastle to Catherine Hill Bay.
"It came out of the blue," he says. "I was looking for something that would give me an opportunity to help people who needed it. Just like my selection for NSW and then Australia – the timing was right. It was a big change, very different, but it felt just right. “I wanted to make a difference and to give something to benefit people who are less fortunate and seeking life’s small pleasures amid the monotony and boredom of endless stretches of time at sea. Seafarers see themselves as financial prisoners.” Often from countries where jobs are scarce, or pay very little, seafarers can raise a family and educate their children.
The past few years have been another period of transition for Rick. Approaching 70, the time was right to relinquish his responsibilities as chaplain and shift back into a less onerous voluntary role. The work at the mission is irregular now, however Rick is far from idle. He and his wife Meryl are part of the leadership of our Diocesan Cursillo Movement, a lay movement the Catholic Church supports that focuses on helping people discover themselves, and their relationship with Christ. The Cursillo movement turned 50 in our Diocese in 2020 and we are hoping to celebrate this milestone at our National Encounter in Newcastle this October, with Rick and Meryl helping to organise. Despite all Rick has accomplished in life, it is clear he still gets great fulfillment from helping others.
St Nicholas Early Education Cardiff
St Nicholas OOSH Belmont Cardiff Charlestown Gateshead Glendale Kilaben Bay Morisset Warners Bay
Parishes Booragul Boolaroo – Warners Bay East Lake Macquarie MacKillop Morisset Sugarloaf Toronto Wallsend – Shortland
Thinking of going swimming? If you're exploring beaches, waterholes, lakes, rivers or any body of water its important to be prepared and stay safe. Plan your trip, check weather and road conditions ahead of time, tell somebody your plans, assess water conditions for tides and rips etc.before entering the water, don’t dive into shallow waters, dress appropriately and take emergency supplies with you. For more useful tips visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
ALUMNI
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Club Taree CEO Paul Allan was born, bred and educated in the Manning Valley before setting off to live and work in some amazing destinations. He is now firmly ensconced back in his hometown and making a significant contribution to his community. What Catholic school/s did you go to? St Joseph’s Primary School in Taree and then St Clare’s High School in Taree. Why did your parents choose a Catholic education? Both schools were chosen for their commitment to quality education here in the Manning Valley. What is your fondest memory from your school years? Meeting my future wife Jill on my first day of Kindergarten back on 30 January 1984. We both started on the same day at St Joseph’s in Miss Teasy’s class. Apart from Jill it would be the lifelong friends, some of whom I still speak to daily all these years later. I have been privileged enough to spend life’s greatest moments with these friends, as well as the joy of the everyday. I also have fond memories of some of the teachers who helped shape me. I recently took delight in stopping to chat to Sr Ellen Shanahan who was my principal at St Joseph’s for a while. To this day she is still so kind and genuinely interested in me, Jill and our three boys. What has been your greatest or most satisfying career achievement to date?
Taking the initiative BRITTANY GONZALEZ
I have been extremely lucky to experience some unique and amazing experiences. My greatest career achievement would have to be my current role as CEO of Club Taree. The role offers diversity, allows me to work with the most amazing team and affords the opportunity to make a positive difference within our local community – all in my hometown. No two days are the same, and while challenging, it is also extremely rewarding. Ironically, as part of my Year 10 curriculum at St Clare’s High School I completed my week-long work experience at Taree RSL Club, a pre-amalgamated part of the present-day Club Taree. I started at Club Taree in September 2010 and have worked across numerous roles. Before being named CEO of Club Taree, you gained a wealth of experience working at Uluru and then in New Zealand. What advice would you have for people seeking to work and live in a new destination?
St Clare’s High School, Taree alumni Paul Allan.
I completed a Bachelor of Business in Hotel and Catering Management before taking my first industry job at Uluru. I really wasn’t certain what to expect. I was in essence a young, protected and incredibly shy 20-year-old who decided to take a make-or-break moment leap.
Luckily for me it was a make moment. It was an incredible learning experience, professionally, personally and culturally. I landed at Uluru in July 1999 to take up a role at Ayers Rock Resort. It led to a strong network of incredible friends and associates. There is no greater learning experience than having enough faith to immerse yourself in the unknown. From Ayers Rock I spent some incredible time in New Zealand as food and beverage manager of the Stamford Plaza, then back to Australia to Cape Tribulation, then to the Hunter Valley, and back home to the Manning Valley. My advice is “go for it”, search for the unknown, and always find joy in the little things. Back in your hometown of Taree, how do you hope to give back to your community through your new role? It has been many years since I returned to Taree, and in that time I have been involved in a number of initiatives, projects and organisations. Currently my greatest connect to our community is through the Club Taree Community Team. I also created an opportunity about seven years ago for Club Taree employees to engage and support our members and our community. To date this initiative has resulted in our Team volunteering in excess of 8,000 hours across a large number of projects and initiatives as well as raise in excess of $480,000 for our community. I am incredibly proud of the team for what they have achieved, and it is a true indication of the type of difference that a group of likeminded and committed people can have on their community. Why should the Manning Valley be on people’s holiday lists? I have been lucky enough to enjoy living in some pretty amazing places, however nothing ever felt as homely as the Manning Valley. It has so much to offer – amazing waterways, incredible National Parks – it is a gateway to the coast or the hinterland. The Manning Valley is also home to some of the most genuine, and interesting people that you ever will meet. Take some time out to enjoy.
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CARE TALK
Care talk
Making towards moves KELLY PAVAN
CatholicCare’s registered psychologists address a new issue each month.
TOWARDS The advice provided is general in nature and does not replace ongoing support and advice from your health professional. To talk to someone about counselling support, call: CatholicCare P 4979 1172 or Lifeline 24/7 on P 131 114.
HOICE OINT
ATION(S)
ts & Feelings
Do you have a question for us? Email your question to aurora@mn.catholic.org.au or write to Aurora-CareTalk PO Box 756 Newcastle 2300.
Has a difficult thought or feeling overwhelmed you to the extent you followed it down the rabbit hole? It can occupy your head space, impact your motivation, and when particularly problematic, lead to avoidance of things AWAY TOWARDS that are good for you. Things like being present in the moment with your kids and loved ones, feeling able to exercise, to concentrate, and so on. This can not only prevent you doing things that move you towards your goals, but at the same time take you away from the kind of life you want to lead. In the psychology world we call this cognitive fusion, or the more palatable term, being “hooked”. When difficult thoughts and emotions hook us in, they CHOICE can push us around and guide our moves. POINT We are hard-wired to avoid pain, so when we are hooked into painful thoughts/ feelings, we can go to great lengths to SITUATION(S) escape – from procrastination all the Thoughts & Feelings way to alcohol or drug use. In fact, many psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, and addiction, come down to this basic process. To help us identify when we have been hooked, and how to get back on track, Bailey, Ciarrochi, and Harris created the “Choice Point”. They suggest that behaving like the sort of person we want to be to make our life rich and meaningful, is called “towards moves”. Other things we do that move us away from the life we want to live, behaving ineffectively and unlike the sort of person we want to be, doing things that tend to make life worse in the long term – are called “away moves”.
Some tips on developing unhooking skills. AWAY
TOWARDS
CHOICE POINT SITUATION(S) Thoughts & Feelings
When life is running smoothly, it is easy to make conscious towards moves. But we can all acknowledge; life is not smooth sailing. The better we get at unhooking from those difficult thoughts and feelings to do more towards moves, the better life gets. So, when these challenging situations, thoughts and feelings arise, we have a choice to make: how are we going to respond? Do we unhook and do towards moves? Or do we get hooked and do away moves?”
1. Identify your values – who you care about, what matters to you, what sort of person you want to be. Values guide and inspire us to do more towards moves. 2. Practice mindfulness – develop skills to be in contact with the present moment. If you can start to identify when you are hooked, this is a significant step towards defusing the power the thoughts/feelings can have over you. 3. Recognise that thoughts and feelings are not facts. We have about 6,000 thoughts per day, our mindfulness skills can assist in deciding which are workable for us, and therefore worth paying attention to. 4. Ask yourself: “Is this an away move, or a towards move?” This further assists in making intentional choices. This is a simple explanation of a tool that can be worked through in detail. If you are interested in learning more about the Choice Point tool, there are free resources at actmindfully.com.au, and any therapist trained in ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) could assist.
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Destiny - Easter Message BISHOP BILL WRIGHT
There is an extraordinary idea at the heart of Christianity. Resurrection. It is what Easter is all about, whatever other meanings may cluster about the celebration. And, of course, it is about a very particular resurrection, that of a man whose cause collapsed, who was betrayed, beaten, condemned, humiliated, and executed in the most cruel and degrading way that even the Romans could devise. It is, therefore, about the overturning of all the usual measures of the meaning of life; of how we measure success or failure, or measure the significance of our having lived. Back in the Christian ages, people would speak of some of the crazier members of society as being “touched by God” and recognised this as a blessing. Undoubtedly, theirs was a great misfortune, but for that
very reason they were the special objects of God’s love, the innocent sufferers of this world’s vicissitudes who, with the lepers, the blind and the lame, widows, and orphans, were to be reverenced, in a sense, because their very suffering in this life connected them with the suffering Christ and foreshadowed their rising with him as well. The same impulse and understanding exists today, for example, in Pope Francis’s exhortations to Catholics to go out to the margins of society because there they will find Christ. This oddity in Christianity needs to mentioned, because it can be obscured by some versions of Christianity that would have you believe that “good people” will be blessed by God with worldly success. Also, of course, because we still can lapse into the “great man” type thinking that
singles out people like Alexander, Caesar, Cecil Rhodes, Teddy Roosevelt or, indeed, Catherine the Great, Florence Nightingale or Angela Merkel as people of “destiny”. Christian faith rather proposes that what happens to someone in this life is only half, in fact far less than half, the story. So, Easter brings hope. It is hard to imagine anyone being in a more hopeless state than Jesus on the cross. But he rose from the dead, and that is the destiny of all those who, like him, keep faith in God, humanity, goodness, and truth, despite seeing evil, lies and corruption apparently triumphant. None of this makes sense without the Resurrection, without Easter. The Resurrection puts everything else in life in perspective, even crucifixion. In the midst of troubles and disaster, people of hope carry on because hope trumps fear,
trumps despair. And the Christian hope is Resurrection, it is built on Easter. Not everyone who reads this will share my beliefs. I understand that. Still, in a time when religion is often seen as basically an institution intended to improve society, and perhaps not a very effective one at that, it needs to be said that there’s more to it than that. It’s a different way of seeing the world, life, and human destiny. It sees them through the twin lenses of a shattered man-god on a cross and, on Easter morning, an empty grave. May you all have a Happy Easter. Bishop Bill Wright is the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle
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21 At St Therese’s Primary School in New Lambton, many of us have family or friends who were affected by the bushfires of 2019-2020, Covid restrictions and the associated job losses, and more recently, flooding rains.
The St Therese’s Primary School community recently donated hundreds of Easter eggs to families staying at Ronald McDonald House over the Easter weekend.
Putting others first KAYLENE MARETICH
This raised awareness in our students of the difficulties life can throw at us. Groups of senior students organised their own fundraising for issues important to them, headed up by organisations such as Guide Dogs Australia, the Cancer Council, the World Wildlife Fund, and the Bushfire Appeal. As we entered Lent, and contemplated the sacrifices Jesus made for us, the students wanted to focus on what they could do to help others. Rather than asking for donations for our Annual Easter Raffle, we decided to use all the donations to create hampers for the John Hunter Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House.
We are hopeful that this gesture will bring some joy to children hospitalised over the Easter weekend, their families and the healthcare staff who look after them. Our school captains, Pip Allen and George Hartcher, joined me to drop off the donated eggs on behalf of the school. “It was really amazing seeing just how happy people were to receive the eggs,” Pip said. “I was quite happy that we decided to donate the eggs, rather than having a raffle like we normally do, as it’s an opportunity for us to make other people happy,” George said. I am so proud of our students, as they have continued to put the needs of others first.
COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
BISHOP BILL’S SYNOD REFLECTION DAYS As we move closer to Session Two of Synod, you are invited to listen and contemplate as Bishop Bill reflects on: •
Francis’s vision of our future Church
•
our Australian experience
•
future possibilities.
The two-hour presentation will include questions for dialogue and afternoon tea/supper. Bishop Bill will present his reflection in a variety of locations across the Diocese, repeated both before and after Mass. Attendees can choose which reflection session they would prefer to attend. Registration before the day is essential. To register go to: www.domnsynod.com.au/get-involved/ reflection-days-with-bishop-bill/ In each location Reflection 1 will occur between 2.30pm-4.30pm Mass will be held between 5pm-5.30pm Reflection 2 will occur between 6pm-8pm Tuesday 13 April – St Joseph’s High School & St Thomas’ Church, Aberdeen Wednesday 14 April – All Saints College, St Mary’s Campus, Maitland
SOCIAL JUSTICE ART
LIVE STREAM
The Social Justice 2020-2021 Statement, To Live Life to the Full: Mental health in Australia today, provides the opportunity to better understand mental illness and how as social beings we need the bonds of family, friends and the broader community to celebrate the joys and hopes of life.
Live stream Mass every Sunday at 9.30am from the Sacred Heart Cathedral at www.mn.catholic.org.au/places/live-stream/
Individuals are invited to create a work based on the themes found in the Social Justice Statement, which will then form part of the Social Justice Art Exhibition held on 17 July at the Veritas Centre, Mayfield, where a winner will be announced. You may choose to create an artwork in your own time, or attend an art workshop, which focuses on the Social Justice Statement and also includes prayer and reflection. The cost to attend is $10, which will be used to provide art supplies.
4 April: Easter Sunday 7 April: World Health Day 23 April: The Feast of St George 22 April: International Mother Earth Day
Wednesday 28 April, 9.30am – 2.30pm, St Columban’s Hall, Church St, Mayfield
25 April: Anzac Day
Thursday 29 April, 9.30am – 2.30pm, Catholic Parish Office, Unit 5/16 Cambridge St, Singleton Friday 30 April, 9.30am – 2.30pm, Community Centre, St Joseph’s Parish, Kilaben Bay, 140 Wangi Rd, Toronto Monday 3 May, 9.30am – 2.30pm, Holy Name of Jesus Parish, 33 Lake St, Forster To register to attend a workshop, visit: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/social-justice-artworkshop-tickets-145391039513
Tuesday 20 April – Holy Name Parish, Forster
Artworks are due by 19 June and should be presented to the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle reception at 841 Hunter St, Newcastle West. Artworks can be two or three-dimensional, but no larger than 1m x 1m. Entries should include the entrant’s name, title of work, school and/or parish and phone number clearly labelled on the back. This information, plus a 150-word (maximum) artist statement must accompany the work. To find out more please email rose.mcallister@mn.catholic.org.au.
Tuesday 4 May – Sacred Heart Cathedral, Newcastle West
APRIL
Workshop dates are as follows
Thursday 15 April – St Mary Immaculate Parish, Charlestown
Thursday 22 April – St Joseph Parish, Toronto
KEY DATES
For more events, please visit mn.catholic.org.au
For the latest news and events in our Diocese You can download the Diocese phone, iPad or tablet app
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Book talk Grug and the Bushfire TED PRIOR
Review by Melissa Hunt, Principal of St Joseph School, Wingham. Author and illustrator of the Grug books, Ted Prior, lives in Killabakh, one of the many communities ravaged by the 2019 bushfires. Prior witnessed first-hand the damage to property, animals, and the bush, which prompted an interest in the effect of bushfires on wildlife. It inspired him to write Grug and the Bushfire. This is his first Grug book since 2016 and is the 35th in the Grug series, which began in 1979. The book was released 12 months after the devastating fires and a portion of the proceeds from sales is being donated to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. Grug is a bush character Prior created when he decided to write a story for his two young children. Grug is childlike, and his stories are often about common life events that children experience. Grug likes to take care of the environment and the main message in his books is our need to conserve creation. The latest story finds Grug’s home suffering
Food talk Fried rice among the gum trees
Where is Australia? That was the question Sister Lucie asked herself when she was approached more than 12 years ago as a nun for The Immaculate Heart of Mary to relocate from Vietnam. Despite limited travel experience, Sister Lucie not only moved to a foreign country but has managed to find a home away from home in Australia. She passes on her knowledge of Vietnamese culture to some
A U R O R A C AT H O L I C D I O C E S E O F M A I T L A N D - N E W C A S T L E
from drought. Grug, notices a cloud of smoke coming closer and his friends help him realise it is a bushfire. Grug welcomes his animal friends into his underground home to keep them safe until the bushfire passes. After the fire, we follow Grug and his friends as they experience the renewal of the bush and the recovery of their community. Grug and the Bushfire provides a positive and friendly way for children to process their personal experience of the fires. When writing and illustrating the book, Prior was mindful of its potential impact on children. He captures the essence of the bushfire without displaying devastating images. Grug and the Bushfire would be a wonderful addition to any school library or home bookshelf and offers a useful way to help children understand and process the cycle of a bushfire from devastation to renewal. After the bushfires, the children of St Joseph’s at Wingham raised funds for the Killabakh fire station and were incredibly lucky to welcome Prior to their school to listen to him read Grug and the Bushfire and ask him questions about Grug.
of our younger residents through her work at St Nicholas OOSH, Glendale. “It is a joy for me to be able to share Vietnamese culture with the children,” she says. Sister Lucie has shown off her national costume and brings to life events such as the Moon Festival and Lunar New Year. “But Vietnamese food is one of my favourite things to share with the children,”
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
500ml (2 cups) water
Cook rice according to package directions.
300g (1½ cups) jasmine rice
Heat vegetable or sesame oil in a wok or pan over medium-high heat.
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional) 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (sesame oil can also be used)
Stir in garlic. When garlic is lightly browned, add ham and cook for 3-4 minutes.
1 clove garlic minced
Add vegies and cook until they are tender.
1-2 cups ham diced
Stir in beaten eggs. Cook until eggs are scrambled and firm.
2 eggs beaten soy sauce to taste (vegetable powder can also be used)
“I have had the opportunity to cook Vietnamese cuisine with the children during vacation care, including spring rolls and fried rice. “Cooking and eating together has been a lot of fun for us.” Please enjoy Sister Lucie’s delicious Vietnamese fried rice; a simple recipe you can cook with your children at home.
Add onions to the hot oil and stir until clear and light brown.
1 small onion chopped (green onions can also be used)
1 cup carrots and peas diced – frozen works great
Sister Lucie says.
When rice is done, add to wok and mix in thoroughly. Stir in soy sauce (or vegetable powder), a little at a time. You can always add more, so don't overdo it. Serve immediately.
For a "dry" fried rice, steam the white rice a day ahead. After cooking rice, let it cool to room temperature. Place the rice in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge overnight. Add refrigerated rice to the skillet as described in the instructions above.
Can you help make a difference?
Foster carers support children and young people to meet their full potential by providing them with a safe, stable and nurturing environment to grow up in. Being a foster carer is both challenging and rewarding, but our carers don’t do it alone. CatholicCare partners with our carers, providing them with ongoing support and guidance to assist them in meeting the needs of children in their care. To find out more about being an immediate, respite, short or long-term foster carer, visit www.catholiccare.org.au or phone (02) 4944 0711
catholiccare.org.au
Make these school holidays a time your children will never forget St Nicholas OOSH Vacation Care • • • •
From Taree and Forster, to Morisset, out to Denman and many places in-between Activities include ten pin bowling, a magic show, laser tag, and plenty more Early starts and late finishes available All eligible families are entitled to receive the Child Care Subsidy*
Programs available now at stnicholasoosh.org.au | Operating between 6 – 16 April *Enrolments with St Nicholas OOSH must be confirmed with Centrelink
www.stnicholasoosh.org.au