Plaque 136
Kevin & Pat Callanan
I chose my Uncle Kev and Aunty Pat as models of mercy because of the inspiring way their faith informed their lives. During the refugee crisis in the late 1970’s, when thousands of Vietnamese ‘boat’ people arrived in Australia, they opened their home to one young refugee couple Tuyen and Tuoi Do. Pat and Kevin offered support and a new start in life for them by providing accommodation in their garage which had been recently refitted. All this while maintaining a normal life with their own family, with 3 teenagers still at home. Tuyen and Tuoi stayed with them for 9 months before moving on to integrate into Australian life. In the process they became an important part of Kevin and Pat’s family (and our extended family).
Kevin was also a regular volunteer for many years at St Mary’s House of Welcome in Fitzroy, a commitment that Pat took over after Kevin’s sudden death at aged 56, and continued for another 20 years. The love, compassion and work for social justice they modelled, continues to inspire me and I feel so blessed to have them as a beloved Uncle and Aunty.
by: Mary Ryan
Plaque 14
Nony Chong
I chose my oldest sister, Nony, because she represents the word “mercy” in every sense – graceful, compassionate and exudes kindness in all that she does.
There was one day in my early 20s when Nony was driving me to the airport.I got angry when
the car in front of us suddenly made a right turn without indicating but Nony said calmly, “maybe he didn’t realise his indicator wasn’t working”.That’s very her, always slow to anger, always seeing the good rather than the faults in others.That incident made me realise how much I wanted to be like her, and to raise a God-loving family, just like her.
To this day she continues to inspire me with her unwavering faith in God and leading a prayerful life.She’s my oldest sibling but more importantly, she’s a role model to me in more ways than she ever realised.
by: Cecilia Chong
Plaque 124
Thelma Clark
I chose Aunty Thelma because she was not only my aunty, but also my best friend.When I was growing up she was the person I could talk to about anything.She never had children of her own but we spent a lot of time together going on holidays and I used to spend a lot of time at her house. She was always so kind and pleasant to everyone she met and loved me unconditionally.
by: Barbara McGowan
Plaque 52
Nola Curran
I chose Nola Curran because she is kind, willing to help and inclusive of others.She is a hard worker and shows compassion and understanding to those less fortunate in her daily life and work every day.Nola is a great role model to those around her.She is gracious and is willing with her time for me and by this I know that I am loved.She drives and encourages me to follow my heart and my dreams.
by: Rilee Oliver
Plaque 9
Nancy D’Allensndro &
Marjorie Story
I chose Nancy and Marjorie because these two ladies have been a part of my life for almost 70 years. One of strong Catholic Italian back ground, the other equally strong Church of England. To me they represent grace, humanity, charity, love and kindness. Always there when needed, no questions asked, ready to help whatever the situation.
by: Shirley Graham
Plaque 9
Nancy D’Allensndro &
Marjorie Story
I chose Nancy and Marjorie because these two ladies have been a part of my life for almost 70 years. One of strong Catholic Italian back ground, the other equally strong Church of England. To me they represent grace, humanity, charity, love and kindness. Always there when needed, no questions asked, ready to help whatever the situation.
by: Shirley Graham
Plaque 66
Lyn Davey
I chose Lyn Davey because she knits hats and clothing for babies in hospital and the under privileged. Lyn always welcomes you with open arms. She spends so much time helping others and it’s important to her to pay her respects to God in church. When I grow up I would like to be like Lyn.
by: Ella Davey
Plaque 34
Jacinta Rose Deed
I chose Jacinta because she is kind, loving, and friendly and she always tries cheering people up.She loves everyone she meets including me.Jacinta shows mercy and grace wherever she goes.
by: Madison Bell
Plaque 126
James Desmond
I chose Grandpa because he was dedicated to his faith and living how God wants us to.Leading by example and passing on important Christian values, including being kind, compassionate, faithful, respectful and loving.Admired by his 5 children, 17 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and everyone who met him.
by: John & Bernadette Loughron Belinda & Xavier McCartney
Plaque 107
Kathleen Desmond
I chose Nan because in her younger years she suffered due to illness and spent a long time away from her family.As a consequence, she had a lot of empathy and compassion for anyone in need.Due to her physical restrictions, her way of helping people was to pray for whatever needs they had.
by: The Loughron and McCartney family
Plaque 78
Bernard Dossetter
I chose Grandad because he was a Staff Sergeant Signals Training Officer of the Nigerian Army in the 1960’s.Grandad helped the Nigerians protect their country.He often had to show compassion to his troops knowing the times they had been through.
by: Luke Dossetter
Plaque 121
Tineke Elderhorst
I chose the above because they are always there for me.My family always make sure I am alright.The Evergreens are there for me and make sure I get to Mass and trips.The Parish House girls all get me to the shops on Wednesdays and I get a lovely cup of coffee and a chat.Thankyou.
by: Ann Gysberts