NEWSLETTER OF RYDER CHESHIRE AUSTRALIA ISSUE NUMBER 83 MAY 2014 GREETINGS FROM OUR P GREETINGS FROM OUR P GREETINGS FROM OUR P GREETINGS FROM OUR PRESIDENT RESIDENT RESIDENT RESIDENT The Biennial Conference The Biennial Conference The Biennial Conference The Biennial Conference held in Sydney 12-13 April 2014 was a resounding success. Chris Hannan and her team from RCF NSW did a great job in organising the Conference and a full report is on page four. I was delighted to hear from Neville Gilbertson, President of the Ryder-Cheshire Mount Gambier Home Foundation, that Rotary had approved a grant for US$36,500 for the the the the purchase of a GeneXpert machine for Klibur Domin. purchase of a GeneXpert machine for Klibur Domin. purchase of a GeneXpert machine for Klibur Domin. purchase of a GeneXpert machine for Klibur Domin. This will provide Klibur Domin with the ability to detect Tuberculo- sis (TB) and in particular Multi Drug Resistant-TB (MDR-TB) in just one hour. Previous testing of MDR-TB has relied on growing cultures from sputum samples, a procedure that required the samples to be sent from Timor-Leste to Ade- laide and took several months. Now MDR-TB patients will be able to embark on a course of drugs within hours of their test. This is a great step forward. The new TB Laboratory at Klibur Domin, The new TB Laboratory at Klibur Domin, The new TB Laboratory at Klibur Domin, The new TB Laboratory at Klibur Domin, funded by RCF NSW donors, including Rosemary Coffey, St Ignatius River- view College and the Rotary Club of Como Jannali, has been completed and is awaiting furniture and fittings. This is being funded by the Rotary Club of Ballina after one of their mem- bers, Therese Crollick, visited Klibur Domin and saw the need in 2013. My thanks go to all who have contributed to this new and important facility. I was also delighted to know that another team of Mount Mount Mount Mount Gambier Rotarians Gambier Rotarians Gambier Rotarians Gambier Rotarians will head to Klibur Domin in June to un- dertake a renovation of a cottage which will be used by volunteers. This is the third year in a row that we have had teams from Mt Gambier undertake such projects and I am delighted with their excellent support. Funding for this latest project will come from RCF SA and RCF Vic. Raphael has requested financial assistance for students who students who students who students who have completed their stay at the Little White House have completed their stay at the Little White House have completed their stay at the Little White House have completed their stay at the Little White House and are moving on to tertiary studies. These studies, which take three to four years and cost up to $7,000 for each student, will give the students an excellent start in life and enable them to escape the stigma of leprosy which dealt their parents such cruel blows. RCA will be making a contribution, but we would be delighted if any of our sponsors or supporters could assist with this. Please contact your State Foundation or Support Group President. Finally ,we have been blessed to receive a number of substantial bequests bequests bequests bequests over the years and these have helped enormously in enabling us to meet our commitments to our overseas and Australian Homes. A new brochure A new brochure A new brochure A new brochure has been produced and is distributed with this Newsletter. I would ask all supporters to seriously consider remembering Ryder- Cheshire in their wills so that we can ensure our work can continue in the years ahead. Peter Newton Peter Newton Peter Newton Peter Newton President, Ryder President, Ryder President, Ryder President, Ryder-Cheshire Australia April 2014 Cheshire Australia April 2014 Cheshire Australia April 2014 Cheshire Australia April 2014 IN THIS ISSUE IN THIS ISSUE IN THIS ISSUE IN THIS ISSUE Page Greetings from our President 1 Supporting Ryder Cheshire - Chanel College 1/2 Tenison Woods College 2 Introducing “The Red Feather” 2 Contacts and Notices 2 Children Helping Children 3 Deepdene Coffee Group 3 Vale Margaret Blaber 3 Biennial Conference Report 4 New Zealand Ryder Cheshire Home 4 Crowd Funding 4 Glimpses of Raphael 5 How You Can Help 6 At the Biennial Conference Pictured above (l to r) Chris Hannan, National Vice-President, Maxine Dale, Manawatu NZ, Joaquim Soares, Klibur Domin, Carolyn Tapley, Canterbury NZ, Kathy Martin, Manawatu NZ (front), Priyo Lall, Raphael, Radhesh Lall, Peter Newton, National President. SUPPORTING RYDER CHESHIRE SUPPORTING RYDER CHESHIRE SUPPORTING RYDER CHESHIRE SUPPORTING RYDER CHESHIRE Chanel College in Gladstone, Queensland Chanel College in Gladstone, Queensland Chanel College in Gladstone, Queensland Chanel College in Gladstone, Queensland began its associa- tion with the Ryder Cheshire Foundation during the final term of 2000 and ever since students have raised funds for Klibur Domin and given their time to volunteering in Timor Leste. Continued p2 Chanel College Students with KD children.
Transcript
NEWSLETTER OF RYDER CHESHIRE AUSTRALIA ISSUE NUMBER 83 MAY 2014
GREETINGS FROM OUR PGREETINGS FROM OUR PGREETINGS FROM OUR PGREETINGS FROM OUR PRESIDENT RESIDENT RESIDENT RESIDENT
The Biennial Conference The Biennial Conference The Biennial Conference The Biennial Conference held in Sydney 12-13 April 2014 was a resounding success. Chris Hannan and her team from RCF NSW did a great job in organising the Conference and a full report is on page four.
I was delighted to hear from Neville Gilbertson, President of the Ryder-Cheshire Mount Gambier Home Foundation, that Rotary had approved a grant for US$36,500 for the the the the purchase of a GeneXpert machine for Klibur Domin.purchase of a GeneXpert machine for Klibur Domin.purchase of a GeneXpert machine for Klibur Domin.purchase of a GeneXpert machine for Klibur Domin. This will provide Klibur Domin with the ability to detect Tuberculo-sis (TB) and in particular Multi Drug Resistant-TB (MDR-TB) in just one hour. Previous testing of MDR-TB has relied on growing cultures from sputum samples, a procedure that required the samples to be sent from Timor-Leste to Ade-laide and took several months. Now MDR-TB patients will be able to embark on a course of drugs within hours of their test. This is a great step forward.
The new TB Laboratory at Klibur Domin, The new TB Laboratory at Klibur Domin, The new TB Laboratory at Klibur Domin, The new TB Laboratory at Klibur Domin, funded by RCF NSW donors, including Rosemary Coffey, St Ignatius River-view College and the Rotary Club of Como Jannali, has been completed and is awaiting furniture and fittings. This is being funded by the Rotary Club of Ballina after one of their mem-bers, Therese Crollick, visited Klibur Domin and saw the need in 2013. My thanks go to all who have contributed to this new and important facility.
I was also delighted to know that another team of Mount Mount Mount Mount Gambier RotariansGambier RotariansGambier RotariansGambier Rotarians will head to Klibur Domin in June to un-dertake a renovation of a cottage which will be used by volunteers. This is the third year in a row that we have had teams from Mt Gambier undertake such projects and I am delighted with their excellent support. Funding for this latest project will come from RCF SA and RCF Vic.
Raphael has requested financial assistance for students who students who students who students who have completed their stay at the Little White House have completed their stay at the Little White House have completed their stay at the Little White House have completed their stay at the Little White House and are moving on to tertiary studies. These studies, which take three to four years and cost up to $7,000 for each student, will give the students an excellent start in life and enable them to escape the stigma of leprosy which dealt their parents such cruel blows. RCA will be making a contribution, but we would be delighted if any of our sponsors or supporters could assist with this. Please contact your State Foundation or Support Group President.
Finally ,we have been blessed to receive a number of substantial bequests bequests bequests bequests over the years and these have helped enormously in enabling us to meet our commitments to our overseas and Australian Homes. A new brochure A new brochure A new brochure A new brochure has been produced and is distributed with this Newsletter. I would ask all supporters to seriously consider remembering Ryder-Cheshire in their wills so that we can ensure our work can continue in the years ahead.
Peter Newton Peter Newton Peter Newton Peter Newton
President, RyderPresident, RyderPresident, RyderPresident, Ryder----Cheshire Australia April 2014Cheshire Australia April 2014Cheshire Australia April 2014Cheshire Australia April 2014
IN THIS ISSUE IN THIS ISSUE IN THIS ISSUE IN THIS ISSUE Page Greetings from our President 1 Supporting Ryder Cheshire - Chanel College 1/2 Tenison Woods College 2 Introducing “The Red Feather” 2 Contacts and Notices 2 Children Helping Children 3 Deepdene Coffee Group 3 Vale Margaret Blaber 3 Biennial Conference Report 4 New Zealand Ryder Cheshire Home 4 Crowd Funding 4 Glimpses of Raphael 5 How You Can Help 6
At the Biennial Conference Pictured above (l to r) Chris Hannan, National Vice-President, Maxine Dale, Manawatu NZ, Joaquim Soares, Klibur Domin, Carolyn Tapley, Canterbury NZ, Kathy Martin, Manawatu NZ (front), Priyo Lall, Raphael, Radhesh Lall, Peter Newton, National President.
Chanel College in Gladstone, Queensland Chanel College in Gladstone, Queensland Chanel College in Gladstone, Queensland Chanel College in Gladstone, Queensland began its associa-tion with the Ryder Cheshire Foundation during the final term of 2000 and ever since students have raised funds for Klibur Domin and given their time to volunteering in Timor Leste. Continued p2 Chanel College Students with KD children.
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RYDERRYDERRYDERRYDER----CHESHIRE CHESHIRE CHESHIRE CHESHIRE AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA
Founders:Founders:Founders:Founders:----
Group Captain Lord Cheshire Group Captain Lord Cheshire Group Captain Lord Cheshire Group Captain Lord Cheshire
VC OM DSO DFC VC OM DSO DFC VC OM DSO DFC VC OM DSO DFC
Lady Ryder of Warsaw CMG OBELady Ryder of Warsaw CMG OBELady Ryder of Warsaw CMG OBELady Ryder of Warsaw CMG OBE
CONTACTSCONTACTSCONTACTSCONTACTS
National PresidentNational PresidentNational PresidentNational President Peter Newton AO 03 9894 3191 [email protected]
New South WalesNew South WalesNew South WalesNew South Wales Christine Hannan 02 9416 7569 [email protected]
Singleton Support GroupSingleton Support GroupSingleton Support GroupSingleton Support Group Cheryl Nesbitt 02 6573 1487 [email protected]
South AustraliaSouth AustraliaSouth AustraliaSouth Australia Rory McEwen [email protected]
VictoriaVictoriaVictoriaVictoria Peter McConnell 03 9939 7501 [email protected]
Victorian Homes Ivanhoe Victorian Homes Ivanhoe Victorian Homes Ivanhoe Victorian Homes Ivanhoe Ivanhoe Home 03 9254 2400 Jill Moor 03 9816 9889 [email protected]
NewsletterNewsletterNewsletterNewsletter Evelyn Petters 08 9349 5043 4 Arkana Way, Balcatta, WA 6021 [email protected] This Newsletter is edited and produced
Tel (08 9349 5043) Newsletters are issued in May and
November each year and the next issue will be published in early November 2014
Contributors should submit articles and photos Contributors should submit articles and photos Contributors should submit articles and photos Contributors should submit articles and photos
by eby eby eby e----mail to mail to mail to mail to
At this time, Chanel teacher, Ann Mills, and her husband, Rob, were preparing to spend a year volunteering at Klibur Domin and the 2000 Year 12 students presented them with a cheque for $2,700 to assist with the work at Klibur Domin. In 2001 this donation was used to purchase water filters for the new water bore at the home. In addition, throughout 2001 school year, Staff from Chanel College and some Staff from the Rockhampton Catholic Edu-cation Office had amounts from their fort-nightly pay transferred into a bank account that could be accessed by the Mills. This proved to be a Godsend at times when those few extra dollars meant the purchase of seeds, a little extra pipe, tools and other materials, or the ability to assist in so many other ways. Since 2008, groups of Chanel students have been participating in Immer-sions to Timor Leste on a bi-annual basis and a visit to Klibur Domin is always part of these experiences. Each group of students undertakes to fundraise for projects inTimor Leste and a portion of this is always do-nated to Klibur Domin.
The 2012 group of students were so im-pressed with the work carried out at Klibur Domin that they persuaded their fellow Year 12 students to donate $2,400 of the amount they raised for charity, to Klibur Domin. This money will be used to under-take major repairs to the 4WD vehicle used by the Klibur Domin Mobile TB Team which visits remote villages to detect and treat TB.
During the 2014 September holidays, another group of 11 students and teachers will immerse themselves in the lives of the people of Timor Leste and again they hope to visit Klibur Domin.
RyderRyderRyderRyder----Cheshire gratefully acknowledges Cheshire gratefully acknowledges Cheshire gratefully acknowledges Cheshire gratefully acknowledges David and Neil Coath, of David and Neil Coath, of David and Neil Coath, of David and Neil Coath, of
PROMPT DISTRIBUTION PTY LTD, PROMPT DISTRIBUTION PTY LTD, PROMPT DISTRIBUTION PTY LTD, PROMPT DISTRIBUTION PTY LTD, West West West West Heidelberg, Victoria, Heidelberg, Victoria, Heidelberg, Victoria, Heidelberg, Victoria,
who most generously arrange and pay for who most generously arrange and pay for who most generously arrange and pay for who most generously arrange and pay for the distribution of this Newsletter.the distribution of this Newsletter.the distribution of this Newsletter.the distribution of this Newsletter.
Thank you David and Neil, we so much Thank you David and Neil, we so much Thank you David and Neil, we so much Thank you David and Neil, we so much appreciate your generosity. appreciate your generosity. appreciate your generosity. appreciate your generosity.
T enison Woods College, Mount Gambierenison Woods College, Mount Gambierenison Woods College, Mount Gambierenison Woods College, Mount Gambier. . . . This is a co-educational Catholic school on beautiful grounds at the base of Mount Gambier. Over the decades it has developed
into a prestigious Reception to Year 12 establishment. The school motto is, Let Your Light Shine. High academic, sporting, musical and artistic results are features of the school. The 1300 students are encouraged to look beyond our shores to those less fortunate and therefore the school has several overseas programmes.
For 40 years through small events, the students have raised money to sponsor a resident of Raphael. Past Director, General Bahkshi and our Founders have visited the school over the years. Recently, students visited Timor Leste through a Catholic charity organisation and while Klibur Domin was not on the travel agenda, they are kept abreast of the Ryder-Cheshire connection.
RyderRyderRyderRyder----Cheshire SA is deeply appreciative of the past and continuing Cheshire SA is deeply appreciative of the past and continuing Cheshire SA is deeply appreciative of the past and continuing Cheshire SA is deeply appreciative of the past and continuing support of the Tenison Woods College community.support of the Tenison Woods College community.support of the Tenison Woods College community.support of the Tenison Woods College community.
INTRODUCING “THE RED FEATHER”
The Ryder Cheshire Newsletter will now be known as “The Red Feather”. The colour red is a symbol of joy in the East and stands for security, happiness and prosper-
ity and is therefore a good omen. The use of the Red Feather started when the Singapore Cheshire Home wanted to have a flag day. As there were so many flag days in Singapore it was decided to have a feather instead of a flag. The feather was later chosen as an emblem for the worldwide Cheshire Foundation. Feathers fly all over and it was hoped the Cheshire Homes would likewise spring up. The use of this emblem for our Newsletter was adopted at the 2012 Biennial meeting. The oval logo has been retained in the masthead as it contains
rosemary, Sue Ryder’s symbol of remembrance. We hope you will welcome this new name for our newsletter as a tribute to our Founders.
CHILDREN HELPING CHICHILDREN HELPING CHICHILDREN HELPING CHICHILDREN HELPING CHILDREN LDREN LDREN LDREN by Dianne McGrath, Ballarat Support Group
In 2013 Principals of the Ballarat Grammar Junior School met with the Ballarat Support Group. This School has been a very long time sponsor of two residents at Raphael. They had a particular request: “We wish to engender in our students a better understanding of our near neighbour and friend, Timor Leste. Is there a project at Kli-bur Domin that our students would be able to engage with ? “ After discussion with Peter Newton, RCA National President, and After discussion with Peter Newton, RCA National President, and After discussion with Peter Newton, RCA National President, and After discussion with Peter Newton, RCA National President, and Joaquim Soares, Director of Klibur Domin, a child appropriate Joaquim Soares, Director of Klibur Domin, a child appropriate Joaquim Soares, Director of Klibur Domin, a child appropriate Joaquim Soares, Director of Klibur Domin, a child appropriate project was identified: project was identified: project was identified: project was identified: Students would learn about TB as part of their school program and would gather information, statistics, maps and illus-trations about this disease throughout Timor Leste.
The teachers and students set about working with the KD TB Team and an Australian volunteer, Siobhan Reeves. The project was undertaken by the students who researched information to be used in developing a KD TB post card for children in Timor Leste. The post cards to be used to reinforce the KD Mobile Community Outreach Program’s delivery of their TB education sessions in the villages and schools. The post cards to be distributed to each child in the geographical area that KD serves. The outcome would be to continue the eradication of TB by assisting children to be-come well aware of the disease and the conditions that enable it to spread. Siobhan Reeves, with guidance from Joaquim, worked with the KD TB Team and communicated with the Ballarat Gram-mar Junior School to undertake the task of developing the TB post cards.
The KD TB Team requested the information be child friendly with minimal Tetum text and the information be well supported by illus-trations. They also asked that the card be actual post card size as they were to be used by children as take home information. A fur-ther request by the Team was that the post cards be on a durable material that could survive the Timor Leste climate.
After many drafts and re-drafts, all these goals were achieved. The post cards were printed in Australia, which at that point in time was cost effective. However, it is intended that similar pro-jects will be printed in Timor Leste in the near future.
Now the challenge was ……. how to transport two boxes of 5000 post cards at minimal or no cost to reach Klibur Domin in good time to be used in the KD TB Pro-gram. A very big thankyou to the many volunteers going and returning to Klibur Domin and their
friends and families visiting Timor Leste for assisting with trans-porting the post cards. Their generosity meant that the challenge was solved. All 5000 post cards are on their way and will arrive there over the next few months. An additional request was received from the KD TB Team. They They They They wished to have a World Health Organization TB Comic Book,wished to have a World Health Organization TB Comic Book,wished to have a World Health Organization TB Comic Book,wished to have a World Health Organization TB Comic Book, Luis Luis Luis Luis Figo and the World Tuberculosis CupFigo and the World Tuberculosis CupFigo and the World Tuberculosis CupFigo and the World Tuberculosis Cup, translated from English into , translated from English into , translated from English into , translated from English into Tetum and copies be given to schools in the area of Klibur Domin. Tetum and copies be given to schools in the area of Klibur Domin. Tetum and copies be given to schools in the area of Klibur Domin. Tetum and copies be given to schools in the area of Klibur Domin.
The Team believed that this comic book would also be helpful in reinforcing the eradication of TB through knowledge and under-standing of the disease. Permission was sought from the World Health Organization and was granted. The English text is currently being translated for further approval before printing. One hundred comic books will be distributed to local schools for use in their school programs.
Special thanks are extended to:
• Joaquim and his KD TB Team for undertaking this TB pro-ject with the students and teachers at the Ballarat Grammar Junior School.
• The Ballarat Grammar Junior School teachers and students for assisting with, financing the project and supporting the ‘relief of suffering’ for people inTimor Leste.
• Siobhan Reeves, a self-funded volunteer at Klibur Domin, for assisting in co-ordinating this project, and her communi-cation between the Ballarat Grammar Junior School,
Ballarat Support Group and the KD TB Team.
• Peter Newton for his faith and enthusiasm in all the work that the Klibur Domin Team is undertaking to achieve
Ryder-Cheshire’s mission, ‘relief of suffering.’
V ale ale ale ale It is with great sadness we report the passing of Margaret Blaber in January 2014. Margaret, from South Australia, was a
dedicated supporter of Ryder-Cheshire, having made a number of extended visits to Raphael. Margaret was Secretary and a founder member of the South Australia Foundation and for more than 15 years wrote the Ryder-Cheshire Newsletter. Fondly remembered by all. Condolences to Les and all the family from all of her many Ryder-Cheshire friends.
DEEPDENE COFFEE GROUDEEPDENE COFFEE GROUDEEPDENE COFFEE GROUDEEPDENE COFFEE GROUP P P P (MELBOURNE) 1961(MELBOURNE) 1961(MELBOURNE) 1961(MELBOURNE) 1961----2014201420142014
Ryder-Cheshire is blessed with having some very loyal supporters who have sponsored residents at Raphael for more than 48 years including “Sumati” since 1986. The group started in 1961 when seven mothers of children at the Terry Street Kindergarten in Deepdene started meeting regularly in each other’s homes for coffee. In 1966 four members of that Group, survived now by In 1966 four members of that Group, survived now by In 1966 four members of that Group, survived now by In 1966 four members of that Group, survived now by Marie Fearon and Rosemary Beatty, went to Odyssey House in Marie Fearon and Rosemary Beatty, went to Odyssey House in Marie Fearon and Rosemary Beatty, went to Odyssey House in Marie Fearon and Rosemary Beatty, went to Odyssey House in Templestowe to hear a talk on Raphael by Josephine Collins. Templestowe to hear a talk on Raphael by Josephine Collins. Templestowe to hear a talk on Raphael by Josephine Collins. Templestowe to hear a talk on Raphael by Josephine Collins. She was most persuasive and in the same year members met and were inspired by Leonard Cheshire VC. A decision was taken to sponsor a child at $60 per year – which was duly receipted by our much loved Don Sinclair. From those small beginnings fundraising was expanded and has enabled more than $22,000 to be contrib-uted to Raphael.
The group grew to include as many as 14 active members and supporters drawn from other localities including Bulleen and sur-rounding suburbs. Coffee meetings evolved to luncheons every 6 weeks as well as attending the many functions, film nights and volunteering selling cards.
The Group has sponsored four girls over the years. They have regularly communicated with their “adoptees”, and Christmas cards and letters are exchanged.
Sadly, last month a long standing member (and historian), of the Group, Marjorie Heggen, passed away leaving six members – Rosemary Beatty, Liz Smith, Pat Day, Aileen Dorrat, Rene Rhode Rosemary Beatty, Liz Smith, Pat Day, Aileen Dorrat, Rene Rhode Rosemary Beatty, Liz Smith, Pat Day, Aileen Dorrat, Rene Rhode Rosemary Beatty, Liz Smith, Pat Day, Aileen Dorrat, Rene Rhode and Marie Fearonand Marie Fearonand Marie Fearonand Marie Fearon, who as Secretary since 1980, never fails to send in a regular cheque. Marie’s 1961 kindergarten child, Paul, is now Treasurer and Secretary of RCF Vic. A lovely circularity.
So from its humble beginning as a social get together for the moth-ers of kindergarten children, the Deepdene Group has evolved into a close circle of friends in their Golden Years who have a deeply humanitarian focus and who have provided wonderful support for each other, and the disadvantaged people of India. Their hope is that children of long standing supporters will continue the great mission for the relief of suffering established by our Founders and the example set by that generation for selfless giving.
RyderRyderRyderRyder----Cheshire and Raphael thank them all most sincerely Cheshire and Raphael thank them all most sincerely Cheshire and Raphael thank them all most sincerely Cheshire and Raphael thank them all most sincerely for their continuing and much valued loyal support.for their continuing and much valued loyal support.for their continuing and much valued loyal support.for their continuing and much valued loyal support.
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The RCA Biennial Conference was held at the Mary MacKillop Centre in North The RCA Biennial Conference was held at the Mary MacKillop Centre in North The RCA Biennial Conference was held at the Mary MacKillop Centre in North The RCA Biennial Conference was held at the Mary MacKillop Centre in North Sydney over the weekend of 12 Sydney over the weekend of 12 Sydney over the weekend of 12 Sydney over the weekend of 12 –––– 13 April, 2014. 13 April, 2014. 13 April, 2014. 13 April, 2014. This gave the opportunity for representatives from the RCA foundations and support groups from around Aus-tralia to get together and share their experiences and ideas about organisational issues, fundraising, volunteering, utilising electronic media (especially social me-dia) and generally looking to the future of the organisation.
There were about 50 people at the conference, and it was a great pleasure to There were about 50 people at the conference, and it was a great pleasure to There were about 50 people at the conference, and it was a great pleasure to There were about 50 people at the conference, and it was a great pleasure to have in attendance both Sr Joaquim Soares, the Director of Klibur Domin in have in attendance both Sr Joaquim Soares, the Director of Klibur Domin in have in attendance both Sr Joaquim Soares, the Director of Klibur Domin in have in attendance both Sr Joaquim Soares, the Director of Klibur Domin in TimorTimorTimorTimor----Leste, and Mrs Priyo Lall, the Head of Special Education at Raphael in Leste, and Mrs Priyo Lall, the Head of Special Education at Raphael in Leste, and Mrs Priyo Lall, the Head of Special Education at Raphael in Leste, and Mrs Priyo Lall, the Head of Special Education at Raphael in India. It was also wonderful to welcome Carolyn Tapley from the RyderIndia. It was also wonderful to welcome Carolyn Tapley from the RyderIndia. It was also wonderful to welcome Carolyn Tapley from the RyderIndia. It was also wonderful to welcome Carolyn Tapley from the Ryder----Cheshire Cheshire Cheshire Cheshire Foundation in Canterbury New Zealand, and Maxine Dale and Kathy Martin from Foundation in Canterbury New Zealand, and Maxine Dale and Kathy Martin from Foundation in Canterbury New Zealand, and Maxine Dale and Kathy Martin from Foundation in Canterbury New Zealand, and Maxine Dale and Kathy Martin from the Ryderthe Ryderthe Ryderthe Ryder----Cheshire Foundation in Manawatu New Zealand. Cheshire Foundation in Manawatu New Zealand. Cheshire Foundation in Manawatu New Zealand. Cheshire Foundation in Manawatu New Zealand.
The opening address was given by Kevin Bailey who is the former Honorary Consul in Melbourne, for Timor-Leste. Kevin certainly gave us a lot to think about in terms of our personal values and our commitment to the Ryder-Cheshire aim of working toward the relief of suffering.
It was very informative to hear firsthand reports about each of the Ryder-Cheshire Homes including Klibur Domin, Raphael, Manawatu, Ivanhoe, Single-including Klibur Domin, Raphael, Manawatu, Ivanhoe, Single-including Klibur Domin, Raphael, Manawatu, Ivanhoe, Single-including Klibur Domin, Raphael, Manawatu, Ivanhoe, Single-ton and Mt Gambier. ton and Mt Gambier. ton and Mt Gambier. ton and Mt Gambier. There were common threads running through all the re-ports such as the constant effort to provide a welcoming home environment, as well as special challenges such as the continuing battle against TB being waged at both Klibur Domin and Raphael. Another very interesting part of the Satur-day program was about the uses of social media. This included a preview of the design for the new RCA website, which will be compatible with iPhones and iPads. There was also discussion about the uses of Facebook and the preserva-tion of electronic files, and we witnessed the first RCA experiment in crowd fund-ing with the launch of the Timor-Leste Cerebral Palsy Awareness project.
The guest speaker at the conference dinner was Fr Paul ColemanFr Paul ColemanFr Paul ColemanFr Paul Coleman, the brother of the late Barbara (Coleman) Lewis who was Leonard Cheshire’s personal repre-sentative in India and a founding figure of Raphael. Fr Coleman’s address was erudite, entertaining and relevant to both the history and the future of RCA.
On Sunday, another highlight of the conference was the opportunity to see two films from the Ryder-Cheshire archives. The first was a Polish produced docu-mentary about the inspirational life and work of Sue Ryder, and the second was about a young Australian nurse who spent several years at Raphael setting up the TB program. It was fascinating to see this young woman working under ex-tremely difficult conditions and then to realise that more than forty years later she was sitting there with us. Anne Boyd, the MC of the conference, was that dedi-cated young nurse and remains a dedicated member of RCA.
The conference was a great opportunity to catch up with old friends, put names to new faces and to enjoy the ambience of the harbour city.
Congratulations go to every Congratulations go to every Congratulations go to every Congratulations go to every one involved in planning one involved in planning one involved in planning one involved in planning and running this event, and and running this event, and and running this event, and and running this event, and in particular to Christine in particular to Christine in particular to Christine in particular to Christine Hannan and the NSW Hannan and the NSW Hannan and the NSW Hannan and the NSW Foundation who hosted us, Foundation who hosted us, Foundation who hosted us, Foundation who hosted us, to Anne Boyd in the role of to Anne Boyd in the role of to Anne Boyd in the role of to Anne Boyd in the role of MC and to Terry Warr who MC and to Terry Warr who MC and to Terry Warr who MC and to Terry Warr who provided all the IT support. provided all the IT support. provided all the IT support. provided all the IT support. We look forward to meetingWe look forward to meetingWe look forward to meetingWe look forward to meeting again for the next RCA again for the next RCA again for the next RCA again for the next RCA Biennial Conference Biennial Conference Biennial Conference Biennial Conference at Ballarat in 2016. at Ballarat in 2016. at Ballarat in 2016. at Ballarat in 2016.
Ballarat Support Group members at the Biennial Conference with Priyo Lall, Raphael, and Joaquim Soares, Klibur Domin
RYDER CHESHIRE AUSTRALIA BIENNIAL CONFERENCERYDER CHESHIRE AUSTRALIA BIENNIAL CONFERENCERYDER CHESHIRE AUSTRALIA BIENNIAL CONFERENCERYDER CHESHIRE AUSTRALIA BIENNIAL CONFERENCE New Zealand Ryder Cheshire HomeNew Zealand Ryder Cheshire HomeNew Zealand Ryder Cheshire HomeNew Zealand Ryder Cheshire Home TAKU WHAKARURUHAUTAKU WHAKARURUHAUTAKU WHAKARURUHAUTAKU WHAKARURUHAU
My place for Living By Maxine Dale CEO
Manawatu in New Zealand Manawatu in New Zealand Manawatu in New Zealand Manawatu in New Zealand is able to focus twenty four hours every day on supporting persons with high needs disabilities to live as normal a life as is possible.
We have 9 specially designed homes, hous-ing 33 residents with scope to have 2 respite care people at any one time. There are 67 staff employed to provide a safe high quality service for the health and wellbeing of all those living at the complex, which is situated in a well-developed residential area with easy access to suburban shops, bus routes and other amenities.
Encouraging our 33 residents to take an active interest in the community and all things happening around them locally, nationally and worldwide, gives each resident a way of furthering growth in their outlook on life, while we are also providing shelter, sharing and hope. They are encouraged to plan weekly meal menus and do as much cooking and participation in the running of their homes as they are individu-ally capable of.
Residents have access to medical care of their choice, and procedures and systems are in place for the administration of medica-tion. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech language therapy will be ar-ranged when required. Board costs are funded through either our Ministry of Health and WINZ – New Zealand Benefit Depart-ment, or ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) for those who have sustained a disability through an accident, or by private funding.
Maxine Dale, along with a resident of the home, Kathy Martin, who had travelled with her to Australia, gave a very interesting presentation about the home at the Biennial Conference
The very first Ryder-Cheshire Crowd Funding project was launched at the National Biennial Conference. Pozible, a totally owned and operated Australian business, was the company chosen as the platform for Crowd Funding. Leo Rennie, Terry Warr, Siobhan Reeves and Dianne McGrath em-barked on this new technology project to raise funds. The project was called - Timor Leste Cerebral Palsy Awareness.
The facts:- Target at outset -
$1,000 within 45 days. Reached $1,000 in 11 days Must run the whole 45 days, so donations are still coming in Current total as at 1st May 2014 is $1,220 Rewards are given as a way of thanking the donors. (Joy Brisbane has generously donated her artwork) This is a first time. This project has been highly successful. For next time, it can only improve upon what has worked so well.
For more information – www.pozible.com/project/178186#p2 www.joybrisbane.com
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OVERSEAS VOLUNTEERS’ COOVERSEAS VOLUNTEERS’ COOVERSEAS VOLUNTEERS’ COOVERSEAS VOLUNTEERS’ CO----ORDINATOR, ORDINATOR, ORDINATOR, ORDINATOR, SUSIE MACKERRAS, RESUSIE MACKERRAS, RESUSIE MACKERRAS, RESUSIE MACKERRAS, REPORTS ON HER RECENT VISITPORTS ON HER RECENT VISITPORTS ON HER RECENT VISITPORTS ON HER RECENT VISIT
I had always wanted to get back to Raphael after my first visit volunteering in 1989. I no longer have children who needed me to be home. We were heading to Europe and it seemed a perfect opportunity to drop in on my way home. Not having been in India since 1989 I found the first couple of days quite difficult, and decided to head to the Lohdi Gardens to take a breather. I took local buses, reminding me I could, and once I settled into Dehradun felt quite happy to take the shared tuk tuk into town and then vikrams around local Dehradun.
At Dehradun I was met at the station by a Raphael driver and headed to the “new” volunteer quarters, a house beside Ava Vihar where the residential children and adults live. I met everyone I needed to meet, had a program drawn up for my stay which included visits with the Community Based Reha-bilitation team, time in Physiotherapy, a day with the Max India Project and meetings. I was then put into a classroom to help out where I could.
Every child in the class was at a different level but were all doing academic work, learning to read and write in both Hindi and English and doing various levels of maths. The teacher had full control in the classroom and had a great sense of humour. The kids loved this and responded well to
her. Every half hour the sessions changed.
The day started with assembly, followed by exercise and fitness, then off to the class-room before heading to the music room, a session which
was enjoyed by all the children. They really came alive dur-ing this half hour and often when not in class on hearing mu-sic they jumped up and started dancing and singing. After music it was back to the classroom before heading into Ava Vihar for lunch. The afternoons were spent in computer class, sport, general class or rehearsing for the Founder’s Day concert. After class I went down to the Little White House to chat with the kids in English, to Barbara Cottage where I enjoyed Chai with the girls or played with the Ava Vihar kids – mostly on the swings and playground.
Raphael continues to be a very special place to visit and “work”. I’m not sure I can call it work – I felt like I was having a good holiday.
As Overseas Volunteers’ Co-ordinator, and since during my last visit when there was no Special School, this visit gave me new insight into the role of the volunteer, what the centre, and the children and adults in the centre, gain with each vol-unteer.
It doesn’t make describing the role of the volunteer easier, It doesn’t make describing the role of the volunteer easier, It doesn’t make describing the role of the volunteer easier, It doesn’t make describing the role of the volunteer easier, but it does remind me that it is only from being there that we but it does remind me that it is only from being there that we but it does remind me that it is only from being there that we but it does remind me that it is only from being there that we can really understand that it is too difficult to explain and bet-can really understand that it is too difficult to explain and bet-can really understand that it is too difficult to explain and bet-can really understand that it is too difficult to explain and bet-ter to just experience it first hand.ter to just experience it first hand.ter to just experience it first hand.ter to just experience it first hand.
GLIMPSES OF RAPHAELGLIMPSES OF RAPHAELGLIMPSES OF RAPHAELGLIMPSES OF RAPHAEL
DAWN MANNING WRITES DAWN MANNING WRITES DAWN MANNING WRITES DAWN MANNING WRITES “FROM A VOLUNTEERS E“FROM A VOLUNTEERS E“FROM A VOLUNTEERS E“FROM A VOLUNTEERS EXPERIENCE”XPERIENCE”XPERIENCE”XPERIENCE”
AT RAPHAEL AS A CLASSROOM AIDE IN DEC 20AT RAPHAEL AS A CLASSROOM AIDE IN DEC 20AT RAPHAEL AS A CLASSROOM AIDE IN DEC 20AT RAPHAEL AS A CLASSROOM AIDE IN DEC 2013 13 13 13
As the clarion call of the Muslim early morning prayer call echoed into my deep sleep at 5.30 am, the cool chill of the winter air brushed my face. Glimpsing the mist outside on this relatively mild winter in Dehra Dun, the Indian climate was to my liking.
I set out on my morning reconnoitre of the neighbourhood and my hour walk, adorned in beanie to merge with the locals, thick gloves and my new colorful wool stole woven at Raphael around my shoulders. Further along, my new ‘friend’ who had engaged me by ‘come in, one coffee, one tea’ meant that the bonus of inclusion in her life plus hot morning mild coffee for 20 minutes were a highlight of the walk. All was well in the world.
Rushing off after a warm hug and promise to come again tomorrow, I re-entered the quiet of the long walk past Ava Vihar, waving to a few early risers crouched over a make-shift fire to warm their hands. And the bold yellows of the marigolds, tended by garden staff were a touch of color as I walked to the Volunteer Mess for a breakfast of recognition; cornflakes. Although on occasions, Hari the talented cook used a balance of spices and tastes to perfection to treat my taste buds to excellent local cuisine.
Certainly, we were treated to a splendid variety of meals, and my usual thanks for his inviting me to his ‘restaurant’ generally put a great smile on his face. Western news whilst we ate informed us of happenings far removed yet prevented gross culture shock so we could ground our-selves in ‘western normality’ if necessary. Smiles contin-ued as autos brought school students to the school and the Shiv Sadan children poured out of their breakfast room, hair combed and slicked with oil, clean faces, uniforms un-dishevelled as yet.
Punctually the teachers arrived, arrayed in bright combi-nations of jumpers, trouser suits and wraps around their shoulders, always with a warm greeting. General Assembly, the students standing in line as they sang a variety of school anthem, hymns, or Jingle Bells started the day. A wayward child would be lovingly re-strained from hitting his neighbor just as with kids all round the world. Morning exercises for 15 minutes were a mix of long strides, arm waving, physical stretches and great glee; two girls would scramble to hold my hand each morning and off we set, arms swinging and happy, humming and following the pack. And school hasn’t even started…
The sights, sounds and smells left me daily with a sense of well being; life was being lived in its fullness here in Raph-ael and Dehra Dun. There was a sense of well-being amongst the people, togetherness, sharing of lives, com-munity that was reassuring and fitted well with my ethos of life; it is to be shared.
Children of the class perform a nativity play
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NEW SPONSORS URGENTLY NEEDED !NEW SPONSORS URGENTLY NEEDED !NEW SPONSORS URGENTLY NEEDED !NEW SPONSORS URGENTLY NEEDED ! YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE IN RYDERYOUR OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE IN RYDERYOUR OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE IN RYDERYOUR OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE IN RYDER----CHESHIRE’S HUMANITARIAN WORK CHESHIRE’S HUMANITARIAN WORK CHESHIRE’S HUMANITARIAN WORK CHESHIRE’S HUMANITARIAN WORK
Sponsors are essential to allow us to maintain support and develop much needed programs
at Raphael in India and Klibur Domin in East Timor
RAPHAELRAPHAELRAPHAELRAPHAEL There are two ways you can become a sponsor: • Sponsor an individual resident: Sponsor an individual resident: Sponsor an individual resident: Sponsor an individual resident:
---- Regular updates about the sponsored resident’s progress are provided from Raphael
• Choose a program to sponsor from the following:Choose a program to sponsor from the following:Choose a program to sponsor from the following:Choose a program to sponsor from the following:
---- TB program. TB program. TB program. TB program. There are 26 beds in the ward, together with an out-patient program treating over 2000 cases each year. ---- Community Based Rehabilitation Program. Community Based Rehabilitation Program. Community Based Rehabilitation Program. Community Based Rehabilitation Program. An outreach team supports children with disabilities in their villages. ---- Day Care Centre Program. Day Care Centre Program. Day Care Centre Program. Day Care Centre Program. Provides education and therapy to 160 children and adults with Disabilities
KLIBUR DOMINKLIBUR DOMINKLIBUR DOMINKLIBUR DOMIN You can sponsor any of the following three programs: • Inpatient Services Program . Inpatient Services Program . Inpatient Services Program . Inpatient Services Program . Provides care for patients recovering from illnesses and injuries. • TB Program. TB Program. TB Program. TB Program. Includes in-patient and out-patient services, a mobile TB Team, and a Multi Drug Resistant TB Ward • Community Based Rehabilitation Program. Community Based Rehabilitation Program. Community Based Rehabilitation Program. Community Based Rehabilitation Program. An outreach team supports children with disabilities in their villages.
SPONSORSHIP COSTS SPONSORSHIP COSTS SPONSORSHIP COSTS SPONSORSHIP COSTS • The usual cost is $1 per day, or $365 per year, but sponsors may contribute less or more, if preferred.
Can you help? Can you help? Can you help? Can you help?
Become a sponsor now Become a sponsor now Become a sponsor now Become a sponsor now ———— fill in the form below and forward as shown fill in the form below and forward as shown fill in the form below and forward as shown fill in the form below and forward as shown
How You Can HelpHow You Can HelpHow You Can HelpHow You Can Help
The Ryder-Cheshire Overseas Aid Fund is a Tax Deductible Gift Recipient (ABN 15 362 991 732), and all donations and sponsorship payments of $2 and over are tax deductible. Please complete this form and post to: RyderRyderRyderRyder----Cheshire Australia, PO Box 51, Glen Iris, Victoria 3146. Cheshire Australia, PO Box 51, Glen Iris, Victoria 3146. Cheshire Australia, PO Box 51, Glen Iris, Victoria 3146. Cheshire Australia, PO Box 51, Glen Iris, Victoria 3146. A receipt will be posted to you. ���� I would like to make a donation of $ . . . . . . - to be used where most needed ( ) - to Klibur Domin in East Timor ( ) Tick one - to Raphael in Northern India ( ) ���� I am interested in becoming a Sponsor for $365 or $ . . . . . . . . (other amount) at - Raphael ( ) Tick one - Klibur Domin ( )
���� I would like information on how to make a Bequest to support the work of Ryder-Cheshire.
