On 24 September, the feast of Our Lady of Mercy, Mercy Connect in Albury celebrated 30 years of meeting the needs of adults and children with disabilities. From the site of the Sisters of Mercy former St John’s Orphanage for girls at Thurgoona, Mercy Connect has expanded beyond Albury to Orange, Cowra and Wagga Wagga. To mark the milestone of three decades of service, current and former staff, clients, community members and MMC colleagues gathered for a 30-year celebration in Albury’s historical Regent Theatre.
Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea Leader Sr Karon Donnellon rsm and Institute Vicar Sr Liz Moloney rsm,recorded a message recognising the significance of the occasion. The theatre setting allowed this message to be projected, together with a collage of film clips featuring messages from staff and clients. Charles Reis, Mercy Connect Board Chair, spoke about the history of Mercy Connect and its links with the Sisters of Mercy. Caroline Cummins, Mercy Connect CEO, reflected on the journey to date and imagined Mercy Connect in 30 years in the furture.
The gathering was an opportunity to acknowledge the ‘pioneers’ of Mercy Connect and express appreciation to them and the current staff, for their commitment to the mission of supporting people with disability to live connected and meaningful lives. During the celebration two peer-nominated staff awards were also presented: the annual Shining Lamp Award for “outstanding demonstration of Mercy Connect’s values” to Talmage Fa’amausili, Assistant Team Leader, and the inaugural Catherine McAuley Leadership Award “for outstanding demonstration of values-based leadership that inspires, supports and empowers others” to Fran Abbiel, Assistant Team Leader. Four long-serving staff members were also recognised for 25 or more years of service: Leeanne O’Connor – 29 years, Max Jimenez – 29 years, Suzanne Block – 28 years, and Tammy Cain – 25 years.
It was a festive and most enjoyable occasion, fittingly held on Mercy Day.
