During the 2020 fires in Victoria, the little town of Mallacoota was wiped out leaving many folks homeless and many without a job. Our WG Treasurer, Sister Margaret Down, took it upon herself to reached out to the post mistress, Pam Estella, to see if we could give financial help to the community. That enquiry led to the Mallacoota Community Health Centre. Ms Anne Mwagiru, Chief Executive Officer of the centre confirmed that the Mallacoota community were in desperate need of funds with many people still without homes, had little food and basic medications. At that time, the UGCA assisted with funds, and they were so grateful to think that an organisation such as ours would assist their little town. Later that year the UGCA also send further funds towards Christmas for their food bank as many still had no homes and no promised assistance.
In June of this year Margaret reached out again to see how the townsfolk were coping only to be told that many folks still have no homes and are living in tents, boats, house ruins or wherever than could find shelter. Anne mentioned they invited folks in once a week to have a hot meal and get warm and just a general check-up and chat to let them know they are cared about and not forgotten.
Funds were required by Mallacoota District Health & Support Service to enable them purchase blankets, food, everyday hygienic products and medicines so the UGCA donated another $6,000.00.
So often we see these events on the television and in the months that follow we forget about those left behind to pick up the pieces. Ms Anne Mwagiru would like to thank all Members of the Order of the Eastern Star for their gratitude and for the difference the UGCA has made to Mallacoota District Health and Support Service.
An exciting year lays before us as we come into what we have termed the “O-DEARS/O-YEARS for Woonona, Illawarra Daylight and Wollongong Chapters.
The youngest “0” being Illawarra Daylight Chapter No 220 who has reached its 20th year. The Installation of Sister Norah Mitchell and Brother Paul Smith took place on 11 November 2022 at the Mortdale Village Hall. The installation ceremony was so ably carried out with no rehearsal and a number of smooth swaps that had the continuity keeping us with a time frame that allowed for a very delicious lunch and great time of fellowship. The birthday celebration is in September.
The middle “0” going to Woonona Chapter No 119 celebrating their 70th year. The Installation of Sister Jennifer Shepherd and Brother Raymond McIntosh was carried out with dignity and with purpose for a very harmonious 70th year. Our grateful thanks goes to Sister Joy Swattridge PWDGM who ably stepped into the Worthy Matron’s position at the last minute. Thank you, Sister Swattridge and Sister Betty Griffiths, Secretary for setting a calming tone from beginning to end with Sister Jennifer Shepherd accepting the gavel to conclude a very happy meeting. The birthday celebration will be 4th February with an open meeting and a dinner at the Woonona Bulli RSL Club.
The elder “0” is Wollongong Chapter No 52 who will be celebrating their 90th year. The spirit of youth Brother Benjamin Sweeney was the Installing Officer with his mother, Sister Angela Sweeney as Installing Marshal. A beautiful rendition of the Installation ceremony. Sister Janelle Love and Brother Robert Mitchell were installed as Worthy Matron & Worthy Patron. Wollongong Chapter’s 90th Birthday is in August.
Margaret Smith PWGM/PWDGM.
