draft complete

Pat’s Christmas Joke that Santa doesn't usually take requests from
adults, but she smiled sweetly, so he said,
Three men died on “What would you like for Christmas?’
Christmas Eve and were 'Something for my mother, please,' replied
met by Saint Peter at the Emily sweetly.
Pearly Gates. ‘In honour ‘Something for your mother? Well, that's very
of this Holy Season’, St loving and thoughtful of you,' smiled Santa.
Peter said, ‘you must 'What do would you like me to bring her?'
each possess something Without turning a hair Emily answered
that symbolises Christmas quickly, 'A son-in-law.'
to get into Heaven.’
The Englishman fumbled through his pockets Father Christmas Calls
and pulled out a lighter. He flicked it on. ‘It’s
a candlle,’ he said. Alex was five; all his Christmas presents
‘You may pass through the Pearly Gates,’ St were always signed, 'from Father Christmas.'
Peter said. A little while after Alex had opened all his
The Scot reached in to his pocket and pulled presents on Christmas morning, we became
out a set of keys. He shook them and said, aware that he was looking quite down in the
‘They’re bells.’ mouth for no obvious reason. 'What's the
St Peter said ‘You may pass through the matter, Al?' I asked.
Pearly Gates.’ 'Ummmm, 'replied Alex slowly, 'I really
The Irishman searched desperately through hoped that you and Mummy would give me
his pockets and finally pulled out a pair of something for Christmas.'
women’s panties. St Peter looked at the
man with a raised eyebrow and asked, ‘And
just what do those symbolise?’
The Irishman replied ‘These are Carols.’

What A Boy Wants For Christmas

Darren remembers accompanying
his father out shopping in the toy
department of a major store one
Christmas Eve. Dad said, 'What a
marvellous train set. I'll buy it.'
The girl behind the counter looked pleased
and murmured, 'Great, I'm sure your son will
really love it.'
Dad replied with a glint in his eye,
'Maybe you're right. In that case I'll take
two.'

What A Girl Wants For
Christmas

The Santa Claus at the shopping mall
was very surprised when Emily, a young
lady aged about 20 years old walked up
and sat on his lap. Now, we all know

GHOST STORY – so

THE CHRISTMAS BIKE

There are always memories or more correctly bits of memories that we retain with us for all
our lives. Memories that in some way have meant so much to us that they stick while others
fade. This for me is especially true of Christmas - Christmas with my Mum and Dad and my
three sisters and two brothers in Australia during the sixties and early seventies.

Mum and Dad always made Christmas special, either through the decorations, which were
always up earlier than anyone else’s, or the most wonderful, warm Christmas mornings that I
I will always take as the yardstick by which I judge my own meagre attempts at celebrating

this special time of year. Remember that these memories are in Aussie and if anyone
knows what it is like there, you will know that it is certainly not what we would call
'Christmassy'.

One Christmas Day which has a special meaning to me was what I like to call 'The
Bike Year'. As usual we had all been waiting for the hols to arrive. Hols meant the end of
school and, most importantly, the Big Guy was due his visit. I had been dreaming of having
a bike for months and Trev, my older brother, was the same. When we were talking, (not
arguing that is, which was more normal) he had spoken often about getting a bike for
Christmas. I have a feeling he may have known something that I didn't. We both knew it was
a tough one. Of course we knew the Big Man was just a story, all our friends had told us so
and anyway how do you get a bike in the sack for heaven's sake? But, being who I was, I
never gave up hope.

So anyway the morning arrived. I looked out from underneath my sheet, (the weather being
so warm that was all I needed over me, except for my jammies, of course) and looked out of
the window in our 'boys' room. I had to look over Trev who was in the single bed, under the
window. He was still sleeping (I think) but I couldn't see a thing, it was still too dark. Younger
brother, Ray, was in the bunk above me making his usual snoring noises. (He usually got a
kick from underneath but I was in a generous mood, being Christmas and all).
The dawn seemed to take forever to arrive and once or twice I got my courage together and
got out of bed and crept to the door. Still not light enough for me to dare to go out into the
hallway and down to THE ROOM! I would dart back to my bed. Anyway, slowly the light
arrived so that I could see enough to make out Trevor’s bump under his sheet. All the
shadows changed from my worst nightmares to curtains, clothes and shoes left scattered on
the floor and that door that during the night had floated like some horrid apparition, waiting
for me to dare to move looked, innocently enough, like a door. (Which just shows how the
thought of presents can overcome any fear!)

Now for my next problem how to bring life to the lump, that was my brother, in the next
bed. First I tried whispering very quietly. Then whispered a bit loader. Finally I got out of
bed and shook him hard, racing back so as to leave no evidence of the crime. He must have
been awake because as usual he told me off and said that it was too dark to get up and such
silly talk like that. But he was awake so my courage returned and I got up. Strangely so did

16

he, without too much argument as well. (He was the big brother so he had to pretend to do
as Dad said, at least while I was around.) Ray was awake too by then so he got up with us.
More correctly, down. We three boys crept into the hallway. We looked around and could
make out the door to the lounge room. We were making our way to it when who should
appear but our Mum from her bedroom with Dad close behind her. He had that look. That
sparkle in his eye that spoke of knowing something that would bring hoots from us and
wonder into our lives. "Go on then, go in but don't touch anything until we are all up and I
have made a cup of tea for everybody". The girls were coming out of their rooms, rubbing
their eyes and pretending they had just woken up. They didn't fool me!

We went in and turned on the light. At first the bike didn't register with me. Trev saw it
straight away though. He went up to it and stared and stared at it. Then I saw it and my
mouth dropped wide open. A gasp was all I could manage. How did they know that it was
all that I had ever wanted. They must have read my mind, (which was quite a worry!) The
bike was second hand but Mum and Dad had done a lot of work on it. It didn't matter, it was
the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life.

We spent the morning learning to ride it and arguing on whose turn it was. It was
one of the happiest Christmases I can remember.

It has always amazed me how Mum and Dad did it. There were six of us kids and
no one could ever accuse us of being well to do, but every year they managed to buy us lots
of wonderful things. Having said that, it is not the wonderful gifts I will remember but the
magical atmosphere that they created around our house. And the knowledge that we were
all loved so very much. It is so hard to describe that warmth and that look in Dad and Mum’s
eyes as we opened our presents. It was a time when we felt safe and everything was fun. It
was also so very short. Before we hardly knew it, we were in our own homes with our own
families, trying to reproduce what Mom and Dad made to look so easy.

Desmond Harvey

Family Christmas 1998

The family Christmas Eve Party was held at Jan's place in Seaford.
Jan, Tom and their three girls had done a really fantastic job of setting up the garden for the
party but sadly a sudden thunderstorm descended on their neat little bayside home just as
the guests had started to arrive. Everyone sheltered in the house while nature tore through
the lovely garden, tossing furniture and carefully prepared Christmas decorations about in
terrible spite, while thunder detonated and lightening ripped the evening sky overhead.
The storm passed as suddenly as it had begun and once the havoc out in the garden had
been put back in order we resumed our family celebration. Despite this unfortunate start
everyone had a wonderful time and it will be a Christmas Eve that is destined to go down in
family history as one of the very best and remembered for many long years to come.
The food was great, the garden was absolutely lovely, despite the battering, and the
company could not have been more cheerful. Sleigh bells were reliably reported from many
outlying areas of the garden during the rest of that warm, summer night. A full moon added
to the special magic of a special night and the "Secret Santa" presents proved to be a
wonderful idea that the family has decided must become a regular part of our Family
Christmas tradition.

17

18

February 2019

Inside this issue 2 the dam spillway never done before,
3 the result of which is unknown. She
Chaplain/Jonquil 3 is above flood level and has a
IC President 4 highset house, but she can walk a
State President 4 short distance to the river which is
ESA Foundation Overseas Director 5 raging. In the light of disasters
ESA Disaster Fund Chair’s Report 5 unfolding across our nation -
State Vice President 5 floods in the north and bushfires in
Branch Education Reports 10 Tasmania and Victoria, I am sure
Branch Reports 10 Olive would like us to join in her
Mackay Australia Day Award 11/12 Prayer for those involved.
NCWQ 13 Oh, Lord please put your loving
Valentine’s Day / Lunar New Year 14 arms around all people concerned
Convention Flyer at this awful time. We ask that you
Convention Registration 15 tame the fires down, and ease the
State Nomination Form rain, to bring these tragedies to an
end, so people and the land can
Next deadline March 7 return to normal. We put this into
your capable hands Lord. Amen.
Thought for February

Being creative makes Olive advised that Ann Hiscox,
you a weird little Alpha Epsilon, has moved into
Proserpine Nursing Home for
beast because greater care. We wish her well.
everything seems really
ESA members’ thoughts and prayers
interesting for some are with Colleen Proudlock, Alpha
strange reason. Pi, whose mother passed away in
December. May she rest in peace
and her family be comforted.

BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY

7th Pearl Christensen Beta Epsilon
7th Val Files Beta Omicron
14th Pat Mengel Alpha Epsilon
16th Heather Kohring Beta Epsilon
ESA Australia 17th Vicki Maddicks Alpha Rho
Chaplain/Jonquil 22nd Mariannne Steentsma Beta Omicron
22nd Carmel Mulcahy Alpha Pi
Olive Thompson 28th Colleen Proudlock Alpha Pi

CHAPLAIN/JONQUIL We wish you a Wonderful Birthday

Hello Everyone on behalf of Olive. with Family and Friends. To all
She is hoping you are well. She, like
many in Townsville, is very nervous ESA members wherever you are,
about the terrible flooding which is
occurring there with the opening of May the Sun shine upon you

and give you Peace.
Love in ESA.

Carmel (on behalf of Olive)

([email protected])

Flooding near Olive’s home – trees people that I call because I want to hear their
becoming submerged and a structure voice, share in joys and sorrows, people I
under threat. can’t wait to see when I know Convention is
coming. Yes, each piece is important…but
IC President combined, ESA has it all. We are an amazing
organization, one I am glad to be a member
Kim of, and I hope you feel the same way.
Kummer I hope you will plan your holiday to attend IC
Convention in Memphis, TN this July. The
"ESA ~ A Gift" Welcome Party will kick off July 17, workshops
Share the Gift. will fill Thursday, July 18 and the Flag
ceremony and First General Assembly will be
My Dear Queensland ESA Friends, Friday, July 19. Earlier in the week will be
tours to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
As I think about what I want to contribute to There is more information on the ESA website
in the member centre. Anyone who has
your newsletter my eye is drawn to a interest or additional questions please email
me at [email protected].
decorative sign I won. I haven’t decided if I I will think of you when I look in the night sky
am keeping it or gifting it. Regardless, it and see the stars.

makes me think of each one of you as well as Xoxo – Kim

ESA members all over. Kim Kummer
“Good friends are like stars. ESA IC President

You don’t always see them but you *in Kansas, our State project is Heartspring, a
world-wide learning centre for children with
know they’re always there” disabilities. Each Spring, we host a Prom for
There are so many gifts we receive from ESA! the students. Sometimes the students will
dress formally. For the parents, this event is
Have you ever thought about which one is the a gift. They never imagined their child would
be able to attend such an occasion.
best? I know, that is a loaded question and
Kim
depends on the day. Education, Service,
Association…I love learning new ideas, State President

sharing information; attending Daphne
Neilsen
workshops…hmm I think education is most
important. Oh but wait, stitching baby Happy New Year to all ESA members and your
families.
blankets to donate to the health department,
-
volunteering at the St. Jude Marathon, and
It is hard to believe that Christmas has been
Prom at Heartspring* are some of my and gone and that it is 2019. I hope you all
favourite service events. Yes, service is the had a well-earned and relaxing break and are
ready for another great year.
best part of ESA. Good Works ~ Good Times

~ Good People. It is the good people that
make ESA. Because of my involvement in ESA

I have friends from coast to coast. Not just

friends but friends that have become family;

Thank you to the Branches that sent me members, who received help through the
Christmas cards or emails. It was greatly Fund over the years.
appreciated. I spent Christmas with my The purpose of the ESA International Disaster
granddaughters which was a very enjoyable Fund is to assist an ESA member whose home
day. and/or personal belongings are destroyed or
damaged extensively by one of nature’s
I have been busy putting together our causes - fire, flood, etc. Assistance may also
Convention Agenda with Cherryl and I know be given when a member incurs heavy
that the Beta Epsilon girls will be busy putting financial responsibility due to a debilitating
final touches for a great Convention in the illness which may strike them, or an accident.
next couple of months. For my forthcoming project as your current
Chairman I will raffle a $100.00 Woolworths
Please consider support for our Incoming voucher, drawn at State Convention in
President, Jenny, by volunteering to take on Bundaberg. In the coming weeks each Branch
an Appointed position or accept an Elected will receive a book of Raffle tickets for sale
position. They are very rewarding and prior of Convention. I do hope you will support
enjoyable. this raffle.
Love in ESA,
It will not be long before our Workshop
Marianne
Coordinator will be sending out the report
ESA Disaster Fund
forms, so please return them by the due date Chair’s Report

as it makes it easier for Pat to put the Marianne
Steentsma
workshop book together on time.

Take care until next month

Bloom where you’re planted,
Grow, take root, mature and flower,
Make the place you’re in, right now,

your paradise.

Daphne

ESA Foundation Overseas Hello All,
Director’s Report
I hope you had a great Festive Season and
Marianne are ready for an exciting year ahead.
Steentsma
Below is some information about this year’s
Happy 2019 to all. scholarship moneys to be paid out. The
This greeting is nearly too late as the first Chairman of the ESAF writes:
month of the year has already passed, but
there are still eleven months left, to shine in “Because of our very generous Endowers, we
ESA. are able to offer 179 scholarships this year. If
As Queensland’s State Council Disaster Fund all scholarships receive an application, we will
Chairman I often think of the numerous ESA be giving US$281,700. This will certainly
make a difference in the lives of many people.
We hope to continue to share the stories of so
many of our scholarship winners. These are
our future leaders and are truly remarkable
individuals. Please help us share the
information about the ESA Foundation
Scholarships.”

Just a reminder: The ESA Foundation's major then please let me know. My email is
emphasis is service to others, which is [email protected] or phone me on
illustrated in its motto: 0403 024 067.

Serving the World Community . . . . Please do consider taking on a position. We
Because We Care. can’t leave it to “Someone Else” to do as
“Someone Else” may have done a position for
Till next month, many years and would like a break. It is
Love in ESA, healthy to get new faces on our State
Executive and General Board, as everyone
Marianne adds something special to the role.

I look forward to a great year ahead.

Jenny

State Vice President

2018 - 2019 Branch Education

Jenny Hendriks Lyn BuckRleeyports

2019-2020 STATE EXECUTIVE & State Education Officer
GENERAL BOARD POSITIONS
Happy New Year to everyone throughout the As Branches were in recess during January,
State. I hope this is a great year for everyone the Education Report will resume in March.
in their personal lives and for ESA in
Queensland. Lyn

Nomination forms have been sent to each Branch Reports
branch as well as included in this edition of
the Queenslander, seeking nominations for Alpha Epsilon -
our State Executive for 2019-2020. The Pat Burns
positions we need filled are:
I hope everyone has enjoyed a Happy
 State Vice President Christmas and a relaxing recess.
 Recording Secretary First of all, on behalf of President, Rae, and all
 Treasurer our members, a great big
 Parliamentarian
 Liaison Officer CONGRATULATIONS

Please consider volunteering yourself for one to Judy Johnson on receiving her award for
of these positions, or nominate other Community Volunteer. What a great
members in your branch and throughout the honour – and very well deserved. Even
State. Taking on an Executive position is a though volunteer work is not done to receive
great way to learn more about ESA and there accolades, it is certainly wonderful to be
are always many people to call on for support recognised and rewarded for work well done
who have done these positions previously. in the community. We are all very proud of
you, Judy!!!
Also, I need to fill my General Board positions,
the list of which is in the Directory. If you
have had a general board position this year,
please let me know if you would like to
continue with the same position next year. For
other members who don’t have a general
board position and you would like to take on
a particular general board position next year,

Our members did not do Christmas gift Robyn, Ivy and Beryl are happy with their gifts.
wrapping last year as no suitable venue was Mrs Claus (Pat Burns) with Turley and Lindsay &
available. Anyway it was good to have “time Robyn Creighton
off”. Pat and Col holidayed on Norfolk Island, and took
time to research a former doctor from Proserpine
Ann Hiscox has now moved permanently to whose grave is there.
the Proserpine Nursing Home. In her nineties
now, Ann is in need of more nursing care. She
has trouble walking as she has fluid retention
which causes her legs and feet to swell. As
she has only one kidney she is unable to take
more medication for this problem.

Pattie Wyllie has been moved from Bowen to
the Proserpine Nursing Home. She cannot
walk and is still in a wheelchair. This is
because she is waiting for a knee
replacement. She is teaching art lessons, with
the help of her friend, Allan, and says she
does not have enough hours in the day to do
everything she wants to do. She says the staff
treat her like a queen. So you can see that
Pattie is still keeping her positive attitude to
life.

Well, we will soon be back into meetings and
events for 2019, so let’s hope we all enjoy a
productive and successful year.

Happy 2019 everyone!

Pat

Pat Burns,

(Acting Publicity Chairman (for Pattie Wyllie )

Alpha Epsilon Christmas Party

Sandy and
Susan

wonder
what is in

their
secret
packages.

Alpha Pi – Our first event of the year will be our Trivia
Carmel Mulcahy Night on March 23 and plans are beginning to
fall into place for that. Then there is a
Happy 2019 Everyone, and all good wishes for Bunnings BBQ on April 17, so no rest any time
a vibrant and enjoyable year. soon. Therefore, we continue to encourage
We extend our condolences to our President and support each other to achieve.
Colleen whose mother passed away in Remember: Losers quit when they fall,
December. May she rest in peace and may winners fail until they succeed.
her family share many happy memories. Cheers,
Alpha Pi began the year with a BBQ at
Bunnings on January 12 - a hot one, but very Carmel
profitable. Being on a Saturday, that meant
the some members who normally cannot Publicity Officer
assist because of work commitments were
available and their involvement was greatly Alpha Rho –
appreciated. Annette
Wisnewski
Nancy hands over
the apron to Ros Well, here we are again, at the start of yet
while Steve cooks another year of gift wrapping and fun times.
sausages in the We were going to have our Christmas Party
background and last meeting for the year on the 16th
December at Judy Johnson’s place, but it had
Just over a week later 16 members gathered to be postponed until January 17th and I had
for lunch at the new Sebel, Margate to share
stories of their holidays and get-togethers to
with family and friends. miss
it due
to jet
lag.

☹
But I

do
have
some

photos to show how
much fun and food

Several members have been cruising and was had on the day.
taking road trips to all manner of destinations. And of course,
We welcomed one prospective new member dessert is our
Jan, (left) at lunch, and another at our first favourite.
2019 meeting.

We had such a busy time at Gift Wrapping Beta Epsilon –
this year that we have made an incredible Jane
amount of $35,000.00 to be donated to CQ Stehbens

Rescue this year. We even got a segment Hello Everyone,
on the Welcome to a great year ahead.
local
news We are busy planning Convention and our
which Cancer night. We have a new meeting room
was for this year.
good.
Well Welcome back to Jan who has been away for
done a while. Everyone has had lots of little trips
every- away and grandchildren visits over the
one. Christmas break.
We had a cheque hand over on Wednesday
Feb 6th – as you can see in the photo. Although we are hot and muggy and hoping
for rain, our thoughts are with the folk in the
north.

We hope you have all come back happy,
healthy, and recharged for the New Year.

The Beta Epsilon Girls.

Jane

(Publicity Officer)

Beta Omicron –
Val Files

I hope that all our ESA sisters in Townsville Christmas has come and gone so quickly and
are managing all right with the flooding and we are once again into the swing of another
that our other sisters in Proserpine don’t ESA year. Happy New Year to all members.
have any problems in the next week or so. Many Christmas parties have also come and
Our thoughts are with you all. gone, and the festivities are now over for
another year.
That’s about it for now. It has been worrying time for members up
north, from Cairns to Mackay.
Signing off from Mackay.
Burnt out
Annette (Publicity Officer) National
Park near
Mackay

The rain, although welcome in places out has done lots of reading and gardening as
west, has created havoc to properties, and we well.
hope that all members are safe and dry from
the flooding rains. Marianne and Bill had a great time celebrating
Sheila has been catching up with family and the 25th Anniversary of Alpha Rho, Mackay. It
friends from England over the break. She was a great function and the ladies were
attended an 80th birthday for an English fantastic the way they all looked after them.
cousin. Cousin Peter had his children at the Their special thanks go to Judy Johnson, who
function, and Sheila hadn’t seen the children, took them into her home and even showed
who were babies last time, for 50 years! What them the burnt-out hinterland. Well done on
a celebration. the trip, Marianne and Bill! The trip back
We celebrated Marie’s birthday as well at home had to be made by “Double Decker Bus”
Indigiscapes in mid-January. Ten Beta as the train engine showed mechanical faults.
Omicron and partners had a delicious lunch
(and cake) to celebrate. I’m sure that Marie Marianne and Bill’s family all celebrated
enjoyed the occasion. Christmas Eve in German fashion at Heidi’s.
This was a very enjoyable evening and now it
Many Happy Returns to Marie on her birthday! We is full on into 2019.
all enjoyed the celebrations.
Marianne and Bill are again much involved
Alba hasn’t been well over the break, so with Toastmasters, ESA, and the Bremer
wasn’t too active, but we were happy to see Catchment meetings.
her at our meeting on 1st February at Garden
City Library. Jack and Val have had their usual break with
Joan is also now looking well after her health the family at Hastings Pont in January, which
problem. She is waiting for the day when she was a lovely and relaxing time. Ten family
will be moving to the northside to live with members were in attendance. Grandchildren
one of her sons. can make it so enjoyable, especially the new
Marianne’s daughter, Heidi, has been home three year old Mackenzie who came to
schooling her children. Her eldest son, Hastings as well. There was choir and
Matthew, is going to TAFE three days a week. orchestra for church – even a Christmas
Time for another party as Frances and her dinner. With seven or eight parties to attend,
family celebrated her granddaughter’s we are happy that it is all over for a year! Now
engagement party. Family travelled to back to normality going to Bribie each
Toowoomba for the celebration. fortnight and meetings as usual.
Margaret, being a tennis tragic, has been
watching all the tennis over the break. She Val (Publicity Officer)

MACKAY AUSTRALIA DAY National Council of
AWARDS Women of

A WORTHY VOLUNTEER Queensland

When ESA member Judy Johnson gets Kathy
behind a cause, she is getting involved Cavanagh
because it is the right thing to do. Judy has
been the backbone of ESA Alpha Rho Gift NCWQ News
Wrapping for the past 15 years, making sure
that the gift tags are complete, and bows and Trusting that the
ribbons are ready, to help raise much needed
funds for the RACQ Central Queensland Christmas and New
Helicopter Service which members have
supported since they started the wrapping Year season was a
project.
Judy has supported the members in time for family,
everything they do in ESA and is also involved
in other worthy causes including Cootharina storing new
and Scouts.
She is a District Scout Leader who helps run memories and
activities for the regional youth. She became
a volunteer in the Scout organization when some ‘reboot’ and
her children were involved.
Judy is described as a true inspiration. She recharging relaxation. It seems incredible that
does everything with integrity and grace and
certainly inspires all her ESA sisters. a month has already passed. The speed from
2018 doesn’t look like changing anytime soon.
Judy is a very Here’s to a time of both personal well-being
worthy
and a successful 2019 ESA year.
recipient of
the Lori 2019 Bursary Program

Burgess It is now ‘next month’ that
Community applications for the 2019
Bursary program opens.
Volunteer
Award for Sponsorship is still being
2019. finalised, but we do welcome two bursaries on
offer this year from Quota International, to
Congratulations Judy! We are proud of you. mark their Centenary year. One bursary is for
a student in the field of speech pathology, the
other for audiology.

ESA led from the front as a sponsor from an
affiliated organisation.

The addition of the Quota bursaries increases
the bursaries sponsored by such
organisations from four last year to six in
2019.

It is expected that the total number of
bursaries on offer will be similar to the 33 on
offer in 2018.

Senator Claire Moore Function
A great supporter of NCWQ and a bursary
sponsor for the last few years, Senator Claire
is not standing for re-election this year. A
function is being held on Saturday 16
February to honour her work. To be held at
Miegunyah, Jordan Terrace Bowen Hills, in
conjunction with Queensland Women’s

Historical Association, it is already booked heart. Today, over a billion cards are sent out
out, with attendees representing her diverse on Valentine’s Day around the world full of

range of interests. It is expected that one of sweet Valentine’s Day wishes.

the recipients of her bursary will be there to A Valentine is a gift to the heart,
speak. Senator Claire’s bursary is for a a friend to the spirit,
student in the field of special education – a

speciality teaching area that probably touches a golden thread to the meaning of life.

most of us through our families, friends or

networks.

Date Claimer: Tuesday 30
April – Annual Dinner

To be held at the United
Services Club, Wickham Terrace, NCWQ
Annual Dinner allows for the networking of
affiliated organisations and members. Details
of the guest speaker and other information will
be available later, but for anyone in Brisbane
at that time, it will be a great function.

Until next time, Take care in our beloved
country of extremes.

Kathy

Kathy Cavanagh ([email protected]) In the light of Valentine’s Day, some
words of wisdom or not . . .

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and For those of you old enough to remember
caring. Red Skelton, I think you will enjoy this. For
those of you not old enough you will see
It could be platonic love between friends, what you missed. Either way, he was a
family love from a child to a parent or romantic great entertainer. A re-run of great 'one
love between partners. liner's' from the man who was known for his
clean humour. I hope you get a chuckle or
Even if it’s only for a single day, many people two reading them once more.
pull out all stops to share this as a special day
by any means possible. Poetry has been RED SKELTON'S RECIPE FOR THE
exchanged between lovers since the Middle PERFECT MARRIAGE
Ages. For centuries, lovers scribbled love notes
to one another on the Day of Saint Valentine. 1. Two times a week we go to a nice
In the nineteenth century, with the restaurant, have a little beverage, good
establishment of a postal service, more and food and companionship. She goes on
more wishes were sent alongside flowers and Tuesdays, I go on Fridays.
hearts. Even schoolchildren send Valentines.
2. We also sleep in separate beds.
Heart-shaped candies and silly-sweet Valentine Hers is in California, and mine is in
cards are manufactured for the very young at Texas.
3. I take my wife everywhere, but she
keeps finding her way back.

4. I asked my wife where she wanted to
go for our anniversary. "Somewhere I
haven't been in a long time!" she said.
So I suggested the kitchen.

5. We always hold hands. If I let go, Lunar New Year
she shops.
6. She has an electric blender, electric Lunar / Chinese
toaster and electric bread maker. New Year starts on
She said "There are too many gadgets, February 5th of
and no place to sit down!" So I bought 2019 and ends on
her an electric chair. January 25th of
7. My wife told me the car wasn't 2020 and is the
running well because there was water Year of the Pig.
in the carburettor. I asked where the
car was. She told me, "In the lake." Chinese New Year starts on the second or
8. She got a mud pack and looked great third new moon, after the winter solstice
for two days. Then the mud fell off. (depending on the number of new moons
9. She ran after the garbage truck, between the two winter solstices). At least
yelling, "Am I too late for the garbage?" one-fifth of all people celebrate the Chinese
The driver said, "No, jump in!" New Year.
10. Remember: Marriage is the number
one cause of divorce. According to Chinese astrology, the Year of
11. I married Miss Right. I just didn't the Pig allows those born in the Year of the
know her first name was 'Always'. Pig to make full use of their creativity.
12. I haven't spoken to my wife in 18
months. I don't like to interrupt her. Things evolve rapidly and new situations
13. The last fight was my fault though. appear which allow them to shine. They
My wife asked, "What's on the TV?" know what they have to do and they are the
I said, "Dust!” type of people that don’t stop until they
Can't you just hear him say all of accomplish what they have set their mind to.
these? I love it. These were the good
old days when humour didn't have to They manage now to easily find solutions to
start with a four letter word. It was just older problems. They are open to various
clean and simple fun. sources of inspiration and they feel as if they
And he always ended his programs with are living at full capacity again.
the words,

"And May God
Bless You" with a
big smile on his
face.

G
13

14

ESA INTERNATIONAL QUEENSLAND STATE COUNCIL AND BRANCHES
NOMINATION FORM

I,……………………………………………….of………………………………………………Branch,
(Name)

Nominate …,,,,,………………………………..of……………………..……………………Branch

for the position of ……………………..………………...on the Queensland State Council of ESA

International for the year 2019/2020.

Seconded………………..…………….…………….of……….………….………………………Branch.

Accepted:…………………….…..…………………. Date ……………………………..

PREVIOUS HISTORY:

Positions previously held at State level –

Executive ……………….., ………………., ……………………………………………, ………………,

……………………….

Appointed………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………

Positions previously held at District level –

Executive ……………….., ………………., …………………………,…………………, ………………,

……………………….

Appointed……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………

Positions previously held at Branch level –

Executive ……………….., ………………., ………………………., …………………, ………………

Appointed………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………

Please return to Jenny Hendriks, 19 Tullylease Place, Chermside West 4032.

15



March 2019

Inside this issue 2 I’m fine, but there are thousands
3 who were not so lucky. There has
Chaplain/Jonquil 3 been a lot of praying going on. We
IC President 4 just need the Insurance Companies
State President 4 to not quibble about it, and pay up
ESA Foundation Overseas Director 5 promptly.
ESA Disaster Fund Chair’s Report 5
State Vice President 6 Ann Hiscox has had a nasty fall.
Branch Education Reports 10 Her face and throat are badly
Branch Reports 11 bruised, but no broken bones.
NCWQ 13 Alpha Epsilon is having a bad time
Special Days in March 1144 of it, because Beryl Andersen is
Quips & Reminder notices 15 unwell too with vomiting and
Convention Flyer vertigo.
Convention Registration 16
Flyer for Sunday Night at Convention I ask the Lord to walk beside them
State Nomination Form 17

Thought for March and anyone else who isn’t well,

Just remember bringing His Healing, Comfort,
how special,
how important and Strength and Peace.
how different you
“Let us then approach the Throne of
are.
The world needs Grace with confidence,

you. So that we may receive Mercy and

find Grace, to help us in our time of

need.”

BIRTHDAYS FOR MARCH

Ronda Turner 7th Alpha Rho

Pat Burns 25th Alpha Epsilon

Janice Wood 25th Alpha Pi

Rosaline Brennan 28th Alpha Pi

Judy Joy 30th Alpha Rho

We wish you a Wonderful Birthday

with Family and Friends. To all

ESA members wherever you are,

May the Sun shine upon you

ESA Australia and give you Peace.
Chaplain/Jonquil
Love in ESA.
Olive
Thompson Olive ([email protected])

CHAPLAIN/JONQUIL PS Late news – Turley Burns,
Hello Everyone,
I hope you are all well! I am OK husband of Pat OAM, Alpha Epsilon,
now. It was a bit dramatic I guess is in Mackay Hospital following a
and takes a lot out of you. serious health event. Please keep
them both in your prayers.

Next Deadline for
The Queenslander

April 7

IC President lake of one of our members. We had plenty
of grass skirts, seashells, pineapple and my
Kim husband was wearing the coconuts. What a
Kummer great memory! Several members joined that
year - some of those members are still active
"ESA ~ A Gift" in ESA. I think it’s time to plan another luau
inviting new people as well as reaching out to
Share the Gift. inactive members, inviting them back to ESA.
Join me during this time to look back at your
My Dear Queensland ESA Friends, ESA journey Then and Now and share your
photos.
When I think about the many gifts I can give Include www.epsilonsigmaalpha.org/bestself
or have received, the intangible are some of #ESAThenAndNow
the best. It costs nothing to give a smile to a
stranger and even less to friend. Xoxo – Kim

I recently attended the ESA Foundation mid- Kim Kummer
year board meeting; as the chaplain, I was ESA IC President
asked to share an opening and closing
thought. As I contemplated where to start, I State President
looked at my overflowing bookshelf and was
reminded of one of my favourite gifts from my Daphne
mother in law, ‘The Right Words at the Right Neilsen
Time’ - Marlo Thomas and Friends. I opened
up the inside cover and saw her handwriting Hello to all ESA Members,
and the sweet words she shared with me I hope you all have had a great month and
nearly 15 years ago. A gift in a gift. have received much needed rain. As I write
this report, we are having a big thunder storm
Since reading a few of the entries that day, I which has lasted for about three hours with
have thought a lot about words and what a nearly three inches of rain.
gift they can be to someone else. It is easy Thank you to all Branch Secretaries for
to share a compliment with a friend or family sending me your minutes of Branch meetings.
member but what about a complete stranger? It is great reading about the work you all are
I’ve been known to tell a waitress or drive doing and supporting your local communities.
through attendant that they have a beautiful Keep up the good work.
smile and they should wear it every day.
Those few words, that cost nothing, can be a
tremendous gift to someone and we don’t
even know it.

U

One of my favourite analogies is “words are
like toothpaste”…have you ever tried to
squeeze toothpaste back into the tube.
Always chose your words to be a gift to
others.

ESA is celebrating 90 years! How exciting for
us and our organization. I plan to celebrate
& reminisce all year long especially in the
months up to Convention. Think about some
of the best socials you have had over the
years. How much fun would it be to do it
again using it as a recruitment opportunity? I
am recalling a luau hosted at the home by the

I hope you all have given great thought to know that we are helping others dream more,
supporting our Vice President by volunteering learn more, do more and become more!”

to do an appointed or accepting a nominated Did you know: One does not have to be an
ESA member to become a Member in the
position. It is a very rewarding and positive ESA Foundation? Should you know a
learning experience. Please consider friend or family member who would like
to get involved in the activities of the
attending State Convention in Bundaberg on Foundation, please let me know?

the May Day weekend, as it will be a great Love in ESA,

weekend with decisions to be made and a Marianne
weekend of friendship. I know that our Beta
ESA Disaster Fund
Epsilon sisters have been very busy preparing Chair’s Report

for this great weekend. Marianne

I hope you all have sent your reports to our Steentsma
Workshop Co-Ordinator Pat Cross so she can
put together the Workshop Booklet ready in Hello all hard working ESA Members,
time for Convention.
How are you all? Another month has gone and
Take care until next month, it won’t be long now until Convention in
Bundaberg.
Daphne
I hope we did not have any casualties during
Optimism is the faith that the extreme weather conditions during the
leads to achievement. last couple of months. I am not aware of
anyone who had this misfortune.
Nothing can be done without
hope and confidence. To make sure there will be some money in the
Treasure Chest, I am running a raffle at
(Helen Keller) Convention and hope you will be supporting
it. The prizes are two Woolworths vouchers
ESA Foundation Overseas to the value of $50.00 and $25.00. I am sure
Director’s Report that you all can do with a little help when you
go shopping. Members who do not attend
Marianne Convention can give their fellow member
Steentsma attending some money to buy tickets for
them.
Hello all Members and friends of the ESA
Foundation. In anticipation that we will have another
fantastic result I thank you for your support.
It looks as if our Australian students must
have plenty of money, and that they do not Till next month,
need any financial help during their study
time. We had no applications for the “Emily Love in ESA,
Thomas” Memorial Endowment Scholarship
this year. There were five students who Marianne
started applications, but did not complete
them. What could be the reason?

As Rosalee Echele, Chairman of the ESA
Foundation said; “One of the many
accomplishments of the ESA Foundation is
that we have helped so many people through
the Scholarship and Grant programs. We

State Vice President Branch Education

2018 - 2019 Lyn BucklReyeports
State Education
Jenny Hendriks
Officer

2019-2020 STATE EXECUTIVE & GENERAL Branch: Alpha Epsilon
BOARD POSITIONS
Nomination forms have been sent to each Education Officer: Pattie Wyllie
branch as well as included in this edition of Theme: Living the Dream
the Queenslander, seeking nominations for Topic: Life in a Care Facility
our State Executive for 2019-2020. The On February 27, Alpha Epsilon members
gathered at Proserpine Nursing Home, now the
positions we need filled are: residence of Ann Hiscox and Pattie Wyllie for an

 State Vice President

 Recording Secretary

 Treasurer

 Parliamentarian

 Liaison Officer

Please consider volunteering yourself for one Education
of these positions, or nominate other Meeting led by
members in your branch and throughout the Pattie.
State. No one takes on these positions for life.
It is just for one year, and it is surprising how
quickly that year passes.

Taking on an Executive position is a great way In her
to learn more about ESA and there are always informative talk,
many people to call on for support who have Pattie (R) spoke
done these positions previously. of the many responsibilities of an aged care
facility.
We have some nominations already received,
but to date there is no nomination for Vice Nurses have to deal with all aspects from
President. To be eligible, the nominee must dementia to physical disability. They must
have served one year as District president, meet the individual needs of each resident,
one year as Branch President, and one year taking into account the liabilities and danger
as Workshop Coordinator, Newsletter Editor, of being sued. They must make sure the
residents are happy to be there. They must
Merchandise Officer, Education Officer or encourage family visits to counteract isolation.

Awards Officer. She must also have attended Following her talk, Pattie answered questions
as an interactive discussion.
at least one Convention.
Pattie
My email is [email protected] or
phone me on 0403 024 067. Branch: Alpha Rho
Topic: Annette’s trip to Europe
Please do consider taking on a position. If we Presenter: Annette Wisnewski
are to keep ESA vibrant and expanding in our
State, we need forward-looking enthusiastic Annette reports that although Alpha Rho is
people. It is healthy to get new faces on our very busy with projects,
State Executive and General Board, as “Sometimes we even have educational stuff at
everyone adds something special to the role. our meetings.

I look forward to a great year ahead.

Jenny

“The ladies were very interested to hear about A hub was
my trip to Europe over the Christmas Break, created in
so I bought in photos, books, souvenirs and a Brisbane and
map to show where I went. I was a bit
nervous about it but once I started it went the first store
opened in 1992
well. alongside their
workshop.
All eyes, Originally
named Bow
all ears. and Arrow they
changed to
Some of
Annette’s Easton Pearson
souvenirs in1998.
and the
map. Their clothing
created bold
Everyone was very interested.
daring patterns
Annette
with innovative
Branch: Beta Omicron materials and
Theme: Sometimes you win, sometimes you
learn meticulous
Topic: Easton Pearson Archive
Education Officer: Sheila Zarri techniques.
Seven members attended the first major
exhibition from Museum of Brisbane's Easton Their distinctive
Pearson Archive, located in the City Hall. look created a

cult following with the

label selling in 140 stores in 24 countries.

Their dresses are extraordinarily colourful
with beautiful fabrics and hand sewn
applications from Vietnam and Mumbai, India.
They employed over 300 workers during their
28 year partnership.

We spent over an hour at the exhibition which
was very interesting and enjoyable - well
worth the visit.

Morning tea followed at The Shingle Inn.

Sheila

Branch Reports

Branch Reports Alpha Pi –

Alpha Epsilon - Carmel Mulcahy
Pat Burns
We have finally reached the end of our
Our first meeting of the year was held on 13th heatwave – more than 40 days with the
February, and we all enjoyed catching up after temperature over 30degC. Thank goodness
our recess. for autumn! In the south east, it has rained
every day for about the last two weeks, but I
Beryl. Robyn, Pat M & President Rae doubt we have had more than 30mm.

On 27th February we held our Social / Jenny and her husband Matt have been
Educational Meeting at the Proserpine Nursing through a worrying time these past two weeks
Home where Ann and Pattie now reside. What with Matt having a raft of tests to determine
a lovely afternoon we had! a possible health problem. Always stressful
Pattie presented the Education programme when a normally healthy person is
which gave us lots of information about the hospitalised. We wish them both good health
various levels of care necessary to run a very from here on.
pleasant care facility.
Seven members attended the Catholic Parish
Sandy & Ivy enjoy the talk Trivia Night on Saturday, with a view to
supporting them, but also promoting our
After Pattie’s talk we enjoyed a lovely Trivia Night on March 23. As is usually the
afternoon tea and then held the mystery case Diane, Kate, and their extended family,
auction. along with Lyn and John were winners,
Ann is looking the worse for wear after having although Sheila, Pat and Carmel’s table came
a bad fall. She has two black eyes and awful second. Go ESA!
bruising on her face and throat.
Beryl has not been well Alpha Pi hosted the SEQDC Meeting on
as she has been February 23 at Northlakes. On account of
suffering with vomiting members with ill health and involvement with
and vertigo. other activities only six AP members were able
to attend and only Frances from Beta
Pat Mengel celebrated her Omicron. We trialled a new meeting room
birthday in February with a which proved to be quite successful.
beautiful cake.
On Thursday March 7, five members attended
It is ESA week next the presentation to Woody Pt Special School,
week. one of the beneficiaries of our Fashion Parade
That’s all for now. last year. Lyn presented the cheque to Gail
and Alison from the P & C in the presence of
Pat (Pat Burns, OAM Publicity Officer) Archie, Tope, Nicholas and Holly.

Then we all got in on the act.

Bonnie and Judy
showing what we
use
CQ Rescue,
Caneland staff and
some of the
Volunteers

On Friday, March 8, ten members celebrated CQ
International Women’s Day by attending the Rescue
annual Quota Breakfast. CEO Ian
Guest Speaker this year was Rowan
Judy Menary, first woman to and the
hold the position of Executive ESA
Principal of the Queensland Ladies
School of Distance Education.

Plans are well advanced for
the Trivia Night and for two upcoming
Bunnings BBQs.

Until next time, remember: Nothing great
ever came that easily.
Cheers,

Carmel

Publicity Officer

Alpha Rho – Ian Rowan,
Rose Smith
Annette and the CQ
Rescue
Wisnewski Meerkat
Award
Hi Everyone,
Well the cheque presentation went well on Now let me
Wednesday the 6th Feb - see more photos of explain
the girls and guys having a well-deserved about the
morning tea after Meerkat
raising Award. It is
$35,000.00 from granted to
Christmas Gift either a
Wrapping. staff
member or
Lovely morning tea volunteer
thanks to Caneland from CQ Rescue who has gone above and
beyond their required duties. It is nominated
by fellow staff and volunteers once a month
and you get to keep the statue for a month.
It is a great incentive to do a bit more than
your actual job.

Well you must think it is all fun and games Pearl has just come back from a week away
here in Mackay but we also do lots of other in Tasmania. Cheryl has been caravanning in
work including meetings. NSW and is back now. Joyce Fritz has had a
fall and is in hospital but doing better today.

Still waiting for rain, but not as much as
people out west or down south, so we are
doing fine.

Hope all is well.
The Beta Epsilon Girls

Jane

(Publicity Officer)

Well now it’s back to work for us all. Beta Omicron –
That’s about it for now.
Signing off from Mackay. Val Files

Annette The year is going rather quickly and we are
now back into our ESA Meetings and general
(Publicity Officer) life.

Beta Epsilon – We had our Beta Omicron meeting on 1
Jane March, with six members in attendance. Our
Stehbens Vice President, Bill, ran the meeting as
Margaret was unable to attend.
Hello Everyone,
Margaret and John have had John and Beryl
Plans are full steam ahead for our “Sea and Seymour staying after a visit to King
Sound” Cancer night - a beach theme this Island. They reported lush green grass for
year, with Beach Boys’ songs, fish and chips, the cattle and most delicious cheese platters.
cheesecake and ice cream for dessert. A bit windy with sand blowing everywhere.
We are also planning for Convention and all
plans are coming together. Margaret and John are off on the 25th March
A few of us have had roofs replaced after the to visit Japan for the Cherry blossoms in
big hailstorm in November. Some girls have springtime, and hope to come back with some
been stressed by this, as their watching of lovely photographs.
Netflix has been affected because it has been
difficult to get people to replace the internet Marianne and Bill have been very busy. They
antennae. volunteered at the "Celebration weekend of
Raffle ticket selling has been fun - lots of chats Isagenix" from Friday to Sunday 6am to 6pm,
with friendly faces and people happy to with 5500 present, participating at the
support us. occasion. They are also now preparing for
Wedding anniversaries for Rita and Doug 53 their German visitors who will be with them
years today, Carolyn and Ian married 37 years for the whole month of April.
tomorrow. Congratulations girls.
Frances and Bob's twin granddaughters
celebrated their birthday on 2nd March. They
are now 29, and it only seems like yesterday
Bob and Frances rushed to the hospital to see
these two lovely little girls in their humidicribs,

and they were let hold them. On Sunday they The meeting was held at CUA Business Room
are hosting a family afternoon tea to celebrate at North Lakes Shopping Centre, a new venue
this special occasion. for ESA.

Frances has also had a skin cancer removed Main topic for the agenda was the changeover
recently and is hobbling around with a sore and the program for that day which will be
foot. We hope she soon recovers. hosted by Beta Omicron.

Val felt that she National Council of
should celebrate
her birthday Women of
recently with a
few friends. This Queensland
birthday seemed
significant as it Kathy
was the first
since her heart Cavanagh
problem, and
worthy of celebration. Jack and Val will see NCWQ News
their niece and her husband next weekend
from Cairns, and spend time with them. Bursary applications open on the 25th March,
so the countdown is really happening now.
Alba has had a few health issues, but has also There are still some finalisations being made,
been catching up with her family, eating out, but we have a seventh bursary added to the
etc.
list of affiliated organisations –
Our congratulations to a worthy ESA Member, this one by the Queensland
Judy Johnson, from Alpha Rho, on her Mackay Medical Women’s Society
Australia Day Award, the Lori Burgess (QWMS) With the two new
Community Volunteer Award 2019. A great bursaries from Quota, there is a
honour. 2019 addition with quite a medical flavour,
with specialisations in speech pathology,
Until next time, audiology and now medicine. This takes the
bursary total to 34, but I’m not quite through
Val (Publicity Officer) counting them yet.

SEQDC Report Senator Claire Moore Function
The function to celebrate the work of retiring
On Saturday February 23, Alpha Pi hosted the Senator Claire Moore was a great success, but
quarterly meeting of SEQDC. Six Alpha Pi we aren’t to mention the “R” word, as the
members attended along with Frances various organisations with which she has been
representing Beta Omicron. She was associated jostle for more of her time.
accompanied by her husband Bob. Miegunyah, Jordan Terrace Bowen Hills,
home of Queensland Women’s Historical
Association, is an interesting ‘folk museum’ to
visit, with plenty of exhibits that may remind
you of your grandmother’s time, and
knowledgeable guides to shed further light.
The photo shows Senator Moore and
attendees on the steps and veranda of
Miegunyah.

Senator Claire is front left with Kathy just behind her.

Special Days of March

Annual Dinner March has three days of significance.
As mentioned last month, the
Annual Dinner is to be held on 30 March 1 - St David’s Day
April at the United Services Club. For ESA, this Welsh Saint’s
Since then we have been delighted to hear
that our patron, The Honourable Paul de feast day is significant
Jersey and Mrs de Jersey will be attending. because the floral symbol of
The invitations will be sent out soon, for what Wales is the daffodil, also
will be a special event. the ESA floral symbol.
Another symbol is the leek.
International Women’s Day On March 1, soldiers of every Welsh Regiment
As last year, the NCWQ website wear the leek in their cap badges. However
www.ncwq.org.au will showcase profiles and many Welsh people outside the army have
photos of some of the bursary recipients. ESA substituted the daffodil for the leek. Not only
recipient Rebecca Senini was one of the first does it look better, it also smells better!
to respond with the information, so look out
for her appearance at www.ncwq.org.au No Welsh Flag
doubt many of you will be celebrating the day
locally. Flag of St David

Christmas Thank You The Welsh also
You may remember that our highlighted love their choirs
member organisation at NCWQ Christmas and their Rubgy.
luncheon was the Catholic Women’s League,
with speaker Sandy O’Donohue, who works The History of Love Spoons
with CWL in the Redcliffe area.
Sandy wrote: “We had several people deliver The Welsh custom of giving love spoons dates
these presents to different aged care homes. back to the 17 Century. Love spoons were
I just wish that you could have seen their carved by men in every village to give to their
smiles and the way their eyes just lit up. Some chosen girl as a sign of their love and
of them have out-lived their families so it was affection. The men who carved the spoons
a wonderful day for them to have someone developed their creativity and created
think of them. Some of them said that they intricate carvings with unusual and unique
could not believe that people would be so kind
as do something like this.”
Makes us smile too, doesn’t it?

Kathy ([email protected])

designs. The tradition of giving love spoons The earliest parade was held in the 1760s
shows no sign of slowing with ever more in New York City by
elaborate designs, and the spoons are highly Irishmen serving there in

valued. the British military.
Today, the U.S. has

longstanding traditions
of St. Patrick’s Day

parades, and the

holiday is

March 15 – The Ides of March commemorated by
people of many
The Ides of March is a day on the Roman ethnic backgrounds.
calendar that corresponds to 15 March. It was In Ireland, it wasn’t
until the late 20th
marked by several religious observances and
century
was notable for the Romans as a deadline for that there
settling debts. was an international festival
and parade in Dublin.
In 44 BC, it became There would be many people
who would wince at the
notorious as the date of mention of an Irish favourite
meal – corned beef and
the assassination of cabbage – but they may still
Julius Caesar. wear ‘the green’ or a shamrock
pin on St Paddy’s Day, or sing
“Beware the Ides of
along to a favourite Irish song,
March,” a soothsayer
tells Caesar in and of course, everyone has their best Irish
joke.
Shakespeare’s play
Paddy goes to court for
“Julius Caesar.” The ominous phrase has armed robbery. The
worked its way into common usage as a jury foreman comes
out and says “Not
warning of impending doom. Guilty”.
“That’s grand!” shouts
March 17 – St Patrick’s Day
Paddy. “Does that
St. Patrick’s Day observes of the death
of St. Patrick, patron saint mean I can keep the
of Ireland. The holiday has money?”
evolved into a celebration
of Irish culture with
parades, special foods,
music, dancing, drinking
and a whole lot of green.

And with March being named after MERCHANDISE REPORT
Mars, the God of War, and following Just a little reminder to all
the attempts to see if humans can branches. Now is the time to order
live on planet Mars, here is proof . . your President Pins and any
. merchandise needed for your
Branch and District Handover
G Meetings.
I will be ordering pins shortly for
Convention, so any other orders
that are needed may be collected
by the branches at Convention in
Bundaberg. (Saves on postage)
Looking forward to seeing you in
Bundaberg.
Cheers from
Sharyn
Merchandise Officer

STATE WORKSHOP
COORDINATOR

Hello Appointed Officers
By now I hope all of you have
received an email, 6th Feb, from me
requesting your reports for the
Convention Workshop Booklet.
This is just a reminder that your
reports are due back to me no later
than 20th March.
Reports can be emailed to me at:
[email protected]
Many thanks,
Pat Cross
State Workshop Coordinator

14

15

The Beta Epsilon Girls are ready and waiting for
everyone to come along and have fun.

16

ESA INTERNATIONAL QUEENSLAND STATE COUNCIL AND BRANCHES
NOMINATION FORM

I,……………………………………………….of………………………………………………Branch,
(Name)

Nominate …,,,,,………………………………..of……………………..……………………Branch

for the position of ……………………..………………...on the Queensland State Council of ESA

International for the year 2019/2020.

Seconded………………..…………….…………….of……….………….………………………Branch.

Accepted:…………………….…..…………………. Date ……………………………..

PREVIOUS HISTORY:

Positions previously held at State level –

Executive ……………….., ………………., ……………………………………………, ………………,

……………………….

Appointed………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………

Positions previously held at District level –

Executive ……………….., ………………., …………………………,…………………, ………………,

……………………….

Appointed……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………

Positions previously held at Branch level –

Executive ……………….., ………………., ………………………., …………………, ………………

Appointed………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………

Please return to Jenny Hendriks, 19 Tullylease Place, Chermside West 4032.

17



April 2019

Inside this issue 3 in hospital with a broken hip. Let’s
4 hope she is feeling much better, and
Chaplain/Jonquil 4 getting physio. We are all thinking
IC President 5 of you, Joyce.
State President 5
ESA Foundation Overseas Director 6 I have been talking to Pat Burns
ESA Disaster Fund Chair’s Report 6 and know that having a loving
State Vice President 7 family around you is a real
Branch Education Reports 10 blessing, just to get you over that
Branch Reports 11 feeling of being alone, because you
NCWQ 12 are really, and you have to accept
Message from Pat Burns OAM 13 that, make peace with yourself and
Notices 14 learn to stand on your own two feet.
Easter Memories 15 But we all cope - some better than
Convention Flyer 16 others.
Convention Registration
Flyer for Sunday Night at Convention 17
Nomination form for V-President
I am flying to Brisbane on Tuesday,
Thought for April 2nd. All the family are coming to
celebrate my sister Nell’s 80th
Age is merely Birthday on 3rd April so a big catch-
the number of up will be lovely.
years the world
“May every day of your life bring
has been you fresh Hope for tomorrow---
enjoying you because Hope gives all of us our
reason for living.”

BIRTHDAYS FOR APRIL

Helen Mathewsen 2nd Alpha Epsilon

Carolyn Neilsen 4th Beta Epsilon
Grace Hurst 5th Alpha Epsilon

Debra Sumpter 12th Alpha Rho

Charlotte Robinson 15th Alpha Pi

Tammy Hurst 16th Alpha Epsilon
Jane Stehbens 21st Beta Epsilon

Cheryl Fritz 23rd Beta Epsil

Judy Jesshope 27th Alpha Rho

ESA Australia We wish you a Wonderful Birthday
Chaplain/Jonquil
with Family and Friends. To all
Olive
Thompson ESA members wherever you are,

CHAPLAIN/JONQUIL May the Sun shine upon you
HELLO Everyone! I hope you are all
well. Maybe one isn’t feeling quite and give you Peace.
so chirpy. I don’t know how Joyce of Love in ESA.
Beta Epsilon is. Last I heard she was
Olive ([email protected])

PS Olive has been struck down with shingles
while she was away. Recovering at home.(Editor)

Next Deadline for The Queenslander
May 7

IC President you need to make that happen? Make a list
of the “people” or the WHO to accomplish or
Kim
Kummer DO your project. When we think about the

"ESA ~ A Gift" WHO instead of what we need we are drawn
to people. People are also who we need in
Share the Gift.
ESA. Think about the WHO and share the gift
My Dear Queensland ESA Friends,
of ESA. Xoxo – Kim
What would your life look like without ESA?
My house might be cleaner, my schedule less Kim Kummer - ESA IC President
hectic (especially the past couple years), and
healthier meals might be served and my State President
heart… not as full.
Daphne
I am so thankful for the women that came
together in 1929 for a book club but saw the Neilsen
importance of continuing education,
fellowship and social interchange which Hello to all ESA Members,
evolved into ESA. With Founder’s Day right
around the corner my thoughts fill to those Well, it is hard to believe that it is April, and I
early pioneers. hope that you all have had some welcome
rain. I know that we have had some.
Let’s jump to the late 1980s. Had it not been
for the pioneers of the ‘80s introducing ESA ‘
on College Campuses I may have never joined
this great organization. Whether you have This month, on Saturday, 13th April, I will be
been a member for 60 years or 2 years, take attending Alpha Epsilon’s Changeover with
time to think about those who shared the gift my Alpha Rho sisters, and then on 27th,
of ESA with you. Let them know what an Alpha Rho will be having theirs.
impact ESA is in your life. For me, some are
in another chapter, some have moved out of I would like to thank our Newsletter Editor,
town and some have passed from this earthly Carmel, for the excellent job she has done
world but I think I will write them all a note producing our Directory and our wonderful
thanking them for sharing ESA with me. newsletter; also the time that she spent
designing the cover for both. Thank you so
Founder’s Day or the month of May is the very much Carmel from the bottom of my
perfect time to share ESA with a new member. heart.
I know you have looked under every rock,
asked every neighbour …. But we all know And a special big ‘Thank you’ to each and
there is still someONE we haven’t yet asked. every one of my ESA fellow members for
your excellent work and the hours that you
Think about the age you were when you have put in for the amounts of money you
joined ESA. Do you know someone that age? have raised. WELL DONE.
Why not share the Gift of ESA!!! Too often
we think it is someone else’s responsibility or I hope you all have registered to attend
‘I will do it next year’. I am asking you to do Convention in Bundaberg next month as I
it this year! Let me hear your success stories. know it will be a great weekend.

Tracy Swanson from Headquarters had a This year has just flown by and a big thank
wonderful presentation at the President’s you to all of you for your continued support
Leadership. Think of a project that you love and guidance to make my State President
to do or would love to implement. Who do Year so enjoyable and successful.

To our Incoming President Jenny, and your
Board of Officers, I wish you all the very best
for another successful and rewarding year.

Thank you all.

DaphneTake care until next month,

ESA Foundation Overseas ESA Disaster Fund
Director’s Report Chair’s Report

Marianne Marianne
Steentsma Steentsma

Hello all Members and friends of the ESA Special greetings to all my ESA Members,
Foundation, I cannot believe that the year has gone so
quickly and I am looking back to an
How can you help get ESA Foundation enjoyable year.
Goals out to schools and organisations
in our State? We often put others before ourselves and
spend a lot of our time giving back to others.
1. Urge your Branches to find a worthy The Disaster Fund is established to support
person in your community to receive ESA members whose homes and/or personal
a Humanitarian Award. belongings are destroyed or damaged by a
natural disaster, such as a fire, flood, or
2. Suggest your Branches contact a couple of tornado. Some of our Members have
local high schools and choose an experienced these sad situations and
Outstanding Senior High Youth Award received a helping hand.

3. For those Branches wishing to donate Assistance can also be given when a member
specifically to the ESA Foundation there incurs heavy financial responsibility due to a
is a Stewardship Award which specifically debilitating illness or accident which involves
honours someone who has helped people the ESA member or someone in their
you know in all walks of life. immediate family who resides in the
member’s home. Any active ESA member,
4. The most important concern is the Emily member-at-large, life-active member may
Thomas Memorial Scholarship. This submit a claim to the Disaster Fund, the
scholarship is only open for Australian validity of which will then be determined by
Students, which means the chance of the International Council Disaster Fund Chair
winning $1,000 is rather great. Please in agreement with the International Council
encourage the High School students in your President and First Vice President/President-
areas to apply. Elect. It is a gift and is not expected to be
paid back by the receiver. Please do not
The above are some suggestions to bring the forget to support the raffle at Convention.
ESA Foundation more into the public eyes. Prizes are: First: a $50.00 Woolworths
voucher & Second: a $25.00 Woolworths
Love in ESA, voucher.

Marianne Up to this point I am happy to report that I
have not received a claim form asking for
Old age – the time of your life help during the year and I am very glad all
when you can hide your own our Members have been safe as there have
Easter Eggs and then try to find been some tumultuous weather situations
them again. during the year.
See you all at Bundaberg.

Till next month,

Love in ESA, Marianne

State Vice President Branch Education

2018 - 2019 Lyn BucklReyeports

Jenny Hendriks State Education

ARE YOU OUR NEXT VICE PRESIDENT? Officer
Hi everyone. Convention is coming around
fast and while it’s great that we have Branch: Alpha Epsilon
nominations for most of the State Executive Education Officer: Patti Wyllie
positions for 2019-2020, unfortunately we still Theme: Living the Dream
don’t have a nomination for Vice-President. Topic: ‘The English Word’ – ‘Up’
Please consider nominating for this position or
encouraging another member who you think Our Social/Educational Meeting was held at
would be a good Vice-President. You have the local Coffee Farm where members
lots of experience to call on for advice from enjoyed the Whitsunday Gold Coffee with
our past State Presidents. lunch.

According to By-law 2 (d), this is the criteria Our speaker for the day was Pat Mengel, who
for being State Vice President: spoke on “The ENGLISH WORD”. Pat’s talk
“The Vice-President shall have served as highlighted the idiosyncrasies of the English
District Council President for one year, as language.
Branch President for one year and as a
member of the State Executive or General The word for the day was “UP”. This word can
Board, having held one of the following be used as a noun, verb, adjective, adverb
positions: Workshop Coordinator, Newsletter and preposition. It has more meanings than
Editor, Merchandise Officer, Education Officer any other two letter word.
or Awards Officer, for one year during her A very interesting programme, which gave us
association with ESA International. The Vice- a good laugh!
President shall have attended at least one
Upcoming events were discussed, including
State Convention.” Alpha Rho’s Handover, the WDC Handover
and our own Branch Handover.
The future of our organization relies on having
a President, so put your thinking caps on, fill A lovely apricot
in a nomination form (Page 17) and send it off flavoured cake
to your chosen nominee. If you receive a was enjoyed by
nomination, don’t think “I couldn’t do that” as all to celebrate
obviously the member who has nominated my birthday.
you, believes in your ability. I would love to Although I did
receive at least one nomination before not feel like
Convention. celebrating my
birthday this
While we can accept nominations from the year, my ESA
floor on Friday night at Convention, it isn’t sisters sang
ideal to have a last minute nomination from
the floor, as it really puts the pressure on “Happy
people to accept on the spot. Birthday” and I did enjoy their company and
support.
Looking forward to seeing many of you at
Convention. Our mystery auction was held with members
being competitive, trying to out-bid each
Jenny other.

Ten members were present. It was a very
enjoyable afternoon.

Pat (for Education Officer, Pattie Wyllie)

Branch: Alpha Pi  dependent on aid agencies for food
Topic: Working with refugee students from and shelter - not enough food and
Iraq and Syria water

Education Officer: Ros Brennan  unsafe at night: raided, targeting
unaccompanied women and 8-9 year
An interesting and thought provoking old boys (kidnapped and forced to
fight).
presentation was given by Jenny Hendriks
assisted by Ros Brennan about the EAL/D Finally, Jenny explained how these children
and their families are warmly welcomed into
(English as an our school community and how much
assistance, love and care they are given. It is
Additional such a gift to be able teach and care for these
Language/Dialect ) precious children and their families who have
had to endure so much.
students and their Alpha Pi group was truly grateful to Jenny and
Ros for their enlightening informative
families. Jenny presentation.

mainly focussed on Branch: Beta Omicron
the refugees who Theme: Sometimes we win, sometimes we
learn
come from Iraq and Topic: Australian South Sea Islanders
Venue: Queensland State Library
Syria as the school Education Officer: Sheila Zarri
where Jenny and
Seven members visited the display entitled
Ros teach has ‘Plantation Voices’ on February 15.
South Sea Islanders refers to Australian
approximately 50 descendants of Pacific Islanders from more

students from these countries.

Areas discussed in the presentation:

The TRAUMA AND VIOLENCE that many of
the refugee families have been through
before they leave their countries:

 fleeing their country to survive
 sudden departure – leaving almost

everything behind and only carrying
what they can fit into a bag
 having to walk long distances to a new
country – Iraqis to Jordan, Syrians to a
‘safe’ part of Iraq, Jordan or Lebanon.
If they drive, borders are hostile and
dangerous.
 some have had family members killed
 day to day life is extremely difficult –
fear of going to work, school, etc.
 fear of sleeping at night - bombs.
 so much violence our students and
their families have witnessed

What ASYLUM IN A NEIGHBOURING
COUNTRY was like for the refugee families:

 some may be housed in rough refugee
camps along the borders in makeshift
tents

 some camps have over 1 million people
in them

 very unsafe: different ethnic and
religious groups crowded together

than eighty islands in the South Seas. Some On the 27th March we held our educational /
of the islands include Vanuatu, New social at the Coffee Farm. My birthday was
celebrated with a delicious apricot flavoured
Caledonia, Fiji, New Island etc. cake. Pat Mengel was the speaker for the day,
delivering amusing information on “The
Today's Australian South Sea Islanders have English Word” - an entertaining talk on the
a special place in Queensland's cultural use of the word “UP”.

diversity and history. They are descendants of Pattie, Robyn, Ivy & Pat enjoy the event
Tammy &
South Sea Islanders brought to Queensland Grace cut
their
from 1863 to 1904 from 80 Melanesian Islands birthday cake
to work the State's cotton and sugar

plantations. The 62,000 men, women and

children were considered a cheap source of
labour with many being kidnapped. By

1908, many had been deported under the

White Australia Policy.

On display were some very confronting black
and white photographs revealing multiple

layers of Australian South Sea Islanders'

experience during the 19th and early 20th
centuries. Now 150 years on, we realise the

significant contribution of these people to our

collective heritage.

This State Library is amazing - so full of
interesting subjects, a beautiful building and
well worth spending a day there. We stayed a
few hours and had lunch at a very busy
café absorbing all that we had learned.

Sheila

Branch Reports Lunch was followed by the mystery auction.

Pat (Publicity Officer)

Alpha Epsilon Alpha Pi –
Pat Burns Carmel Mulcahy

At our March meeting, arrangements were At our March meeting Lyn mentioned that her
discussed regarding the planning of our granddaughter Kayla would be the hairdresser
Branch Handover. This will be held on 13th Shaving for a Cure at a nearby school, so we
April at the local “Whitsunday Gold” Coffee opted to give them our support. Lyn
Farm. Branch positions were organised. presented our donation to Reghan Clarke, a
student at Morayfield State School, who
Some of our members are making plans to shaved her hair in memory of a school friend
attend Alpha Rho’s Handover as well as our from Prep who had leukaemia and passed
WDC AGM and Handover. Looks like a busy away. The first photo is Reghan with flowing
month ahead.

hair with her family, the As usual, the
second Reghan has her hair members had
done by Lyn’s fun with the
Trivia Master
granddaughter Kayla, and Michael.
the third
photo is Next week, we’re off to Bunnings for another
Lyn with BBQ. No rest for . . . . maybe a visit from the
Reghan Easter Bunny? Who knows! Or maybe we’re
after the just too wicked.
event. Cheers,

The school Carmel

raised a total of Publicity Officer
$2000, with
Alpha Rho –
Reghan raising Annette

$700. Other Wisnewski

students and Hi Everyone,
teachers had their Well we have recently been having a bit of
quiet time. That is because we are getting set
hair shaved and up for Handover at the Shamrock again. They
look after us, so you stick with what you
coloured. know - Half Yearly, Great Community Car
The hair was collected from every shave and raffle, Mothers’ Day
The girls are still doing their normal weekly
will be sent to Sydney to make wigs. Nothing jobs like Care Kitchen and Meat raffles. We
have also taken some time out by going to the
is wasted. movies.
We recently hosted the Proserpine Branch for
Our Trivia Night, themed ‘A Blast from the the Whitsundays District Committee. That is
Past’, was a huge success, socially and always fun getting together and catching up.
financially. We have donated the profits to I hate to say this, but I don’t have any photos
Give A Child A Chance, a group formed and this month to show as I have been under a lot
funded by St Vincent de Paul, which assists of pressure at work and in my personal life.
needy families with items such as uniforms, Hopefully next time I will have lots of pictures
books, excursion fees etc. to show.
That’s about it for now.
Prizes for the winning table were brown paper Signing off from Mackay.
bags of old
fashioned lollies. Annette

Raffles were well (Publicity Officer)
supported with a
wide variety of
prizes on offer, and
as always, the food
provided by the Alpha Pi members was
plentiful and scrumptious!

Beta Epsilon – President Marg presents
Jane the Bursary to winner
Stehbens Luita Cislowski (R)

Hello Everyone, and donations to
Welcome to a beautiful time of year. After the representatives of local
recent rain everything is green and fresh, the groups.
sky is blue, the weather warm – perfect.

A few of our ladies attended the International
Women’s Day Breakfast at the Bowls Club.
They had a delicious breakfast and enjoyed
the company of some inspirational women.

Rita, Tina Planning continues for
and Cherryl Convention in May,
(the three with the girls working
in the hard to make a
memorable weekend for us.
middle)
enjoy the The high school musical for this year is
company at Grease. Sharon was the choreographer when
breakfast they last did the musical so we are all keen to
relive some memories of the school musical.
Our Cancer
night “Sea That’s all for now, stay safe, enjoy life, see
and Sound” you at Convention!
was a great
success. The Hope all is well.
decorations The Beta Epsilon Girls
in the hall
looked Jane
magnificent
and (Publicity Officer)
Margaret’s vision for the night all came
together for a great night of singing, laughter
and chatter.

Members and guests enjoy
the fun.

Beta Omicron – to compete in the National Swimming Titles.
Kylie has been asked to look after the team
Val Files while they are away, so no rest for the family.
This means that they will be at swimming
Our meeting was a small one yesterday but every day.
we achieved quite a lot.
Marianne and Bill are enjoying a while down
Not a lot of news from Beta Omicron this the coast at the moment, so the weather
month, but I went up to see Marie Adams at should be perfect. They are also going to
Rehab at Greenslopes Hospital, where she has Convention.
been for quite some time. Marie is nearing
the time when she will be home though now. Joan seems to have made the move to her
She has two new great-grandsons. Their son, Russ’ home, over the other side of town,
names are Augie (short for August), and Fin. as she has had quite a number of falls, so we
They are in Melbourne and Wollongong. may not see her as regularly. Joan still has
Though they are a distance away, Marie has some health issues.
had a cuddle.
Our Educational, Plantation Voices, was an
Alba has been involved in a Leukaemia Day at interesting morning.
her Village. They raised a great amount on
the day. They seem to be very involved as a Until next time,
whole when something is on in the village.
Val (Publicity Officer)
Frances’ daughter has moved out of home,
which means that the house is very quiet for National Council of
Frances and Bob, and like all seniors, they
seem to spend quite an amount of time at Women of
doctors’ surgeries.
Queensland
Margaret and John are overseas at present in
Japan, and I don’t know their schedule, but I Kathy
am sure they are seeing plenty of cherry Cavanagh
blossoms. They are truly a wonderful sight in
full bloom. NCWQ News

Sheila has had quite a few visitors lately, and 2019 Bursary Program
now is expecting more visitors from We are now three weeks into
Switzerland on 9th April, so we don’t think we the opening period of Bursary
will see much of her in the next few weeks. applications, with 34 bursaries
Two teenagers arrive on the following on offer, and about 30
Sunday, and another group from England in members of Team Bursary
May. Sheila’s 40 year old nephew, Rino’s 2019 to manage the promotion, coordination,
brother’s son, and Sarah, will also arrive. I’m selection and other administrative processes.
sure Sheila and Rino will have a great time Applications close on Monday 20 May. With
with family. the requirement for applicants for the ESA
bursary to live away from the South East
Val and Jack are attending Convention in region, I would encourage all members in the
Bundaberg in May. Jack has organised a regional branches to actively work with their
couple of short skits for the Past Presidents’ local cancer groups, as they may well have the
Association, so I hope everyone enters into contacts to assist in identifying female
the spirit of the occasion. The skits are not students within the families they are
terribly long, and shouldn’t impose too much supporting.
trouble. We will be at Bribie soon for about
10 days looking after the cat and house while
our daughter’s family are in Adelaide for Madi

Annual Dinner What a comfort you have all been.

We are delighted that ESA will be represented Thank You.
at the Annual Dinner on Tuesday 30 April,
with the presence of NCWQ Patron His On the 11th March I lost my dear
Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC husband, Turley.
and Mrs de Jersey. Speaker is Brigadier Susan I have been overwhelmed by the
Coyle, CSC, DSM, Commander 6th Brigade wonderful support from my ESA
Australian Army. Our only sibling bursary sisters.
recipients, Madison and Taylor Birtchnell will ALPHA EPSILON and ALPHA RHO
also speak. members formed a Guard of Honour
at the church and they have been so
News of Grant Success supportive to my family and to me.
I wish to thank you all, my ESA
Recent notification of success in our grant members for the flowers, cards, phone
application, has triggered instant action calls, visits and the love and caring
planning. To be used for the re-development that has surrounded us.
of the NCWQ website, the first steps will be to Turley was buried with his “Man of
improve the current ESA” pin on his lapel. He has always
website on mobile phone been a supportive ESA son to my
and tablet platforms. The Mum, Dorothy, and a really helpful
present website doesn’t husband to me over the last 55 years
work well on these devices, of my association with ESA.
and a number of the queries I take re the RIP Turley.
bursaries are on this issue. Further
development will improve the website design Pat
and the ease with which our webmaster can
manage new information. The first planning Pat Burns OAM
meeting takes place before Easter.

Comings and Goings

Acting President Erin Cunningham has taken
leave of absence due to a great temporary
work opportunity but based in Townsville. Erin
has passed on her role in the Young Women’s
sub-committee to three of its members. With
serendipitous timing, NCWQ has welcomed
Chiou See Anderson back to the Management
Committee.

I wish you a wonderful
Convention, with thanks to
Daphne for her year as
President, and a warm
welcome to Jenny as she
commences her role as
President.

Kathy

([email protected])

State Credentials Reminder ANZAC Day - April 25,
2019
Hello E.S.A Members,
By now I hope all Branches have At the going down of the
received a letter from me requesting the sun, and in the morning, we
names of the Delegates who will be
voting for their Branch at State will remember them.
Convention to be held at Bundaberg on
the 4th to 5th of May.
If you are voting by proxy fill in Section
1 of the Credentials form or if you have
delegates attending fill in Section 2 of
the form and return to me by the 19th
April 2019
All the branches that have paid I.C.
dues, State Affiliation and Insurance are
entitled to one vote for every ten (10)
Jewel Pin members.
Therefore:

1 – 10 members receive 1 vote
11 – 20 members receive 2 votes
21 – 30 members receive 3 votes
Thank you
Bonnie Spratt
Credentials Chairperson

MERCHANDISE REPORT

Just a little reminder to all branches.
Now is the time to order your
President Pins and any merchandise
needed for your Branch and District
Handover Meetings.

I will be ordering pins shortly for
Convention, so any other orders that
are needed may be collected by the
branches at Convention in Bundaberg.
(Saves on postage)

Looking forward to seeing you in
Bundaberg.
Cheers from
Sharyn

Merchandise Officer