State Conference Day 1
Our Keynote Speaker Janine Shepherd AM.
Janine was in training for the Winter Olympics - 1988 and was cycling from Sydney to the Blue Mountains when she was struck by a speeding truck. She suffered massive injuries and was not expected to ever walk again. She was in hospital for six months.Depression followed when she was finally allowed home.
However, her fighting spirit caused her to take up flying lessons.
Janine eventually got her private pilot's licence then her commercial pilot's licence. She also taught other people how to fly. Janine eventually met her future husband, Tim, and had three children.
The title of her first book epitomises Janine's attitude to life: Never Tell Me Never.
Some comments: "Hearing Janine's story from her own lips was an experience which will be long remembered." "Janine stressed the importance of her family in her ongoing recovery."
"Meeting Janine and hearing her story was a moving, joyful and sometimes breathtaking experience!!!"
Business Section - Reports.
Diocesan Presidents - All reports are in the Conference booklet.
Doreen Ford - CWLA - NSW State Communications
Officer.
Encouraged members to send in ther reports on branch and diocesan
activities.
Carmel Keys - President of Australian Church
Women NSW.
Gave brief outline of ACW activities:
ACW was founded in 1938; it is an ecumenical
organisation which aims to unite women of all dominations to
assist women and family.
2006 is the fiftieth anniversary of the Fellowship of the
Least Coin.
ACW promotes 2 'Special' days each year: World
Community Day (October) and Fellowship Day
(July).
Moya Potts - President CWL - Archdiocese of
Sydney.
Thanked all those who worked towards the success of the
Conference.
Margo Nancarrow - State and National
Bioethics Convenor 
spoke to her report which gave an excellent outline of her work.
She indicated that she has developed a large 'database'
of information relating to bioethics and invited members to
contact her if they need more information.
Recent submissions on behalf of CWLA:
- Inquiry into Therapeutic Goods Amendment (Repeal of Ministerial responsibility for approval of RU 486)Bill 2005.
- Submission on the draft copy of the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research
- Written Submission and personal attendance - Senate Community Affairs Legislation committee regarding the Transparent Advertising and Notification of Pregnancy Counselling Services Bill 2005.
Other emerging concerns are: "Post - Coma Unresponsiveness Issues" and "Recommendations for the donation of cadaveric organs and tissues for transplantation."
Father Chris Riley AM was unable to attend
because of the illness of his father.
In his stead, Judy Gorton spoke briefly about
the work of Youth off the Streets and gave some
wonderful examples of how the YOTS "Kids" were helping
other children who have severe disabilities!
Dr Ann Villiers - Mental Nutritionist.
She has written a book Gorgeous Daring Dames, How to grow in confidence, clarity and commitment. This book grew out of a program for confidence building for women. she asked us to examine the choices we make and our expectations of ourselves.
Ann is a motivational speaker with a difference! She really
seemed to empathise with the group and the following is just one
comment:
"Stimulating, entertaining and encouraging to all women; she
reminded members of the courage and daring of the CWL founder
Margaret Fletcher. She encouraged us all to be Daring
Dames! "
Lucia Harvey
"Lucia's presentation on Organ Donation was
personal and informative, told with the courage and sensitivity
of a mother whose son became an organ donor."
Lucia's current role is to help to educate the general public
about organ donation and the importance of discussing these
issues within the family.
