Category Archives: NSW Foundation

News, NSW Foundation, Singleton Home

Vale Cheryl Germaine Nesbitt

I first met Cheryl at the beginning of 1968 in Sydney when my cousin brought her along to a Raphael fundraiser event. It was a Japanese luncheon prepared by Jenny at Barbara Coleman’s home in Sydney.

Cheryl joined Ryder-Cheshire for the next 50 years. She was a Director on the NSW Foundation for 12 years. We met again when she moved to the Hunter Valley and she joined the Singleton Ryder-Cheshire Support Group where, for many years, she was our President and Public Officer, maintaining her support of the Ryder-Cheshire NSW and the National Foundation. She sold copious Christmas cards.

With a background in Real Estate and Banking, her expertise and competence were invaluable. She was compassionate and generous, and had a unique balance of firmly standing up for what she believed was right, coupled with a sense of fun. She could turn her hand to anything, even running up the curtains forLocksley, the then Ryder-Cheshire Home in Singleton, NSW. It was under Cheryl’s watch that we incorporated and eventually wound up the Singleton Home, distributing the funds to other Ryder-Cheshire projects. She was delighted with the progress reports of that money being promptly utilised where needed.

She managed to make a mark with other causes as well; St. Michael’s Church and community groups in Wollombi, Family Support in Cessnock, St. Patrick’s Church baptisms in Singleton, St. George Bank Foundation and the National Party to name some, but Ryder-Cheshire was her favourite charity. Her hobbies were many; a talented artist, cook, gardener and perfect hostess.

A devout Catholic, her battle with cancer extended over four uncomplaining years. We saw her as brave, beautiful, and positive. In detail, she calmly organised her affairs so that her family would not be unduly burdened, attending to any maintenance issues. A fortnight before dying, she told a tradesman that he needed to expedite the job as she was going away soon, travelling.

Cheryl was an inspiration, a dependable friend. She shall not be forgotten. We all miss her deeply.

Anne Boyd

Klibur Domin, Mt Gambier Home, News, NSW Foundation, Raphael, RCA, Ryder-Cheshire Australia, SA Foundation, Schools, Victorian Homes, Volunteering

The 19th Biennial Conference is over

Delegates at the Conference

Over ninety delegates have made their way back to their homes in Timor-Leste, India, New Zealand and across Australia. We have been informed, challenged, inspired, and entertained.
Ryder-Cheshire is an inclusive family and an important function of the Conference is that of family reunion, and a welcome to new supporters. Those who normally communicate by email and telephone have been together for hugs and handshakes, and in-depth discussion that is not possible by other means.
We were fortunate indeed to have a beautiful venue, Hillsley, a former church which is part of the Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School campus, on the outskirts of Melbourne. Our heartfelt thanks to the School for making it available to us.
In conjunction with the Conference, Ryder-Cheshire Australia also held it’s Annual General Meeting, and a General Meeting of the Board, with all members present plus valuable input from Klibur Domin Managing Director, Sr Joaquim Soares and Raphael Chief Executive Officer, Brig Anil Sinha (Retd). The Board also welcomed observers Carolyn Tapley, RCF New Zealand, and John Kirby RCF SA. Continue reading The 19th Biennial Conference is over →

News, NSW Foundation, Raphael

VALE – Fr Vincent Paul Coleman, SJ, OAM

Fr Vincent Paul Coleman, SJ, OAM

On Thursday 5th October 2017, Fr Paul was laid to rest beside his brother Fr Gerald at Macquarie Park Cemetery, Sydney. 

The Coleman Family was well known to Ryder Cheshire through the involvement of his sister Barbara Lewis and brother Peter. Being numbered among the pioneers, they had all enjoyed the privilege of meeting with our founders Leonard and Sue. They took inspiration from their lives and words.

Fr Paul entered the Jesuit Order in 1948 and was ordained a priest in 1959. Over his many years of service he worked in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, but it was during his time in Sydney, particularly after Barbara and her husband Patrick moved there from Adelaide, that he became involved in the work of the Ryder Cheshire Foundation.  It was Fr Paul who pushed the committee to arrange fund-raising dinners as a two yearly event. Several of these were held at the Mary McKillop Centre where Fr Paul was the chaplain.  Others were held at Riverview College.  One memorable event was the Dinner at the Opera House, catered for by Guillaume Brahimi.  It was a wonderful lunch, Indian food, little children dressed in costumes, speeches and so forth.  Fr Paul’s feeling was that one had to encourage wealthy donors and this was a way to accomplish this. Continue reading VALE – Fr Vincent Paul Coleman, SJ, OAM →

NSW Foundation, Raphael, Ryder-Cheshire Australia

Vale Melody Smythe

Melody Smythe – National Project Officer (India) – Sydney, NSW

On 15 October we received the sad news that Melody Smythe had died. Melody was a much loved member of the NSW Ryder Cheshire Committee from 2002 to 2013, when she was forced to retire through ill health. She also took on the role of Raphael Project Officer from 2006, building a warm relationship with Brig Anil Sinha as she navigated her way through the special project requests that were submitted by Raphael for funding.

Melody’s association with the Ryder Cheshire Foundation came about through her dear friend Barbara Lewis, who encouraged her to join the committee. It was a great joy to Melody that she was able to visit Raphael for the first time in March 2010 when she accompanied Patrick Lewis and his son Sutomo to attend the official opening of Barbara Cottage.

We will miss her warmth,concern for others and her work for the relief of suffering.

May she rest in peace.

Chris Hannan