2025

 is already upon us, and I am pleased, as your recently elected Ryder-Cheshire Australia President, to bring you this January issue of The Red Feather. 

The focus of our last issue was volunteering and the joy and profound fulfilment we all gain by giving our time, energy and skill ‘for the relief of suffering without discrimination.’  As our immediate past president, Rory McEwen, noted in his final message, we must continue to make improvements to attract and manage sponsorships, donations, bequests and other revenue sources. This requires a new set of champions, new leadership, and modern approaches to messaging and mediums.  

The Ryder-Cheshire Australia Board has a variety of working groups and committees, and the Board itsself of course, who must continue to do the ‘behind scenes work’ to ensure we are able to support and assist the two international homes, Raphael and Klibur Domin as they improve the lives of the vulnerable and sick. 

The RCA Board Directors are Paul Fearon President and Chair of the Finance and Legal Committee, Mike Moignard Vice President and Secretariat Chair, Peter Colliver National Treasurer and Company Secretary, Susie Mackerras Chair International Programs Committee and Overseas Volunteers’ Coordinator, and Dianne McGrath Chair Media and Communications Committee. Stuart Stansfield is the Board Secretary and provides invaluable administrative support to the Board. Finally, we are delighted to also welcome Siobhan Reeves to the Board and her expertise and knowledge will bring added assistance to the International Programs Committee and Overseas Volunteers Coordinator. 

This issue details how you or someone you know, a friend or relative, could assist us in maintaining our status as one of the few remaining charities that can say we are a 100% volunteer-run organisation. This means our donors can be assured that 100% of all donations reach their intended destination. This message came through loud and clear from one of our longest and most generous supporters, Father Ted Burns, and I encourage you to listen to his powerful ‘call to action’ in his video message found on our website under media/video or click here Father Ted

My heartfelt thanks to the many individuals and organisations who continue to support us financially and with their time. This includes all the schools, groups, clubs and churches vital to maintaining our grass-roots support. Your contribution has a profound impact, and your legacy will be redoubled by considering how you can pass on the baton to our children, grandchildren, and the younger generations. If you know of anyone who may be retiring soon or has an interest in international aid, or who has volunteered at one of our homes and might be interested, I would be delighted to speak to them. Skills in marketing and fundraising, digital and social media, writing grant applications, legal and governance, finance and administration, would be particularly welcome. Please refer to the advertisement for volunteers on page 3.

Best wishes for the New Year.

Paul Fearon  President and Chairperson