spontaneously give of themselves and their time?” Was it the swallowed blarney stone that characterized the Brothers leader, Br. Killian? Was it a sense of rolling up your sleeves and supporting Catholic endeavours and activities, that was perhaps more pertinent in the 50s than it is today? Perhaps some just felt a bit sorry for this group of Irishmen and their young Australian followers hacking at the lantana, and clearing away the compulsive hoardings of the previous owner? Was it a sense of compassion for a group of people in the community for whom life was, and still is, especially tough, and who often don’t get a ‘fair go’; that is, those people living with psychiatric illness? Whatever the personal motivation one could argue that each person was being invited to share in Christ’s critical mission of compassion for, and healing of the sick. The Brother’s believe that this ministry of compassion and healing has, and continues to be characterised in a particular way through the life and example of Saint John of God. Whatever the personal motivation one could

Brother Timothy Graham in his speech spoke on the following - We have gathered here today to remember and celebrate the work and achievements of the Auxiliary of Saint John of God Hospital, North Richmond. We have gathered more particularly to remember and celebrate the lives and generosity of those individuals who gave face, friendship, heart and perspiration to the building up of the unique expression of Christ’s healing ministry that surrounds us today – those who are no longer with us; those who have moved on along life’s journey; and the special individuals who we honour here in person today. The Saint John of God Auxiliary, Belmont Park was established in March, 1953; thus it has been carrying out its

mission for nearly sixty years. Jim Wilson – an early driving force of the auxiliary - recalling his memories of those founding days writes “… It all began for me in the January of 1952 … the Brothers had purchased Belmont Park at North Richmond. They were living in tents while clearing the driveway etc. and starting to work on the original building so as to prepare for the opening of the first Catholic psychiatric hospital in Australia in September or sometime later in the year”. Reading Jim’s recollections what stood out poignantly for me was ‘the shoulder to shoulder’ relationship that developed between the Brothers and the growing band of volunteers (the Rozelle CYO and A and B Grade footballers are given a special mention) who with paintbrush, hammer and broom worked with single-minded determination to get the hospital up and running; which it did with the official opening in September 1952. The question that stayed with me whilst reading Jim’s recollections was: “What drove these women and men to so generously and

Celebrating the Work and Achievements of the

Auxiliary of Saint John of God Hospital, North Richmond.

Hospitaller Order of St. John of God

caritas

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2012 — ISSUE 12

argue that each person was being invited to share in John of God’s critical Gospel mission of Hospitality. Jim’s reminiscences mentioned many legendary characters: Sid Gibson, Jack Newton, Frank Jorgenson, the ladies auxiliary with members such as Joan Cox and Stella Hynes, and many others. All these individuals gave hours of volunteer service, and pounded many paths to make the various fundraising activities a success; and ultimately Saint John of God Hospital, North Richmond a success. The first raffle in 1953 was a Holden car – a very adventurous project even by today’s standards, which raised 2750 pounds. I’m sure that in today’s money that would equate to a handsome sum. The fete, which commenced in 1953, was the set piece in the fund raising efforts of the auxiliary, and became an

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institution over the years in the Hawkesbury district, and beyond. As a young Novice I remember it well. We looked forward to it greatly, but were probably unaware of the huge logistical and diplomatic exercise involved.

At its height, if my memory serves me well, the fete was raising around $40,000 a year.

Following on from the Jim Wilson era it is fair to say that the next stage of the life of the auxiliary could be described as the Mary Walsh era. Most of us in this room would have

our own memories of Mary, and her gentle but determined manner. Of course an auxiliary is more than just one person – though a good leader is essential.

The Christmas Raffle was the other major, annual fund raising effort. The last Christmas raffle was held this Christmas past. I don’t know whether any one has ever sat down and worked out just how much money the Saint John of God Hospital Auxiliary has raised over the last sixty years? Surely, it must be a considerable sum! But clearly we can see the results of the efforts of the auxiliary in the magnificent facilities with which the hospital is currently blessed. Saint John of God Hospital, North Richmond is indeed an oasis of peace, for those for whom peace is often in short supply.

The Brother’s two psychiatric hospitals, whilst small are however well known and respected throughout the Catholic and wider community. They are acknowledged as centers of clinical excellence, but more importantly are places of acceptance and welcome. The auxiliary has made a significant contribution to the development of this culture of Hospitality over the years.

Money raised is one thing. The finances went into projects such as the chapel, the Marian Wing, Christmas surprises for the patients etc. I’m sure that when Priors such as Brother Timothy Boxall or Brother Anthony Duncan suggested a project the auxiliary never had the heart to turn them down. Though I think Mary may have given Tony Duncan a grilling or two on occasion!!

However, what the Brothers valued, and value most was the friendship enjoyed with the auxiliary members down through the years. What the Brothers valued, and value the most is that shared sense of Mission and commitment that has always characterised their relationship with the members of the auxiliary; our shared sense of urgency to bring healing, compassion and peace into the lives of people shattered by mental illness.

Words are inadequate to express the profound gratitude of the Brothers to all those who have

served as members of the Saint John of God Auxiliary. Most importantly, the Brothers want to express their gratitude to the current members of the Saint John of God Auxiliary who have worked tirelessly over the years for our shared mission of Hospitality. To Frank as President, and Lyn as Secretary/Treasurer we give you our heartfelt thanks, and pray that the Lord will bless you in whatever way is important for you at this time. To your troops – again our profoundest thanks, and our prayers for every grace and blessing.

We also want to acknowledge and thank the families of the members of the auxiliary, who have generously supported their loved ones and allowed them to spend so much time apart working on the various auxiliary fund raising efforts.

In consultation with the Auxiliary the Brothers are to set up a charitable fund to be known as the ‘de Sales Fund’, after the first Australian to make vows in the Order. Most of you would have known Brother Francis, and have your own set of particular memories.

The monies will provide the seeding finance for this Fund. We hope to build this sum up – with God’s help – with the intention of funding projects in those services that the Brothers incorporated into the PJP Saint John of God Healthcare.

Finally, on behalf of all of the Brothers of the Province I again want to profoundly thank our current auxiliary members for the magnificent job that they have done over the years, and wish them every grace and peace for the years ahead; and would ask them to accept a small token of the Brothers thanks. and esteem …

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Now our final gift to the Brothers are our existing funds are to be used to establish the 'De Sales' Fund, the interest from which is to be used by the Brothers for projects of their choice in their ongoing mission in Australia.

I wish to thank the members of the Auxiliary for your generous support of me and your commitment to our fundraising activities over the last 10 years.

And to you Br John. Perhaps you are the only living connection to the first Auxiliary at Burwood and the early development years of the Brothers here at Belmont Park.

On behalf of the Auxiliary and personally, I thank you for your support, love, friendship, guidance and encouragement to all of us. Your prayers are still needed by us all.

Thank you for returning and offering Mass today.

Thank you to Brother Timothy and all the Brothers who have journeyed with us over the years. Please continue to pray for your benefactors.

Thank you to all the people who have helped and to those I may have missed and forgotten to mention.

And lastly, thank you to my wife who has quietly supported me and the Auxiliary and patiently put up with my foibles.

Thanks From Frank Crew

Today is a sad day as we come to the closure of the Richmond St John of God Hospital Auxiliary.

However, I would like to step back in time for a moment and recognise what the Auxiliaries of both Burwood and Richmond have achieved for the Brothers over the last 59 years, must acknowledge here that most of my information is taken from Jim Wilson's history of the Sydney Auxiliary of which he was a founding member.

That Auxiliary was founded in March 1953 with Jim as President, Syd Gibson (Br John's father) Vice President, Theo Keneally Secretary and Jack Newton Treasurer.

Their first fundraising activity was an Art Union for a Holden car, and after

much hard work, heartache (because 4 weeks prior to the draw it looked doomed to failure) it was successful with a profit of £2750. The Holy Spirit certainly helped when things were so dire!

Then in October 1953, the first Hospital fete was held — again with great success. From then on various successful fundraising activities continued.

In 1962 our own Richmond Auxiliary came into being independent to Burwood, and at the instigation of Br John who was then Prior here.

The first President was Mr Bob Want (Margaret & Mick's father). The Auxiliary took over the responsibility and running of the Annual Fete and continued with various fundraising activities.

When Bob retired, Mrs Dot Shepherd was elected President and during her tenure the swimming pool was built the two auxiliaries raising funds for this. When completed, the pool was jointly opened by Mrs Shepherd and Jim. Jim resigned as Burwood President in 1993 (40 years).

Our fund raising continued with the main activities centred upon the Annual Feet and two raffles — one drawn on Fete day and the other at Christmas. The annual fetes lasted until 1998.

Our remarkable and one and only Mrs Mary Walsh OAM, President, died in 2001 and went to her well earned reward. Her passing coincided with a decline in our membership due to age and illness.

It was my privilege to take over as President at this time. Our first duty was to erect a memorial fountain to Mary in the Hospital grounds.

With our remaining stalwarts we have continued to hold Christmas raffles which, due to wonderful support from our mailing list benefactors and local parishioners of St Monica's and St Gregory's have maintained our funding for the Brothers, the Papua New Guinea Mission and the Hospital Patients to the present time.

It is of interest that over the life of the two Auxiliaries they raised over £1 million for the Brothers.

St. John of God Auxiliary

Belmont Park Richmond

Thoughts from Jim Wilson

To Contact Us

St. John of God Brothers P O Box BN 1055 Burwood North. NSW 2134, Australia Tel: +61 02 9747 1699 - Fax: +61 02 9744 3262 E: provincial@oh.org.au—W:www.oh.org.au

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The St. John of God Sydney Auxiliary was founded in March 1953. Jim Wilson heard of the Brothers in the January of 1952 and how the Brothers had purchased Belmont Park at North Richmond and the Brothers were living in tents while clearing the drive way and commencing the work. Building so as to prepare for the opening of the first Catholic Psychiatric Hospital in Australia in September or sometime later in the year.

On a Saturday in early February, having organised a few relatives and friends, three car loads of volunteer workers came to Richmond to assist the Brothers. It was decided that people would work every second Saturday and soon the number of cars and workers increased mainly because of the Rozelle Catholic Youth Organisation and the A & B Grade Footballers who we were able to recruit from April.

After all volunteers received the thanks of Bro. Killian and the Brothers, it appeared that it was the end of it all but in early 1953 Jim Wilson and his wife were present at the Sisters of St. Joseph where they again met Brothers Killian and Flanna. It was there that Brother Killian mentioned that they were endeavouring to form an Auxiliary and would Jim attend the meeting just to make up the numbers.

When official proceedings commenced, nominations were called. Jim had hardly sat down when he was nominated, seconded and elected unopposed - all organised, as Jim later was to find out. He mentioned to Brother Killian that he hadn't only kissed the Blarney stone, but had swallowed it. A motion was carried at the original meeting to promote the first Art Union with a Holden car as the prize with

tickets at two shillings each.

After a short break the Auxiliary decided to hold the first fete in the Hospital grounds in October of 1953 with the members ensuring that all the usual fete stalls were fully stocked and staffed. The first fete was a great success and gathered momentum from year to year with Geoff Mahoney, the ABC race caller - a St John of God friend, mentioning the fete on his racing program and while broadcasting the Daily Double on channel 2. He always stated "This is the biggest and best fete in NSW" and as the years progressed it certainly proved to be. Later on, sometime in the late 60's it was decided to make a firm date of the first Sunday in May.

It was again decided to promote the second art union for a Holden car in 1954. The fund raising continued with musicals, dinner and live shows. Other events included social evenings with extras such as Chocolate Wheels and other forms of fund raising. Shortly after it was decided to promote what was termed the Quickie Art Unions. The next few years continued with the Art Union and the Fete being the main money

making activities, supplemented by other lesser functions.

While the fund raising continued Bro. John was the Prior of Richmond. He decided to start a local or Richmond Committee in 1962. Frank Lorgenson and Jim Wilson travelled to Richmond and conducted the initial meeting until the election was held. Mr. Bob Want was elected the first President. The Richmond Committee was an immediate success and started their own fund raising functions. They gradually took over the running of sections of the annual fete. After Bob retired, Mrs. Shepherd became

President. Over the following years the activities continued with the main functions being the Fete and the Christmas Raffle with various other functions. Jim Wilson resigned at the end of the fete day 1993 having been forty years as President of the Sydney Auxiliary and forty one years of association with the Brothers and Auxiliary Members.

Jim feels that as the Belmont Park Hospital was such a part of his life for so long, that there are some people who should be mentioned regarding the original Auxiliary.

•the late Sid Gibson - a Vice- President, a great worker and a great friend;

•the late Jack Newton - Treasurer;

•the late Frank Jorgenson - Vice-President;

•Barney MacGovern;

•the original Ladies Auxiliary and particularly Joan Cox who was Auxiliary Secretary.

•Margaret De Mee - Minute Secretary and non-stop worker;

Jim would also like to thank the Brothers that he has been associated with the Auxiliary over the years commencing with Bro. Killian Herbert and the original brothers who arrived in 1947.

Jim feels that it was great to be associated with the Richmond Auxiliary and many thanks are due to them for their help and particularly to the three presidents Mr. Bob Want, Mrs. Shepherd and the one and only Mary Walsh OAM.

Jim is particularly grateful and thankful for his association with the brothers over the years including Brothers Xavier, Joseph, Mark West, Timothy Boxall, Julian and Anthony. Also the long and successful association with Bro. John Gibson.

Jim also thanks last but not least his wife, mother their nine children who ran the cake stall on fete day for years. She put up with his absences during the art unions and other functions locally and at Richmond.

Thanks to the many people who have helped and especially to those who may have been missed and should have been mentioned.