North Eastern Region Hospitaller: Derek Pingel KMG
T
he North Eastern Region of the Order of Malta Australia generally covers the entire Queensland State, Australia’s second largest state. It reaches out into areas around its borders, providing much-needed assistance and support to our Lords the poor and sick. With a sprawling population of approximately 5 million people across a land mass of 1.853 million square kilometres, it certainly stretches the resources provided by a membership base of Knights and Dames numbering around 35, and approximately 80 volunteers. Although challenging, much is being achieved but much more can be done . At every opportunity we welcome interest in supporting our Order to those seeking to understand the unique and rewarding blessing of becoming members. This region continues to cultivate and grow a healthy, active and vibrant Young Order of Malta Volunteers group that provides outstanding support. This includes activities assisting the poor, sick and vulnerable in regional, rural, and remote areas. Below is a summary of the NorthEastern Region 2018 activities: Coats for the Homeless This year, our North Eastern Region members once again increased their reach with the
Coats for the Homeless program. Distribution was coordinated through, and in support of, more than 35 separate entities and outlets within the region, providing just over 1600 coats to the homeless and vulnerable. Simon National Carriers has again provided an outstanding service, transporting coats throughout the nation in a timely manner and for a heavily discounted rate. David Simon, CEO of Simon National Carriers, stated it was his way of contributing to the great works of the Order. This charitable work continues to be a very worthy and highly successful activity and is one of the national projects of the Order, which has grown from strength to strength over the past decade. This year’s major fundraising for Coats for the Homeless held at the Brisbane Club, as has been the case for many years, was hugely successful and the generosity of companies, businesses, parishioners and other organisations has been overwhelming. This initiative continues to strike at the very heart of our Order’s charism, and continues to gain tremendous support from the broader community. The Coats for the Homeless Fundraising Breakfast is an annual event where more than 120 people attend. At this year’s breakfast, our guest speaker, The Honourable Margaret
White AO, provided a sobering insight as a result of her commission in 2016/2017 leading the Royal Commission into the protection and detention of children in the Northern Territory. The generosity of attendees is greatly appreciated and the funds raised are channelled towards the purchase of Coats for the Homeless. One hundred dollars will buy three specially designed, warm, shower-proof coats for those who need them. Lourdes Healing Mass Saint Paschal’s at Wavell Heights Brisbane, home for the North Eastern Region Order of Malta, once again hosted the 2018 Lourdes Healing Mass on 5 May, coinciding with the Order’s pilgrimage to Lourdes in France. More than 150 parishioners, friends and visitors attended this deeply spiritual event seeking our Lord’s healing. Knights and Dames of the Queensland Order spent quality time with those in attendance and handed out bottles of Lourdes water and Rosary Beads. We are thankful for the wonderful support of the priests and all those in attendance. Our Order continues to offer our prayers for healing of those sick and suffering. Several Priests, including Chaplains to the Order of Malta, participated in providing
With Knights and Dames numbering around 35, and approximately 80 volunteers, the North Eastern region does its best to serve the approximate five million people living in this area. 16
2018 Australian Hospitaller