NEWS DESK
Women’s group writing for the record By Judith Graley MEMBERS of the Southern Women’s Action Network (SWAN) are compiling the story of the group’s history of more than 26 years of social activism. SWAN was founded by a group of Mornington Peninsula women looking to learn more about the justice issues facing women and working together to bring about social change. Over the years SWAN boasts an impressive roll call of activism. For example, members have campaigned for the release from jail of Heather Osland; organised an Islamic women’s fashion parade; and marched in rallies to promote human rights, to protest against family violence and to support asylum seekers. Founding members Val McKenna and Maureen McPhate said they would sometimes join marches in Mornington, wearing a SWAN badge and dressing in purple, white and green. They also wrote letters to the media about social justice issues. Bi-monthly meetings featured more than 150 inspiring women and such guest speakers as former Victorian Premier Joan Kirner AC; domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty AO; former Chief Police Commissioner Christine Nixon AO APM; and Victorian Women’s Trust executive director Mary Crooks AO. SWAN has remained true to its original objectives. “There is a forum; justice and equity issues are still actively promoted; women’s active participation in community decision-making has surely
The parrot’s prophecy
Looking back: SWAN members review material already collected for the book tracing the groups first 26 years, from left, Diane Mcdonald, Erica Churchill, Maureen Mcphate, Judith Graley, Val Mckenna, Fran Rule and Moz Lucas.. Picture: Yanni been increased as women take up the battle in various ways,” Fran Rule, another founding member, said Diane McDonald, who is leading the book project, said SWAN was a unique group run for more than a quarter of a century by women volunteering their time to enable local women to meet, to learn about social justice concerns faced by women from all walks of life and to become actively engaged in supporting women’s causes. The focus on empowering women to make a difference continues to
this day. Members participate in human rights marches; write letters to MPs on various social justice issues such as family violence and youth criminalisation; and advocate against racism and inequality. SWAN is pro-actively supporting the key reforms of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, including the enshrinement of an Indigenous voice in the Australian Constitution. Women have commented that attending SWAN meetings was important to them, as they not only learnt new things but also formed long-term
friendships. It has truly played a significant role in the lives of many local women. It is so important that their SWAN journey is recorded with our book. We have collected a lot of material from many members and speakers, but we are still looking for more recollections women may have from attending our meetings. If you would like to share your SWAN experience or would like to come to our next guest speaker event email: swanwomen@outlook.com
ROSEBUD chiropractor, globetrotter and author Adam Mackey, above, who writes under the pen name of Angel A, will next month launch his second book Holy Parrot. The fantasy novel, winner of the Literary Titan award, is the story of the events that occurred in Colombia known as Loro Santo, or Holy Parrot. In brief, Leo Lumiere was an undergraduate science student from Australia working in the coastal fishing village of Buritaca in Colombia. Maria,16, swore a parrot they call Gabriel told her that she will be the mother of the new Christ. Miraculous events unfold and the story becomes loaded with intrigue, while Leo is torn between exposing a crime and protecting Maria from harm. Mackey will be signing copies of Holy Parrot 2pm-5pm Sunday 4 December at the Escape Brewing, 2/12 Suffolk Street, Capel Sound. There will be refreshments and live music. Dinner available.
We are recruiting! Mornington Peninsula
Join our team of likeminded, passionate individuals and make a difference to the lives of those in our care. WE HAVE A RANGE OF EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE, INCLUDING: KITCHEN STAFF, CARE WORKERS, CLEANERS, NURSES, LIFESTYLE WORKERS To apply for a role or submit your expression of interest, contact Dana Ieraci: Call 0419 126 169 eMail dana.ieraci@calvarycare.org.au Scan the QR code or find out more at www.calvary.healthcare/mornington
PAGE 4
Southern Peninsula News
30 November 2022
ADDRESSES OF HOMES: Calvary George Vowell Nepean Highway & Cobb Road Mount Eliza
Calvary Rye Sands 36-40 Weir St Rye
Calvary Capel Sands 8-16 Capel Ave Capel Sound