Patricia Byrne's Presentation St George Association
Speech by Janet Malone (President)
Patricia has been a member of the St. George Association for 50 years. For 40 of those years, she has served as Honorary Secretary. I think she might be aiming to break a record!
Patricia has worked very hard for the Association for the past 50 years. She has been tireless in her support of our members & always willing to advocate on their behalf. It is Patricia who organises our monthly outings & of course the Christmas Luncheon here.
In regards to today's event, it has been fun & games trying to keep this a secret. Jenny Chin & I have told quite a few fibs & tall tales to Patricia & had a few giggles at some of the close shaves. For about 9 months the Committee has kept up this subterfuge - it's been jolly hard work!
Patricia has carried out her position as Secretary with vigour & unwavering belief in the Association & as Editor of "The New Link" she does a sterling job.
On a personal level, Patricia & I first met 20 years ago. I classify her as a friend as well as a fellow member. She has always been on hand to lend support or advice during my time as President, for which I cannot thank her enough. I admire Patricia for her high standards & for being a wonderful example of what someone with a disability can achieve. She epitomises our motto:
"Capabilities Conquer Disabilities"
Speech by Peter & Janet Meagher
St. George Association has given those of us in the disability community over 55 years of fellowship.
On May 25, 1954 a small group of people with disabilities met in the R.S.L. club at Rockdale and established the St. George District Fellowship of The Poliomyelitis Society. The founders and the committee at that time probably had no idea that this simple beginning would still be a thriving organisation 55 years later and be known as the St. George Association for People with Physical Disabilities Incorporated.
There are numerous friends and members here today that may not have claims as 'originals', but do have continuous involvement with St. George for almost our entire history. We must also recognise the fabulous contribution of so many who are no longer with us. Their vision, their planning and tireless years of dedication have allowed this wonderful Association to remain strong. Alongside this strength grew warmth and long held friendships which, even today, continue to flourish. It has all happened because of the support of generous donors, supporters - both individuals and organisations alike. The Association has not drawn on the Government purse to achieve our goals, because the needs of our members are more important than fitting into the restrictive criteria of so many of the Government funded programs.
Irrespective of the years of membership though, we are all part of the family of the St. George Association for People with Physical Disabilities. As such we have a member of this special St. George Association who is today being feted for achieving an extraordinary milestone. We are here to celebrate Patricia Byrne's golden anniversary - 50 years - as a committee member of this Association, a wonderful achievement in an unfunded organisation, created by and continually managed by people with disabilities.
The President and some on the Management Committee have worked diligently in recent times to avoid Patricia knowing that today's celebration would include an acknowledgement of her 50 years service as a committee member. This hasn't been an easy task as many members talk with Patricia and communicate openly with her. Members were all asked to keep this segment of the 2009 Christmas Luncheon as a surprise and I think we have succeeded in that! Patricia is here gasping in shock and speechless! Thanks to all who put clandestine efforts into the planning for today's celebration. I also thank you, the members and friends, who have joined us here today to mark this historic occasion. Our President has received many words and letters of praise and congratulations for Patricia to mark this significant milestone.
I've served on many boards and committees over the years and I must say that this type of celebration is VERY rare. I have personally never seen it in a community organisation. Board members in our Association have an enviable record for sustaining commitment and drive and for being very dedicated - and this occasion acknowledges that level of dedication. To our knowledge this particular milestone is unsurpassed in living memory for organisations of this kind.
When I told a colleague that Peter and I were attending a celebration for a friend of ours, honouring 50 years on the committee of an organisation, they were disbelieving and incredulous and then said "50 years?! Surely she's done her bit! There must be good money for those on that committee! Most people on committees are finished after 4-5 years and have nothing left to offer! How come she's still there??!"
After that spiel I was struck silent. How can we describe adequately the responses to that disbelief? You'd really have to know Patricia to know that those comments really don't apply and never could!
Let's go through them:
Have you 'done your bit' Patricia?
"There's always more to do" would be your response.
We so much appreciate the personal and professional dedication, integrity of your contribution, and the respect for all members which lies within your participation over the years.
There must be good money for those on that committee!
Now there's an understatement! I'm fairly confident that we can state categorically that this is not so. There's no 'good money' for being on the St. George Association Committee, but there is definitely good company, good values and good management processes.
Most people on committees are finished after 4-5 years and have nothing left to offer!
Patricia has so much more to offer! She has stayed with us through many personal upheavals and I do believe her genuine friendships and supportive colleagues within the Association have been valued by her as she is valued, and indeed treasured, by us, the members and friends of the Association.
How come she's still there?
How come you are still here Patricia? Is it because you value the work and activity of our Association? Is it because so many of your life goals and dreams are achieved through this voluntary organisation? Is it because you are much loved by us all?
You have given so much, so willingly, and in a way that has been respectful, timely, practical and empowering to all who are here to honour you today.
We thank you, we thank God for you. We are proud to know you and most of all today we honour you as living up to the Association's motto: "Capabilities Conquer Disabilities".
Patricia joined the St. George Association for People with Physical Disabilities in the late 1950's. She was elected onto the committee in 1959, and has served on the committee from that time.
She was elected Assistant Secretary and Public Officer in 1961 and in 1969, (40 years ago), was made Secretary. Patricia has continuously held the position of Secretary from that time to the present. So we really have a double celebration… 40 years as secretary and 50 years as committee member. What an extraordinary achievement!
Letter sent by Alix Rainnie and read by President
Dearest Pat,
Congratulations on your great achievement of 50 years as Secretary of St. George Assoc. Pat it's truly a marvellous effort & I'm quite sure it's due to you & many past & present committee members that we still have St. George. I always look forward to "The New Link" which you so skilfully produce month after month, keeping us all up to date with activities & news.
I must add, when I receive mine, I read it from beginning to end when I receive it. Thank you Pat for your devotion & care over these 50 years, it's been outstanding. I would also thank you for your friendship over this long, long time & for many good times with St. George at our outings &, more on a personal note the wonderful concerts we've attended and that great trip we did overseas.
Well done Pat, with much love & God's blessings, Alix
Letter sent by Shirley Roach and read by President
Congratulations Patricia!
It is a pleasure to send these good wishes to you as you celebrate 50 years of association with and service to St. George Association.
Through those years we've seen you grow from a timid young lady to a confident lady, sharing your wisdom, talents and expertise in so many ways.
St. George Association and its members have been blessed in being able to share your joyful presence, your care and your life with us.
God bless you today and always,
Sincerely, Shirley
Ken Nimmo (President Oatley Lions Club)
Acknowledgement of his long-time friendship and Oatley Lions Club's long association with St. George Association. He congratulated Patricia on this great milestone and the work she has done over the years.
Presentation by President Janet Malone
On behalf of all our members, it gives me great pleasure to present Patricia with a gift in appreciation of her 50 years service with St. George Association. Congratulations Patricia!
Gift of hammered stainless steel bowl and polished rosewood block with plaque which reads:
Patricia Byrne
In recognition of 50 yrs service to St. George Association 6-12-09
"Capabilities Conquer Disabilities"
Peter Meagher offering his congratulations to Pat.
The presentation was a complete surprise to Patricia and I still keep shaking my head in wonder that she had no inkling! That in itself made it all the more special.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the Committee Members for all their help and effort in enabling this special occasion to happen. Even Patricia did her bit without being aware of the fact!
Special thanks to Annette Bond who took loads of photos of the occasion and Carolyn Malone who made sure everyone signed the card. Thanks also to John Chate for help with the microphone.
Lastly a BIG, BIG thank you to all of you, the members, for "keeping Mum" and so keeping Patricia oblivious to what was to come!
There are a lot of photos of the Luncheon and Presentationon our website. I have only included the most important ones. Do try to see our website· Stgeorgeassociation.org.au I'm sure you'll enjoy looking at the photos.
I hope this gives you an idea of what was a very happy and joyous occasion.
Happy New Year Everyone!