Events
Friendship Day 2022
The Victorian Council Executive organised a very special "French" inspired Friendship Day on Thursday, September 29, at the William Angliss Restaurant. Although our guest speaker was unable to attend, Meredith picked up the ball and scored big time with an excellent table quiz which had everyone in stitches! Lots of laughter and fellowship.
The following are some of the photos taken of our members enjoying the day:
The Victorian Council Executive organised a very special "French" inspired Friendship Day on Thursday, September 29, at the William Angliss Restaurant. Although our guest speaker was unable to attend, Meredith picked up the ball and scored big time with an excellent table quiz which had everyone in stitches! Lots of laughter and fellowship.
The following are some of the photos taken of our members enjoying the day:
Thanks to the William Angliss students and staff. The food was delicious as usual.
2022 Founder's Day/Mini Convention
We celebrated Victoria’s 64th Founder’s Day on Friday, April 29, 2022, at the Vibe Hotel in Melbourne.
The Executive Committee made the day even more special by turning the event into a Founder’s Day/Mini Convention. Fifty-five members enjoyed renewing friendships and socialising again without too many Covid restrictions.
Sisters were encouraged to book into the hotel on the day before to enjoy dinner with the “early-birds” the night before.
We celebrated Victoria’s 64th Founder’s Day on Friday, April 29, 2022, at the Vibe Hotel in Melbourne.
The Executive Committee made the day even more special by turning the event into a Founder’s Day/Mini Convention. Fifty-five members enjoyed renewing friendships and socialising again without too many Covid restrictions.
Sisters were encouraged to book into the hotel on the day before to enjoy dinner with the “early-birds” the night before.
Unfortunately, Covid struck our Victoria Council President, Julie Lehmann, and she was not able to attend. Tina Oataway, the Council Vice President, started the official proceedings by welcoming everyone and reading the Founder’s Day Pledge.
The Greeting from the National Council of Women Victoria was given by Beta member, Ronniet Milliken who is also President of the NCWV.
The Greeting from the National Council of Women Victoria was given by Beta member, Ronniet Milliken who is also President of the NCWV.
Tina acknowledged the Council’s Executive Team and on behalf of Julie Lehmann, thanked them all for their hard work and support over the last year.
L to R: Jan Perry, Dot Marshall, Meredith Swaby, Janet Park, and Tina Oataway.
L to R: Jan Perry, Dot Marshall, Meredith Swaby, Janet Park, and Tina Oataway.
Dr. Lois Peeler AM was our Guest Speaker.
Dr. Peeler is a recognised elder of Yorta Yorta and Wurundjeri heritage who grew up in Shepparton surrounded by strong women who, based on their personal experiences, led the fight for equal rights for Aboriginal people for education, healthcare, housing, legal services, and social justice. Following in the footsteps of members of her family, Lois has extensive experience in Aboriginal Affairs having worked in the Aboriginal community sector, the State and Federal public service sector and in the corporate sector.
She is currently the Executive Director and Principal of Worawa Aboriginal College. Worawa is the only school in Australia that caters specifically for young Aboriginal women and provides an holistic education and boarding experience in the middle years of schooling (years 7-12). The students come from Aboriginal communities in urban, regional, and remote Australia. The College’s education model responds to community needs and represents a highly effective, culturally responsive approach to improving outcomes in Indigenous schooling.
Dr Peeler has had a diverse career in the music industry, social activism, tourism, and Aboriginal education and has held senior positions in the community and public sectors. She was one of the original members of The Sapphires, an all-girl singing group from the 1960s and she is also acknowledged as Australia's first Aboriginal model and TV presenter on the GTV 9 Breakfast session with Hal Todd.
Dr Peeler has been recognised for her work in the community, including being awarded the Order of Australia in 2014 for her service as an educator, advocate, and role model. In June 2014, Lois was made a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia. The award was made for her "significant service to the Indigenous community as an educator, advocate and role model”. In 2017 she was conferred an Honorary Doctorate (Social Science) by RMIT University and awarded 2017 Senior Victorian Australian.
She was Assistant Director of the Aborigines Advancement League before moving to the public sector where she worked for sixteen years at a senior level within Federal and State Government departments managing Aboriginal Affairs.
Dr Peeler credits her success to her Old People.
She said whilst we’ve come a long way—there is much left to walk.
Dr Peeler kindly joined us for lunch.
Pictured here with Beta Sister and NCWV President, Ronniet Milliken.
The Victorian Girl of the Year for 2022 was announced by Vice President Tina, and a very surprised Dot Marshall was honoured to accept this award.
Dot exemplifies all that is Beta in everything that she does. Dot has been a member of BSP for many years and was recognised with this Award for her service to Beta and the community.
She is kind and caring; a ready volunteer; always with a cheery smile and helping hand for her Beta sisters, her chapter and at Council. She is meticulous, efficient, and knowledgeable; artistic and energetic; a pleasure to be with and above all a great friend.
The Victorian Girl of the Year for 2022 was announced by Vice President Tina, and a very surprised Dot Marshall was honoured to accept this award.
Dot exemplifies all that is Beta in everything that she does. Dot has been a member of BSP for many years and was recognised with this Award for her service to Beta and the community.
She is kind and caring; a ready volunteer; always with a cheery smile and helping hand for her Beta sisters, her chapter and at Council. She is meticulous, efficient, and knowledgeable; artistic and energetic; a pleasure to be with and above all a great friend.
Beverley Harvey was honoured with her Golden Circle Ritual for her 50 years of membership.
International Award of Distinction was awarded to Mary Jean Hansen
for Outstanding Service in Beta Sigma Phi
This is the highest honour possible for an active member in Beta Sigma Phi. It is granted to members who have gone above and beyond in all aspects of Beta Sigma Phi, from chapter activities to city council service, convention chairmanships, etc.
Approval for it is granted by the International Executive Council, at the request of the local members and chapters.
The candidate must:
- Have actively participated in chapters 30 or more years, 360 months of degree time (Member-at-large time not included)
- Have received the Order of the Rose
- Hold the highest degree to which she is eligible and be actively participating in a chapter
- Have held at least three officer positions
- Have chaired chapter committees
- Have contributed extraordinary service to Beta Sigma Phi
- Have Friendly Ventured a chapter or brought in at least 3 new pledges
- Have chaired, co-chaired or had a big part in hosting a convention
- Have spearheaded a large social; or service or ways and means project
The following photos were taken of Sisters arriving the night before and the day of the Founder's Day/Mini Convention:
And we took lots of photos during our lunch break!
Following lunch, we were entertained by the Ukulele Dolls, who's spirited music took us back to less complicated times without Covid.
Our second Guest Speaker, Sarah Evers-Wood, had to cancel her appearance when she also tested positive to Covid. Hopefully we will be able to book her for another function.
Our second Guest Speaker, Sarah Evers-Wood, had to cancel her appearance when she also tested positive to Covid. Hopefully we will be able to book her for another function.
Thanks to Julie Lehmann and her Executive – Tina Oataway, Dot Marshall, Jan Perry, Janet Park and Meredith Swaby – for organising such a lovely day for us. Sorry Julie couldn't attend this year.
We would like to thank the Staff of the Vibe Hotel for their excellent service and cooperation which made this day so special for us all.
My personal thanks to Rae Alexander and Jan Perry for supplying the photos of the day.
My personal thanks to Rae Alexander and Jan Perry for supplying the photos of the day.
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Mary Jean Hansen, Webmaster
