National Conference – review and thanks from CHA CEO Pat Garcia

Around 270 delegates from our members gathered in Brisbane last week for Catholic Health Australia’s national conference, our first in three years. They came from all over to listen, share and join together after what has been a tumultuous few years.
For those who came we want to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules, and for those who couldn’t make it we have put together a short video give you a flavour of the two days.
To recap, we heard from disability advocate Dinesh Palipana who delivered a moving account of his journey from war-torn Sri Lanka to becoming a lawyer and doctor in Australia; Dr Kate Charlesworth laid out the challenge for the health sector in reducing their emissions; Bishops Conference President Archbishop Timothy Costelloe used the stage to emphasise the importance of the Word of God as central to the life of the Church; and St Vincent’s Health Chair Paul McClintock issued an invitation to other Catholic health providers for discernment on the future of our ministry of health in Australia. And former Prime Minister John Howard encouraged us to continue with our mission in the face of rising secularism;
Breakout sessions for health, aged care and mission were packed and delegates participated freely.
The dinner on Tuesday night was a welcome opportunity for people to socialise and to honour the recipients of CHA’s awards, including a lifetime contribution award to Sister Clare Nolan rsc.
You can find some of these presentations here and in the coming months we will let you know about our next conference.
I want to thank CHA Membership and Office Manager Deborah Reynolds for her hard work, our speakers and our sponsors BankFirst and HESTA, without whom we could not make this happen. Until the next time.
Pat Garcia
CEO
Catholic Health Australia

CHA CeO Pat Garcia with the special WDOS ribbon