We’re delighted to share the latest happenings from the Missionary Sisters of Service and the wonderful work of Highways and Byways in our December 2021 newsletter. As another year draws to a close, we acknowledge the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on communities across Australia, and we remain grateful for your continued support.
This edition highlights the inspiring outcomes of the Highways and Byways 2021 Small Grants Program, centered around the theme ‘Healing the Land – Healing Ourselves – Together’, a theme we are continuing into 2022. You’ll read about the diverse and impactful projects supported, such as the establishment of composting systems on King Island, efforts to restore native forests in Western Australia, vital nesting box research in Victoria to aid wildlife recovery after bushfires, and the sharing of valuable Indigenous knowledge on fire in Western Australia.
We were also thrilled to celebrate the recognition of Todd Dudley, coordinator of Highways and Byways’ Tasmanian partnership program ‘Restoring Nature and Communities’, who received the Australian Institute of Horticulture’s Green Space Regional Award. Additionally, the newsletter reflects on the insightful John Wallis Memorial Lecture delivered by Dr Wayne Tinsey.
From the perspective of the MSS, this newsletter also shares our involvement in the ‘One Heart Many Voices national conference and our participation in the first General Assembly of the National Plenary Council, providing important opportunities for reflection and collaboration within the wider Church. Finally, we remember and celebrate the life of our dear sister, Maureen Hickling MSS, who passed away in October. We also reflect on the meaningful Season of Creation ‘Pauses’ we hosted with Highways and Byways and the Carmelite Centre Eco Spirituality Reading Group.