ACRATH National Committee Farewells Christine
At its final 2024 meeting the National Committee farewelled Christine Carolan at a dinner before she leaves ACRATH in December. Christine’s contribution as the National Executive Officer of ACRATH for the past 10 years was acknowledged and President Sr Clare Condon sgs, said Christine’s “outstanding social justice commitment” governs all her activities.
Clare acknowledged that in her youth, Christine was greatly influenced by the Cardijn Movement; the Young Christian Students (YCS) and Young Christian Workers (YCW) which sustained her long-standing commitment to the Church’s Social Teaching.
“I think of your resilience, persistence and, at times, your tenacity to see the outcomes and the results. For example, the advocacy that has led to the appointment of a Federal Anti-Slavery Commissioner, the alternative pilot program for trafficked people and many other achievements for people who have been trafficked. These qualities of yours emerge from a strong sense of responsibility,” Clare said.
“You persist and, at times over many years, until your goals and those of ACRATH are achieved. But you have not done that alone. Collaboration, collegiality, and partnership are inherent in your whole approach. You work alongside committed and generous ACRATH Members and staff and, other civil society organisations to achieve outcomes that we all have in common.”
“Underlying your work is the importance of relationships. It is the ground from which you work. You seek to build relationships and to establish long term connections. They are fundamental to your approach. You are an energetic woman who is excited when progress is made.”
“As you head off on annual leave, we wish you well and we hope you have the time and space to rest and relax.”
Acting NEO appointed
ACRATH’s National Committee has appointed Lys Crowe to the position of Acting/Interim National Executive Officer of ACRATH for the period Tuesday 29 October 2024 until 31 March 2025.
Lys has been a member of the Victorian group of ACRATH for the past four years. She is a woman of faith, integrity, and creativity with strong leadership and pastoral care skills. Lys has a background in education and pastoral care practice, and she has coordinated the Archdiocese of Melbourne’s Pastoral Associates.
Her email contact is: eoacting@acrath.org.au
