With our National Congress 2017 being held in Adelaide from 6 to 8 October, we took the opportunity to ask Cathy Beaton, the new State President of the Society in South Australia, a few questions about the upcoming event. See Cathy’s responses below. This issue of The Record also features Questions & Answers from several people who are attending the congress. We have asked participants for their thoughts and reflections on what they think the congress will involve and lighter questions on the logistics of getting to the congress. Read their responses LINK.
How did you come to take on a leadership role in the Society?
As a conference member of the Berri conference in South Australia for five years, and after State Council split a very expansive region, I was asked whether I would be interested in nominating as a Regional President for the newly formed region of Riverland/Yorke. I was elected as Regional President in 2016 and shortly after becoming a participant in the Vincentian Mission and Values Centred Leadership Program, which I began in 2015. This was a life-changing experience for me in terms of my Vincentian experience and gave me the confidence and realisation that leadership is something we all carry. It also confirmed and heightened my belief and alignment with the Vinnies mission and philosophy. I have had leadership roles within the corporate sector but I wasn’t sure how this would translate, although I felt it would be an asset if that was the wish of the State Council.
South Australia is hosting the National Congress 2017 in October. Are you proud to be hosting this event, and what do you hope it achieves?
Along with all members and staff of the Society in South Australia, we are extremely proud to be hosting the 2017 Congress. This is not only an opportunity to showcase beautiful Adelaide but more importantly an opportunity to visualise the future of the Society. The congress will create opportunities for those of us inside the Society, but I am most looking forward to how we will take those discussions to help support our companions.