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Reports
Report on the 39th National WCTU Convention - Adelaide, SA Members gathered on the Wednesday evening of the 27th May, 2009 at the Salvation Army Congress Hall for an official opening dinner and address from the National President, Mrs. Ellen Chandler. Special guests included the Deputy Lord Mayor of Adelaide - Stephen Yarwood and Ms Frances Bedford MP as well as the featured speaker: Associate Professor Stuart Piggin - Director of the Centre for the History of Christian Thought and Experience at Macquarie University and Chair of the Australian Christian Heritage Foundation. The theme for the convention was "For such a time as this..." The President's speech reflected on the story of Esther and the Emperor's New Clothes and that there is a need for people to express the reality of what is happening in society today. Associate Professor Stuart Piggin presented a challenging address to the members of three confronting propositions which was much appreciated by all in attendance. The meals was enjoyed by all. The following three days were spent in business at the SACWA facility in Adelaide. Reports were received on work that had been done in the last three years. Seminars on drugs and how to write letters to the papers and politicians were presented. Members who had passed away through the previous three years were honoured in a memorial service. Discussion and action groups put forward initiatives for the future and a number of organisations also made presentations highlighting ways in which the organisation can network with others. New officers for the triennium 2009 - 2012 were appointed. An inspiring worship time was led by the Salvation Army Band and Major Laurie Venables reminded the delegates of the need to be engaged in the issues of society "at such a time as this..." A Dolphin Luncheon Cruise from Port Adelaide provided a lovely outing for those in attendance. A evening of light entertainment was also enjoyed by all at the Mad Hatter's Party.
Report on the Victorian WCTU 121st Convention held at their premises on 3rd March, 2009. Members gathered for Morning Tea and sang "Happy Birthday" to long time member - Lorna Bagot who was celebrating her 90th Birthday. Then it was down to business. The Memorial Service remembering those members and associates who had passed away during 2008 was led by Major Barbara Munro with a snapshot of Frances Willard's life and work. Then names were read and a white rose petal placed in the water bowl for each one. Prayer concluded this segment. Mrs Joan Millar chaired the meeting and reports were received and discussed, concluding at 12.30 in time to welcome guests to the Convention Luncheon. Prelunch drinks were served and then lunch boxes handed out to those present. After lunch, the National President, Mrs Ellen Chandler gave a summary of the alcopop issue complete with samples of these drinks. She then demonstrated the making of some unusual non-alcoholic drinks which were popular at the recent National Christian Youth Convention. These drinks were spontaneously auctioned to the highest bidder. The successful bidders enjoyed their drinks. The National Secretary, Mrs Anne Bergen, gave a resume of the program used in Drug Education in Primary and Secondary Schools with a display of the work and equipment used in this community action work. She also told the gathering of the importance of the E-Issues group and the constant need to be politically active and aware.
Report on the Visit of National President and National Secretary to Bundaberg on the occasion of the WCTU of Queensland's Annual Convention. The visit started with a special luncheon chaired by the former Mayor of Bundaberg, Mrs Kay McDuff and attended by about 50 persons including the Hon Jack Dempsey - the local MP, and representatives of local churches. Mrs Linda Toft was presented with a corsage as she celebrated her 90th birthday. Mrs Anne Bergen presented an educational segment on drugs and explained internet links and the work with E-issues. Mrs Ellen Chandler reminded all of past achievements and using the quotation of Eleanor Roosevelt - "A women is like a tea bag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water." She challenged those present to "get into hot water" by distributing literature, signing objection cards, sending prepared postcards to the Prime Minister urging more action on binge drinking and by becoming a member of WCTU. A Thanksgiving Service was also held led by Rev. Ray Nutley commencing with a PowerPoint presentation of God's world and ending with photos of members world wide and the quote - "Here I am Lord, It is I Lord, I have heard you calling in the night." WCTU depends on the work and commitment of individuals right around the world. A SERVICE OF MEMORIES commenced Queensland's State Convention. Remembering members Marjorie Douglas, Flo Evens, Valerie McGee, Margaret Drew, Doreen Ah Quay, Daisy Armstrong, Fay Going, Eileen Anderson and Mr David Behan who had all passed away since last Convention. Reports were received. Mrs M Entermann was granted leave of absence for 2009 and other state officers were re-elected.
Report on the visit to Papua New Guinea of the World Field Worker for the Pacific and the Assistant Field Worker - on the occasion of the 1st National Convention of WCTU in PNG (See photos) Dawn Giddings and Glenda Amos travelled to Lae, Papua New Guinea to take part in the 1st National Convention to be held in Papua New Guinea for the newly formed WCTU of PNG. The WCTU was registered in PNG as a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) in May, 2007. The Convention was held at the AOG Okari Conference Centre in Lae, PNG from November 6 - 11 and 89 delegates attended from 4 different provinces. The following guest speakers presented material at the convention –
A number of special programs were included in the convention program.
The following officers and directors were appointed to lead the work in Papua New Guinea:
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