Life has never been busier for Woodend resident Jean Ker Walsh.
“Retirement can be challenging,” she says. “But it’s enabled me to concentrate on the things that matter.”
What matters to Jean, apart from family and friends, is a commitment to social justice.
Jean co-chairs Grandmothers for Refugees, utilising her experience as broadcast journalist, political advisor, strategic communications practitioner and occasional media commentator, lobbying for the just treatment of refugees and asylum-seekers.
Jean also works as program moderator with the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership, a non-profit partnership with Monash University committed to mentoring corporate and public sector leaders.
In the midst of all other commitments, she has even found time to complete a PhD.
Jean joined Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees when she moved to Woodend in 2017. She is a member of the Material Support sub-group, assisting two refugee families.
She is de facto ‘mum’ and grandmother to a refugee family of five held in community detention, the terms of which deny the parents the right to work or study. Movements and home life are monitored by government-contracted case workers.
It’s a situation, Jean says, that the average Australian would not tolerate.
Jean has also contributed to the group’s PR committee, but resigns now in order to become chair of the executive, succeeding fellow Woodender, Bill Hebb.
“I’m keen to build on the truly outstanding work led by Bill over the past year,” she says.
“Under his leadership, we’ve extended the scope for more locals to hear about refugees through MRRAR’s program of regular community and fundraising events.”
Jean is especially appreciative of the efforts of the fundraising committee but thinks their next event might be the best yet.
WINE TASTING FUNDRAISER
Goodwill Wines and MRRAR will host an evening of wine tasting at 7pm on Friday October 28 at Norma Richardson Hall, 15 Buckland Street, Woodend. Admission is $20 and includes wine tasting, finger food and music by Trio Elegante.
The event will feature a silent auction and the drawing of MRRAR’s major raffle, tickets for which can be purchased at the door, subject to availability.
Receipts from admission, silent auction, raffle ticket sales and 50 per cent of profits from all wine sales will go to support refugees in Australia.
“Come along and join the fun,” Jean says. “It’ll be a great night. In an even greater cause.”
Admission can be booked online with Trybooking: www.trybooking.com/CCULD
