International Women’s Day, a Time to Reflect at Mercy Place Cairns (Bethlehem)

According to 90-year-old Mercy Place Cairns (Bethlehem) resident Sister Carmel, finding a life purpose you are passionate about is the key to a fulfilled life.

As an 18-year-old, Carmel Doran, as she was then known, was inspired to leave her family and hometown of Cork in Ireland to join the Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea, based in Cairns.

Initially unsure about the prospect of moving halfway around the world, the eldest of four siblings was eventually convinced when members from the Bishop Dioceses in Cairns, who were visiting her hometown, explained that her life would include teaching in schools, visiting hospitals and generally helping and supporting members of the community.

Her decision saw her leave Ireland in 1950, not to return for another 21 years, and fly to Queensland where she embarked on a teaching career which lasted more than 40 years and saw her become an integral member of the Dioceses of Cairns.

“After I qualified from teachers’ college, I taught in Cairns for many years, and then was sent to a number of rural towns including Ravenshoe and Babinda,” she says.

“Children were my love, I was passionate about their welfare and I ended up teaching every grade except grade one. After several years I was also promoted to principal of a number of schools.

“I’ve always loved teaching, particularly in the rural settings where I got to know the pupils and their families very well. We all looked after each other, and in those days families would even share their vegetables, bread and milk. I particularly enjoyed those years, and the community spirit that was alive and so evident in the towns.

“Given International Women’s Day is coming up I would say to any girls contemplating their future to try to figure out what they most love and are passionate about, and pursue that passion,” she adds.

Mercy Place Cairns (Bethlehem) Service Manager, Zubair Coovadia, says International Women’s Day provides an important opportunity to celebrate the achievements of female residents at the aged care home.

“We have many female residents who have blazed a trail for women in their younger years. Many of whom are teachers and nurses, and who, just like Sister Carmel, truly made a difference to thousands of young lives during their own lifetimes,” Mr Coovadia says.

“International Women’s Day gives us the opportunity to focus our attention on our female residents, to both recognise their achievements and also the contribution they continue to make to our Mercy Place community.

“Sister Doran can be proud of her contribution to the Queensland community as a woman who not only educated thousands of young Queenslanders, but who also encouraged them to develop a passion for education and learning.”

International Women's Day is marked annually on March 8. It’s a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It’s also a time to reflect on women’s progress, to call for change and to celebrate the achievements of ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in their communities.

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