A half century of international support was celebrated by the Charlton Action for World Development (AWD) Group last Friday night with the milestone occasion also bringing a bitter-sweet end to the small, but passionate entourage.

Almost 70 guests enjoyed the alfresco buffet and outdoor dining at the Vale of Avoca where visitors from across the state had been invited to gather, reminisce and re-connect as a review of the group’s outreach to those in need was celebrated. 

Including former guest speakers, foundation members and many supporters, the evening was a testament to the desire to create tangible benefits and build understanding about places and people whose lives, cultures and situations were so different to the Charlton locale. 

Visitors mingled in the Vale’s landscaped outdoor setting where shady umbrellas and luscious vine-covered arches created a perfect atmosphere for drinks, nibbles and conversation on the warm summer evening.

Areas of Focus
The ethos of Action for World Development cites two main areas of focus which the organisation strove to adhere to. Firstly, education – about ourselves, about the needs of people in developing countries and those of our First Nations people in Australia. It also worked to form links with people on the ground and those who’ve visited and worked there, and to raise community awareness about the need to support them. 

Secondly, fundraising – to be able to give financial support to projects where the people in situ are directly involved.

A general welcome by AWD president, Val Bourke, opened proceedings as she thanked many of the visitors for travelling long distances to be a part of this tribute occasion.

Guest speaker introductions followed, with family members sharing insights to their relatives’ involvement with the group and how their input helped to shape the direction of AWD.

Beginning with the origins, Peter Whykes – at whose Wooroonook home the first gathering took place in 1974 – revealed it began as an interfaith discussion group with a focus on justice issues. 

“The meeting was held in our lounge-room,” said Peter. “I don’t think this little group knew what was ahead of them, but the last fifty years have been quite an achievement, so congratulations!”

First Meeting
Noreen Ryan then added a comprehensive coverage including the first AWD meeting held at the Uniting Church Hall on a Sunday evening in early 1974 with the following in attendance: President, Ray Schmitt, secretary, Bill Round, treasurer, Mary Walklate, with members John Powell, Patricia Spain, Kath Morton, Bea MacDonald, Elsa Paterson, Jim and Rita Paterson, Peter and Bernice Whykes, Nola Cossar, Ian and Jan Bish, Pam Round and Barb Hannah listed.  

Jo Russell joined in 1981, encouraging the instigation of the Art Show which endured as a major event for the group until the early 1990s. Fundraising through casserole luncheons, progressive dinners and film nights brought recollections of raising money for the improvement of education in India, Vietnam and Northern Australia.

Speaker
Speaker Ian McClelland then took the microphone, speaking on behalf of his brother Warwick who had initially been involved with Community Aid Abroad and then became an integral part of Charlton’s AWD. “I’m really here to congratulate you tonight,” said Ian. “In a sense, aren’t you lucky that you have been able to help people, but also to educate yourselves at the same time? Also, the chance of being able to mix with people involved in some of these projects, I’m sure has been good for both of you. I’d like to say ‘thank you’ for such dedicated and interested people.”

Recognition
Recognition of the first AWD Life Membership recipient, Jim Paterson, was then presented by his daughters Jo Brown and Margaret Hinks. “We both felt it was important to honour our parents for the work they gave to AWD over the years,” said Jo. Speaking passionately about the pride Jim felt for his Life Membership – conferred just days before his passing – they presented a portrait of a man who worked behind the scenes getting things done and doing what was needed. A life dedicated to service in the Army, farming, and as background support in many a community organisation, Jim’s sporting highlights (football Hall of Fame achievements 1982), and being made Life Governor of the Charlton Hospital following a 42-year stint on the committee, were standouts. Jim’s deep association with the Uniting Church was the pathway by which his involvement with AWD began.

Foundation Member
Acknowledgement of foundation member Kath Morton was also presented by her daughters, Catherine Morton and Liz Harrison. Also, an AWD Life Member, Kath was always interested in other cultures and faiths, aware that this knowledge helps enrich the understanding of the world. From passionate activism, involvement in meetings, fundraising events, seminars and workshops – “there was always AWD paperwork, newsletters, meeting minutes, and her own personal notes on the kitchen bench,” said Catherine. A passion for world cuisines and folk music from many cultures was amongst Kath’s great interests, and following a move to Ballarat, her associations through AWD provided the platform by which she could continue to pursue her interest in world issues –in particular support for refugees and asylum seekers. 

“Kath’s membership of, and participation in, the Charlton AWD Group was an important part of her life and in the lives of her family members,” said Catherine. In an emotional conclusion, she said, “The legacy of Kath’s passions can be seen through the lens of her children and her grandchildren. Congratulations!” 

Partnership
Oxfam representative, Graham Romanes (accompanied by his wife Glenyys) spoke appreciatively of the partnership between AWD and Community Aid Abroad (now Oxfam), saying it was a reminder of the way in which communities build their strength – “through a common zeal for justice and a need to work together to bring about real change. This has been a wonderful effort for fifty years,” said Graham. “It will be a sad day to see Charlton AWD go, but a wonderful opportunity to remember all things which have happened over the past fifty years.” 

Jo Russell then read out a number of letters and emails from the following: foundation member, Mary Walklate, former McCauley College teacher, Genevieve Taheny; journalist Lynne Cossar, Lyn Morgain from Oxfam, and from Community Aid worker, Augustine from India. Appreciation, gratitude and praise were spread across the well-wishers’ correspondence, with this timely quote from Genevieve perfectly summing up group’s work: “This country town – so in tune with the world – and doing something about it!”

Thanks
As the formalities concluded, Jo expressed thanks to all who attended, acknow-ledging Josie Ryan for the exquisitely designed invitation card, Kaylene Cossar for an upcoming project, Bernice Kenny for creating the celebration cake and the Vale of Avoca for their hospitality.

Prior to the cutting of the 50th anniversary cake, Jo announced that the Charlton AWD funds would be channelled into the Bodhgaya School – a multi-faith education centre in one of the poorest states in India. 

As the evening wound to a close a group photo of all attendees was taken to mark the occasion. 

The AWD raffle was won by James Russell.