Conference 2014 ... finale
How about the Blue Mile walk !
Thanks very much to Robyn Foster for putting together the historical facts about the Blue Mile walk and leading us through that . We all appreciated having the booklet to take away for future reference to bring back memories of a beautiful part of Wollongong ’ s coastline . The weather held out for those who went on the full and half walks … just . It was a nice change to get up and go and take in the fresh air as we walked along the foreshore and seashore , chatting and taking in the points of interest . We even had plenty of time to refresh and prepare for our evening .
And then there was dinner …
This was a great experience in more ways than one . Fifty ladies came to dinner in the Watersedge room looking lovely , feeling happy and ready to finish off the day ’ s activities together . The tables looked classy in black and white and the buffet food was excellent , an extension of the tasty , well-presented food we had all day , from morning and afternoon teas to the relaxing lunch in the C-Grill restaurant , extending onto the balcony . We couldn ’ t get enough of the variety of food and desserts provided at the dinner buffet , delivered with silver service by helpful and accommodating Chifley staff , given the task of “ looking after our every need ”.
And then there was Wendy ! CHOICES !!
What a wonderful entertainer Wendy Leatheam is ! Thanks to Marg Patterson for enlisting her expertise ! The secret of who was entertaining us at dinner was finally out .
Yes , the quiet lady who had spent all day with us , came out and showed her true colours and voice in the guises of 6 ladies , about the Choices we have , or not , in the lives of women of all nationalities , experiences and 6 different eras of history .
What struck me was the fact that in all the years that have come and gone since the first ladies arrived in this land , we have not come all that far in realising potential fulfilment in our professional and personal lives . Although , what Wendy made us see was that our choices or the choices others make for us , have consequences that impact on our happiness and wellbeing , even when getting to the top . What we do have is the ability to make a stand for whichever way is good and right for us individually and making our voices heard in a meaningful way is a continuing saga . Evidently the young Chifley staff , who listened intently from behind the closed doors , were very impressed !
Thank you so much Wendy for creating and performing the grand finale of our conference .
Following the gifts of those fabulous Singapore orchids and cards ( beautifully chosen by Lyn Hazell ), we also showed our appreciation with emails to our guest speakers , and to those leading other activities , letting them know of the commendable feedback heard from so many .
Thanks to the NWR ladies who made personal donations towards the work of the well-deserved organisations represented on the day .
We knew it would all be worth it … and it wouldn ’ t have happened without the 50 NWR members whose presence made it very special .
Bev Shaw Conference 2014 Coordinator
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