The Sisters of Charity Foundation celebrates its 25th Anniversary

In late 2025 the Foundation held a morning tea to mark its 25th Anniversary at the Sisters of Charity Heritage Centre in Potts Point. In attendance were Sisters, past and current members of the Foundation Board, and staff.

Speakers shared their thoughts on the Foundation’s beginnings, impact, and hopes for the future.

Sister Linda Ferrington, a member of the Congregational Council when the Foundation was established, read reflections from Sister Annette Cunliffe, who was Congregational Leader in 2000, and Sister Maria Wheeler, who served as Executive Director and Company Secretary of the Foundation from 2000 until 2005.

“Approaching the new millenium we, Sisters of Charity and colleagues, were searching for ways to work in partnership with others to reimagine ways of continuing our charism into the future,” shared Sr Annette. “Enter Peter Ferris! Peter was our financial adviser, and a man who shared and lived our charism and who always saw the mission as the reason for astute financial management. He was the initiator of the idea of the Foundation.”

The late Peter Ferris served as the first Chair of the Foundation Board from 2000 to 2007. His wife Barbara and son John attended the event in his honour.

“In 2000 when I finished my appointment in Goulburn Sister Annette asked me to take on the role of setting up the Sisters of Charity Foundation. It was certainly a new and challenging mission for me,” shared Sr Maria Wheeler. “I was lucky to have Annette and her Council’s guidance, as well as that of Peter Ferris and Margaret Lee, both of whom were on the first Board.

“The purpose of the Foundation was to support projects that were in keeping with our charism and which, had we had the resources, we may have set up ourselves.”

“25 years is such a milestone – a silver anniversary!” said Congregational Leader Sister Laureen Dixon in her speech. “Some decades ago, Albert Schweitzer, a true humanitarian, wrote, ‘I do not know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know, the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have learned how to serve. This is the only worthwhile life.’

“My own experience as a director began about 22 years ago, under the inaugural Chair, Mr Peter Ferris – whose vision and commitment, along with Annette Cunliffe’s single-mindedness, brought the Foundation to birth! How the dream has grown and blossomed.

“Congratulations to all who have been, all who are, and all who will be involved in the Sisters of Charity Foundation: the grant recipients, those who dream and support the vision, the staff, the Chair, the Board and CEO, and very importantly the donors and benefactors.”

“In the Sisters’ tradition, we strive to sensitively and courageously respond to the changing needs of people who are disadvantaged or vulnerable, by providing them with hope, dignity and meaningful assistance,” said current Foundation Board Chair Juliet Dunworth in her speech. “Our hope is that the Foundation continues to grow in its impact. We are committed to building on our strong foundations to ensure long-term sustainability, so we can keep serving those who need us most for years to come. We look forward to forming new partnerships that share our values and vision, allowing us to reach even more people facing hardship and disadvantage.

“Together, we will continue to serve people with compassion, helping to create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Main photo: Foundation Board Directors Sr Suzette Clark and Anne Cahill OAM with Sr Gaye Reynolds and Sr Leone Wittmack.