Prize-giving ceremony

We were delighted to award our 2019’s prize-winners. We’ve had an especially big year of prize-recipients, with tied winners for three awards!

Three of our interstate winners were unable to attend the award ceremony. Dr Jeanette Mathews read their remarks in their place. Here are excerpts from their speeches.

Sue McIntyre, Laurence Murchison Prize and David Garnock Scholarship

A few years ago, I discovered the joy of theology and surprisingly found myself on the most exciting and fulfilling adventure. Whilst my daily life is constrained by the responsibilities of caring for a family member with complex needs, the opportunity to undertake distance learning has nevertheless opened the door to unlimited horizons of transformational discovery. I may not be free to travel and explore the world yet have discovered there is another type of freedom. One that comes from exploring ideas.

As a later in life learner and carer who is somewhat isolated in a rural area, I may seem a very unlikely student and have experienced many seasons of self-doubt. I have learned from my experience that even if we feel inadequate, if God nudges in a certain direction – it just may be possible after all!

It was to my amazement that I received notification that I was the joint recipient of two academic prizes, and I am very sorry that I am unable to be with you today to accept them in person. I am honoured, and very humbled by the acknowledgement, and am very grateful for both the recognition, and to have been a part of such an inclusive and supportive learning community.

Justine Richmond, Marie Louise Uhr Award

I have absolutely loved my journey at CSU and St Mark’s so far. I am grateful to all the academic staff for the way they share their passion and knowledge of their subject areas. It is evident that everyone works very hard to stay up to date with the latest scholarship and to adopt the use of technology to deliver the material. This makes studying online so much easier, which I really appreciate.

I was very interested to read about Marie Louise Uhr and am incredibly grateful that women like her took up the fight for women’s ordination. Whilst I wouldn’t say that my own journey to ordination has been easy, I know that is through women like Marie Louise that I can explore my call without having to fight for the right to do so.

Dawn Wiles, Owen Dowling Prize for Pastoral Studies

I became interested in counselling as a rural GP in Cooma NSW as I had found counselling very helpful personally when I developed post-natal depression after the birth of our 4^th child. I decided to do some training to develop further skills to help me in my work. I had become dissatisfied with the medical model of treating anxiety and depression in General Practice.

I am now also involved in pastoral care within my church and really love how the course helps me deepen my knowledge of the pastoral perspective and I have found the course fascinating and stretching so far. I hope to continue on and finish my Masters in the next 2 years. Thank you to everyone who has taught, encouraged and inspired me at St Mark’s and to my wonderful fellow students too.