As a young woman, Mercy Place Cairns (Bethlehem) resident Sr Carmel Doran RSM had some initial reservations about leaving Ireland for Australian shores, but a religious calling and the idea of teaching children prompted her brave move.
Now, 60 years later, and having completed her distinguished career in education, Sr Carmel says her advice to any young woman contemplating their future is to find their passion and then pursue their goals with determination.
As a young woman, Sr Carmel was inspired to leave her hometown in County Cork to join the Sisters of Mercy in Australia after hearing that the role would likely include teaching, visiting hospitals and generally helping and supporting members of the community.
A young Sr Carmel shortly after arriving from Ireland
She left Ireland in 1950, not to return for another 21 years. She eventually flew to Queensland, where she embarked on a teaching career that lasted 40 years.
“After I qualified from teachers’ college, I taught in Cairns for many years and then was sent to a number of regional postings, including rural towns Ravenshoe and Babinda.
“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 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 parcels of food, such as vegetables, bread and milk.
“I particularly enjoyed those years, and the community spirit that was alive and so evident in the towns.”
Sr Carmel nearing the end of her career in education
Mercy Place Cairns (Bethlehem) Manager Zubair Coovadia says International Women’s Day, celebrated on 8 March, provides an important opportunity to recognise 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 them were teachers and nurses and who, just like Sr Carmel, truly made a difference to thousands of young lives during their own lifetimes,” Zubair says.
“International Women’s Day gives us the opportunity to focus attention on our female residents, to both recognise their achievements and also the contribution they continue to make to our Mercy Place community.
“Sr Carmel 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.”