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CFA Activities
around Australia
VIC CFA President’s Report
It has certainly been a big twelve months for the CFAV!
A record number of guests attended the CFAV’s Medallion
Dinner and AGM at Morgan’s 400 in July last year as this was
the only dinner held by the CFAV in 2016. All who attended
were enthralled and entertained by the stories of the 20
Victorian Fellows presented with their medallions. Of particular
note was a proud but sheepish 2001 Fellow who had finally
submitted his report to the Churchill Trust after a
fifteen-year gestation. The uncanny timing of the awarding
of his Fellowship and eventual presentation of his medallion
was highlighted by retiring WCMT CEO, Paul Tys, who observed
it more or less coincided with his own time in the role as
CEO! It was a pleasure to present Paul and his wife, Lori with
a masterful portrait of Sir Winston by Joyce McGrath (1968
Fellow) and to welcome incoming WCMT CEO Adam Davey
and his wife Cecelia.
Following the announcement of Churchill Fellowships on
30 November 2016, the presentation of Fellowships by Her
Excellency the Hon Linda Dessau AC (1994 Fellow) took
place at Government House in February 2017. Rather than
the usual genial glow of fires keeping mid-winter at bay in
the State Drawing Room, the Governor of Victoria treated the
23 Victorian Fellows, their family and friends to a memorable
morning of warmth and hospitality, with the late summer
sunshine streaming in through the large windows.
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The New Fellows’ Dinner, held on the same evening was
another unforgettable occasion. The diversity of Fellowships
awarded in 2016 were a reminder to all of Sir Winston’s
extraordinary legacy and the passion that drives Victoria’s
Fellows to both challenge and contribute to our society.
Towards the end of the evening, a show of hands from the
audience further affirmed that the ‘alumni’ of Victorian Fellows
is indeed a formidable bunch, with Fellows from every decade
since the establishment of the Trust in attendance.
Given the advent of electronic communication and GPS,
overseas travel may appear to be straightforward, however the
feedback received by the CFAV committee year after year is
that the information provided at the New Fellows’ Workshop,
held the day after the New Fellows’ Dinner, is invaluable.
Pictured right and below
CFAV President Ben Nicholson
and Treasurer Shane Ringin
with special guest the Honourable
Tim Pallas, Treasurer of Victoria at
the inaugural CFAV breakfast for
Fellows and their guests
Pictured below Acclaimed
Walkley Award winning journalist
and 2015 Fellow, Nick McKenzie
speaking at the CFAV breakfast