Catherine Morrison

The AF A in the ACT is mourning the loss of long term President Catherine Morrison. She passed away on the 17th of September after a bout with cancer.

Catherine steered the AFA Branch for over 15 years. She had a wonderful style that endeared her to all. She saw to it that the AFA supported the children's playgroup association and played an important part in the National Council of Women.
Catherine (nee Ward), a city girl from Sydney, was married to Tony Morrison. Tony was a farmer, whose family pioneered the southern area of the ACT since early in the 1830's. The girl who worked as secretary to Harold Holt and Joe Osborne as Minister for Air was on a steep learning curve when she moved to "Rob Roy".

Catherine and Tony played a key role in the National Civic Council for many years and contributed to a range of issues and activities, particularly matters affecting farmers and families. Catherine supported Tony in various rural bush fire fighting brigades and when the AFA was formed soon became an active president in every way.

Catherine and Tony, who passed away two years ago, were the proud parents of Graham, Paul, Gerard, Margot and Justin and grandparents of six grandchildren. As well as being active with the farm, the National Civic Council, the AFA, and fire fighting, they put many hours into St Edmund's and St Clare's Colleges and their parish activities.

Catherine was great at involving many concerned citizens, such as Dawn and Ray Casley-Smith, in delegations and submissions to MPs. One of her enduring initiatives was the introduction of the Family of the Year Award, which has highlighted the excellent role modelling of many strong Canberra families. Catherine will be very much missed.
(Paul Monagle, who wrote the above article, is now the ACT President of the Australian Family Association.)

Family Update, November-December 2004, p.7