Section Archive: Profile

Winning entry in The Good Oil 2025 Writers' Award: 'Pilgrims of hope'

In a world fractured by displacement, fear and uncertainty, we are reminded that the human spirit can still flourish and that we have the power to be pilgrims of hope.

Posted on: October 14, 2025

NASA cybersecurity expert urges students to reach for the stars

NASA cybersecurity expert Dr Kymie Tan returned to her old school, Mater Christi College, recently, sharing with students how the Good Samaritan values she received there have guided her career.

Posted on: October 10, 2025

An unexpected turn in a spiritual journey

For Suzanna Kingsland, becoming a Good Samaritan Oblate was an unexpected turning point in a spiritual journey that has touched on a variety of traditions and practices, writes Debra Vermeer.

Posted on: August 17, 2025

Newly elected MP Sarah Witty has a passion for helping people

After a long, anxious wait, the new federal MP for Melbourne, Sarah Witty, is now ready to take up the challenge of making a difference for the people she represents.

Posted on: July 13, 2025

Author Michael McGirr brings his experience to Writers' Workshop

For author Michael McGirr, writing has always been an integral part of his life. “Writing is very close to my spiritual practice, and always has been,” he tells Debra Vermeer.

Posted on: May 9, 2024

Author and educator Ann Rennie: 'I thank God for whatever the day holds'

Melbourne-based author and educator Ann Rennie is now at a stage in her life when saying Yes to unexpected invitations is opening up a range of new experiences and adventures.

Posted on: April 14, 2024

For Susan Carter, politics is an opportunity to be of service

After an extensive career in law, family advocacy, and university teaching, Susan Carter MLC was attracted to politics as a way of serving the community and working towards positive outcomes.

Posted on: September 16, 2023

Artist Terry St Ledger depicts Ministerial Women for the 21st Century

A highlight of the Blessing and Opening of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan Congregational Centre last month was the unveiling of a series of artworks, entitled The Ministerial Women.

Posted on: March 14, 2023

Caring for Sisters’ health and well-being ‘a graced experience’

In more than a decade as Health and Well-being Coordinator for the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, Marie Mohr has seen much in the way of change, growth and challenges.

Posted on: November 15, 2022

Yvonne Weldon is committed to making a difference

As a student at St Scholastica’s College in the 1980s, Yvonne Weldon thrived under the Good Samaritan charism of being neighbour and offering a helping hand to those in need.

Posted on: August 16, 2022

New face brings renewed energy for the mission of Good Samaritan Education

Earlier this year, Good Samaritan Education welcomed Carmel Shaw as the new Director of Formation and Mission Integration. Carmel spoke to Gabrielle Sinclair for this edition of ‘The Good Oil’.

Posted on: March 14, 2022

Pandemic has led to an increase in human rights abuses

From her earliest years, Alissia Carroll has felt a compelling need to be with her fellow human beings who are suffering rather than turn a blind eye, writes Debra Vermeer.

Posted on: July 24, 2021