Sharing, networking and inspiring each other

Since launching in 2011, the Sydney Catholic Business Network (SCBN) has become an important space for business leaders and the Archdiocese of Sydney. ACU recently sponsored a community networking lunch.

The annual program of SCBN events has also become important for ACU in furthering its connection with the Archdiocese and our Catholic partners and drawing inspiration from participating high-calibre speakers.

Earlier in October, some ACU staff members attended a SCBN lunch event with more than 100 business and Catholic leaders and were treated to an inspirational speech by Young Australian of the Year, Dr Daniel Nour. Dr Nour described the transformational events that led to the establishment of Street Side Medics, a program that uses mobile health vans to engage people in health care and support they would not otherwise receive.

 

As serendipity would have it, ACU lecturer in Paramedicine Dr Richard Galeano has also started his own pilot mobile health service with Emmanuel City Mission in Brisbane.

Pictured: Dr Daniel Nour

ACU colleagues in attendance were also able to share their passion for working with the community and the strong contributions from our students with our valued community partners from the Matthew Talbot Hostel.

Dr Nour reminded everyone of the power in deciding to make a difference and then seeking to build partnerships and take calculated risks with courage. He discussed that building great things is an iterative process, and that sometimes there is wisdom in ‘just starting’.

As sponsors of the event, it was fitting that booklets for the ACU Stakeholder Engaged Scholarship Unit (SESU) were on every table, highlighting ACU’s commitment and ability to partner with Catholic organisations.

A video showcasing ‘Stellar Experiences’, which provides inclusive outdoor activities for people with a disability, evoked lots of ACU pride. Stellar Experiences was established by an ACU NSW inclusive education and disability studies graduate Bronte Hendricks.