Women’s Lunch Brings Together Friends, Supporters and Inspiring Voices

Campion College’s Women’s Lunch brought together over 140 women on Thursday 4 September in the George Cardinal Pell Grand Hall for an afternoon of celebration, reflection, and fellowship.

It was a wonderful occasion to welcome new friends and supporters, while also giving longstanding friends the chance to reconnect and share in the life of the college.

The Hon. Susan Carter MLC, this year’s guest speaker, captivated the audience with a keynote address that blended wisdom, personal reflection and heartfelt conviction. She was warmly introduced by barrister and former Campion College board member Sophie York, who commended her long-time friend for her integrity, courage and principled service in public life.

In her address, Ms Carter challenged the audience to value the unseen contributions of women, particularly in the family.

“The greatest achievement that I will ever have, the best thing I will ever contribute to society,” she said, “is to be a mother of two children.”

She spoke on the challenges facing society today, from youth crime to the exploitation of women in commercial surrogacy and pornography, urging a renewed respect for motherhood, family life, and human dignity.

Guests were also moved by a testimony from third-year student Molly Doran, who shared how her time at the college had transformed her life.

“Joy has been present through it all,” Molly reflected. “And more than anything, I’m grateful for this college and for what it has given me more than just the piece of paper I will be handed this December.”

Her story of faith, resilience, and newfound confidence highlighted the heart of Campion College’s mission: To provide a foundational education in the liberal arts that integrates the insights of faith and reason.

Guests enjoyed a delicious spread of culinary delights prepared by Tayta’s Food Co. while third-year students Edith Kent, Mary d’Assumpcao, Clare Horsfall and Faustina Yeo captivated the room with their performances of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Edelweiss.

The celebrations were further enriched by the generosity of Campion College supporters who donated an outstanding selection of raffle and lucky door prizes. Contributions came from Nader Fine Jewels, Parousia Media, Tayta’s Food Co, Sony, City Cave North Strathfield (Josie Wakim), El Khair Florist, Alice from Serenade Leather, ABAL Banking, Cardinal Newman Fatih Resources, Hair by Georgie, e’s Gift Hampers and Oils, The Cookie Corner Sydney, Entertainment Membership and many more. Their generosity added excitement to the afternoon, delighted guests with a variety of prizes, and helped raise funds for the college's mission.

The formalities concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Sophie York, who acknowledged Ms Carter’s courage and commitment.

“We all know that your time is extraordinarily busy and you are fighting the good fight for all of us in the Parliament. That takes a lot of clarity, intelligence, and courage. We are very grateful and we love to have thoughtful speakers here at Campion, which is forming the future leaders of our society. You are part of that project.”

President Dr Paul Morrissey closed the event by reflecting on Campion College’s unique mission in Australian higher education.

“At Campion, we are dedicated to wisdom in its fullest sense. Our task is to integrate faith, reason, and community and to form young people who will contribute with integrity and courage to society.”

Guests left inspired by the day’s stories, encouraged by the sense of community, and grateful for the generous sponsors and supporters who helped make the 2025 Campion Women’s Lunch a resounding success.

If you would like to support Campion women, you can make a donation at www.campion.edu.au/foundation/donate

To receive the recording of The Hon. Susan Carter MLC’s address, contact foundation@campion.edu.au