COMMUNITY MINDED WOMEN OF PORT PHILLIP
SPECIAL EVENT
17 NOVEMBER 2017
The Mary Kehoe Community Centre together with the City of Port Philip hosted a commemorative celebration honouring the memories of Mary Kehoe (BEM) and Betty Day (BEM). It was acknowledged that both ladies had strong, social consciences and served many years in the service of their communities of South Melbourne and St Kilda respectively. They received the British Empire Medal (Civic) in 1981. Each subsequently had buildings named in their honour.
This year was the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the ‘Middle Park Elderly Citizen’s Club’, Mary Kehoe was its founder and first President. It was also the 30th Anniversary of the Betty Day Centre. In his speech following the introduction, historian Max Nankervis stated that the building at 224 Danks Street was named in honour of Mary Kehoe and a ceremony acknowledging the naming was held at the Centre in October, 1984.
Two panels outlining a short biography of each lady and prepared by the City of Port Phillip under the supervision of Sandra Khazam, Art & Heritage Team Leader, was on display.
Special guests at the function included Councillor Katherine Copsey of Lake Ward, Max Nankervis, President of Middle Park History Group, Marie Kehoe a daughter of Mary Kehoe (her sister Kathleen, due to a minor accident was an apology), Joyce Lugg, President of the ‘Middle Park Senior Citizen’s Club’, John Craven, Vice President of U3APP (apology from the President Renate Mattiske) and Danielle Fraser, Coordinator Community Health & Service Planning for the City of Port Phillip.
Max Nankervis gave a short biography of Mary Kehoe and her community work and Councillor Katherine Copsey made a short speech to mark the occasion. They were followed by Hedy Mameghan who introduced fellow musicians of the quintet and gave a brief introduction about the Mozart Clarinet Quintet which they performed. Their performance was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. Finally afternoon tea, sponsored by the City of Port Phillip, was served by volunteers from the University of the Third Age Port Phillip.
The quintet: Bill Forrest (violin 1), Loma Henry (clarinet), Moya Cummings (violin 2), Claire Sheppard (Cello) and Hedy Mameghan (viola).
The plaque.
Report prepared by Mike Perkal.