Conversations that Connect 

The Congress and Beyond sessions are structured around six themed “conversation stations,” each exploring one of the Congress priorities identified by the Victorian State Council following the 2023 Congress: 

Participants move in small, mixed groups through each station, responding to prompts, sharing insights, and recording ideas on colourful sticky notes that soon fill the walls. After each round, Members pause to reflect in their personal notebooks: What did I hear? What new insight did I learn? What will I take back to my conference? 

'Right from the get-go you could feel the enthusiasm in the room and the positive vibes,’ said Bernadette Fitchett, Mentone Regional Council President. ’Sitting at different tables and listening to the discussions was fabulous, hearing the great things going on in other Conferences and noting down ideas that could work in my own.’ 

The format encourages movement, creativity, and connection. One participant joked that it felt 'a bit like speed dating – but for ideas!’ 

Inspiration and Renewal 

Over lunch, kindly provided by the host conferences, Members continued to share stories and build friendships. 

‘It was lovely to see people mixing and getting to know one another,’ Bernadette said. ‘Members didn’t just stay with their own Conference; they took the opportunity to meet others.’ 

As the afternoon progressed, common themes emerged around renewal, collaboration and openness to change. Members spoke about welcoming new and diverse Members, reimagining traditional Conference models, and strengthening ties between neighbouring conferences. 

'By the end of the day, I left with a new sense of enthusiasm and a determination to carry this forward,’ Bernadette reflected. ‘It renewed my commitment to build stronger connections between the Conferences in the region and encourage continued support for one another.’ 

She also recognised the leadership potential within the group: ’Listening to some well-considered comments demonstrated the talent in the room and the potential for emerging leaders. Overall, it was a very satisfying day.’ 

Keeping the Momentum Going 

Susan Dornom, Acting Hampton Regional Council President, highlighted the importance of what happens next. ‘The real value of these workshops is what happens afterwards – when Members take the ideas home, keep the conversation going, and turn shared insights into action,’ she said. ‘It’s about building on the connections made in the room and translating that energy into renewed local work.’ 

This spirit of ongoing conversation is at the heart of Congress and Beyond. Each participant leaves with a reflection book and a personal commitment to take new insights back to their Conference. The goal is not simply to brainstorm ideas but to plant seeds of renewal that grow through shared action and dialogue. 

Looking Ahead 

With more workshops planned across Victoria, Congress and Beyond is proving to be a practical and inspiring way for Members to lead the Society’s renewal. These gatherings highlight the creativity, generosity and commitment alive within the Society’s membership. 

Under Brendan’s thoughtful guidance, and with the full support of State and Regional Councils, the Congress and Beyond sessions remind us that revitalisation will come from within — through Members ready to listen, imagine and act together in the spirit of Saint Vincent de Paul and Blessed Frédéric Ozanam.