L’Arche Australia congratulates Helen Merrin on receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia. Helen has been a community member since 1985. her citation for the award acknowledges her contribution to L’Arche Australia among an inspiring list of achievements.
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division
Sister Helen Clifton Merrin
For service to special needs education, and to the Catholic Church in Australia.
St Lucy’s Special School in Wahroonga
· Music Teacher, since 1980.
· Chaplain, since 2002.
· Board Member, 1999.
Catholic Church
· Sister, Dominican Sisters of Eastern Australia and the Solomon Islands, since 1965.
· Member, Australian Bishops Disability Advisory Council, nine years.
· Speaker, Health and Wellbeing Seminar, ACU Sydney, Catholic Religious Australia, 2023.
Education
• Braille Teacher, Royal Blind Society Enfield, 1999.
• Teacher, Prouille School, Wahroonga, c1974-1980.
L’Arche Australia
• Australian Regional Co-ordinator, 1988-1993.
• House Co-ordinator, L’Arche Sydney, 1986-1992.
• Chairperson, Solidarity Group, L’Arche Sydney,1987-1995.
• Member, since 1985.
Awards and Recognition include:
• State Medal, TAFE NSW Academic Achievement Award – Compaq Computer Australia, 2000.