A Merciful and Compassionate Presence

March 24, 2025

As she packs her bags to return to Central Queensland from Brisbane, Sister Carolyn Hunt has reflected on her time journeying with sisters concerning their health and wellbeing, initially in Southeast Queensland and for the past three years the whole of the Sunshine State.

“In looking back on my former role, I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had”, said Sister Carolyn.

“While I certainly won’t miss the responsibility, I will miss the connection and meeting up with sisters from other parts of Queensland. Prior to this, I didn’t know many sisters outside of Rockhampton, so it has been wonderful to get to know so many of them.”

Since taking on the role of nurse for Institute Sisters in southeast Queensland in 2013, and then in 2022 the Wellbeing and Health Coordinator for Institute Sisters in the entire state, she has welcomed the heightened emphasis that has occurred on wellbeing across the Institute.

“Initially my role was almost solely focussed on the health needs of sisters such as accompanying them to medical appointments, assisting them with aged care assessments and being on call 24/7.

“In more recent years, the emphasis has been on sisters’ wellbeing and how sisters can bring as much enjoyment to their lives as possible.”

Sister Carolyn said that as we age and move out of fulltime ministry, it can be challenging to maintain an active lifestyle and connection with others.

“Our Wellbeing and Health team members have been very creative in organising regular activities for our sisters such as craft mornings, picnics on a local beach, coffee outings and drives to enjoy the natural scenery. These are well received and a positive experience for those who participate leading to an increase in their wellbeing and health.”

The act of accompanying someone through their final days as they prepare to die, is one which most people find emotionally challenging. Yet Sister Carolyn, who commenced nursing at the Bundaberg Mater in 1966, said she found it a privilege to be a support to sisters, their family and friends during this time.

“I am used to being with people when they are dying. I have been doing this most of my life. My role was just to be there with them on their journey and to support family and friends.

A few weeks ago, I received an email from one of our sisters who thanked me for what I had done in supporting another of our sisters who was unwell in hospital. She said that, like most of us, she did not know at the time what she was meant to do.”

Over the past couple of months, Carolyn has enjoyed a series of farewells across Queensland. She has expressed her thanks to: the Community Leader, Sister Anne Keim, the Assistant Community Leaders, the Wellbeing and Health Team staff and Jane Hall, the Institute’s Wellbeing and Health Manager. She extends her best wishes to her replacement, Maryanne Hargraves, knowing that as an experienced nurse and administrator, Maryanne will bring a fresh face to the role.

When she returns to Rockhampton, after a short break, Carolyn says she will be available as a support to the Wellbeing and Health Team there.

“I still have a lot of life and energy in me. I am not just going to retire. This time allows me to focus on my own wellbeing.

“Each day provides many opportunities to be a merciful and compassionate presence. I love life and I am so grateful to wake up every day and enjoy it!”

 

 

Messages to: carolyn.hunt@mercy.org.au

 

Interview conducted by John Rochester, Communications Manager, ISMAPNG

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