Media Release 26/08/2010 | Mayor’s Column – 1 September 2010 |
Two weeks ago, I attended the opening of the Lake Macquarie Women’s Forum 2010 at Toronto. It was an inaugural event, organised by the Quigley Co-operative Women’s Initiative and was opened by the NSW Governor, Professor Marie Bashir. The event sought to empower women in their personal lives and to inform on a wide range of health, and other women’s issues. More than 400 people from all walks of life attended this free event that aimed to assist local women achieve their career aspirations and creative pursuits through providing inspiration and support. The Women’s Initiative works to create supportive friendships between women of all ages and cultures providing weekly workshops where women share and learn new skills with on site childcare provided. I had been invited along mainly due to the attendance of the Governor and on entering the event, apart from noting that there weren't many men, I was struck by the number of people I knew. They were all women who I have come to know over the years through their community work. To see them together at this forum drove home to me just how much work, largely voluntary, is being done by women throughout our community. The event had a powerful line-up of women speakers including health advocate, Dr Sally ‘Feelgood’ Cockburn, and Shivani Gupta speaking on personal leadership. Another highlight was local resident Francine Bell. Francine originally came from New York and is a very talented entertainer, tutor, and motivational speaker who added to an inspiring opening of the event. This event was funded by the Department of Community Services, but couldn’t have happened without a huge effort of local organisers. It is always difficult to single out individuals for their efforts with events such as this, but it is appropriate to acknowledge the vision and effort of Coral Allen from the Quigley Co-operative based at Bolton Point. Coral and her helpers did a fantastic job of bringing this important initiative to our community. Hopefully more funding can be found next year to see this great forum held again. |
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“Hi Francine, I’m not to sure if you remember me but I sang with you in the Gospel ‘Quar’ back in good old 2003 and 2004. We had such a great time and I will always remember the feeling of looking forward to coming to sing with you and Terrance! I have been working with my choir in my school in Sydney and have hit a bit of a wall! I am looking for inspiration and assistance to get these girls singing like they’ve never sung before! And you are definitely the person to do this! I was wondering if you are interested in coming to do a vocal workshop with them and me (I need all the help I can get!)... ” Claire O’Brien
Former Student, Teacher |
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“Francine Bell came to Newcastle Night Aglow Fellowship and ministered to our women in 2009. Attendance was full on the night as word spread for Francine is well known, respected and loved. She is a woman who carries a strong presence of the Lord and a genuine love for people. In all of the heightened status she has achieved, there is a grounded humility at the base of the confidence she wears; for she knows her authority is God's and has a true balance of walking in His authority with humility. It is beautiful to be around her. What I witnessed with Francine in our meeting was a woman who is not afraid to be real, and in her realness, disarms people to lay down their own masks, allowing the Holy Spirit to move into the hearts. Her voice of clarity when singing reminds me of a finely tuned instrument, where you can hear the single note of the string, but the string is Francine's own unique beautiful voice, distinct, beautiful, full of passion as she sings from her heart. On a much more personal note, I'd like to add that a few years ago I was in a workshop where Francine led a day-long Worship Workshop at Mayfield Baptist Church, Mayfield.She taught about 45 people which was a fruitful and educational meeting that the worship team gleaned much from. After this encounter, over the next five years, I met her a few times, in unusual places (example: one night of the Pasha Bulker standing along side of her and talking). She is always the same everywhere I have met her, nothing changes with Francine. She is who she appears to be, except that as she grows more into the image of God daily, more beautiful each time we meet. She is a model example to women everywhere. Francine Bell has my heart of confidence that wherever she is, she gives her best from God and for God. Of that one truth, Francine keeps her heart lifted up toward heaven, while ministering to the people on earth, receiving from Him, and giving of Him. Sincerely,”
Barbara Gleeson
President
Newcastle Night Aglow |
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“Francine Bell: Guaranteed no-one will be bored when Francine is on the platform. Her ability to engage the audience and to touch the heart and the head is just fantastic. Francine was an unknown quantity to us when she first came to our church having been recommended by a friend. I reckon you can gauge how well a person has connected with people by how many come back for the second session. We had people turn up at our night service that I don’t think we have ever seen at a night service before. Francine has an awesome singing voice. She speaks and sings from the heart and connects easily with people. She is one of those people that remembers names very well, people warm to her quickly and receive wonderful encouragement and edification from her ministry.” “Francine Bell: 10/10” “Francine Bell: Would have her back anytime.” “Francine Bell: Never a dull moment.” Bill Brill
Senior Pastor
Beachside Christian Fellowship |
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“Francine, I just wanted to tell you how much I love your program on Rhema on Sunday mornings. I was a fan of Mahalia Jackson when I was a teenager & my friends couldn’t understand why!!! Also love those guys from Alabama but can never remember their name. I love the rich tapestry you present. God bless you & your amazing team. xx” Kathy Charlton |
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