Michael Hanrahan, reflects on 60 years as a Knight of the Southern Cross. “Membership with the Knights provided opportunities to participate in projects valuable to the local Parish and community in the company of like-minded and genuine friends,” writes Michael.

By Michael Hanrahan

When growing up in Bungaree, near Ballarat, in the 1940/50s, I had become aware of the existence of “the Knights”, as both my grandfather and father were early members of the Bungaree Branch. Knights of the Southern Cross (KSC) membership would have been part of the motivation for my father’s leading role in the community’s support for two families when tragedy occurred locally.

In 1963, aged 26, I had recently transferred from Colac to Euroa with the Education Department when Bryan Kennedy, a KSC member from the Benalla Branch, invited me to join the Knights of the Southern Cross. I accepted Bryan’s invitation and attended an Installation Evening in Mansfield on 30 November 1963.

After leaving Euroa in 1965, my membership of Branches in Kyabram, Seymour, Charlton and Bendigo followed. Membership with the Knights provided opportunities to participate in projects valuable to the local Parish and community in the company of like-minded and genuine friends – a most valuable experience indeed.

Projects conducted by the Bendigo Branch in recent years are valuable to reflect on for the enterprising leadership shown, value to recipients and a change in Branch outlook.

“Tools for Timor” demonstrated each of those features. The KSC members worked jointly with Masonic Lodge members to promote this project, source tools (mainly secondhand) and arrange Working Bees to clean and pack the tools for transport to East Timor. Resulting in value for the Timorese, and the development of a healthy local relationship between members of the two organisations.

Successive Branch Chairs and Executives have encouraged Knights to not only support our Parish communities but to be seen by the public as supporting local community needs as well. For example,

•  Annual Debutante Balls were seen as a positive support for the youth in Bendigo.
  
  
• The Gianna Centre – staffed by volunteers and providing a resource for girls, single mothers, young couples, and parents generally – benefitted annually from KSC Bendigo Branch financial donations and other support from KSC members.
  
  
• Catholic Primary Schools appreciate the annual scholarship scheme, and the presentation of Rosary Beads and Prayer Cards to students completing the Sacramental Program.
  
  
• Parents of an adult son, who succumbed to Brain Cancer, were surprised and delighted to receive financial support for the Bendigo Brain Cancer Walk.

It was certainly a special occasion for me – to be presented with a 60 Years KSC Membership Certificate by State Chair, Paul Mitchell, at the December 2023 Bendigo Branch 112 meeting.

Thanks to all the KSC members whose friendship and advice I have benefitted from over sixty years of membership, and to the two Colac members who nominated me originally. I have been exceptionally fortunate.