Meet the Care of Earth Committee
Margaret Valentine
I am a Sister of Charity. My ministry has mainly been spent in Primary Education. For a long time, I have been interested in the basic care of our earth recycling and avoidance of pollution. However, I went on a huge learning curve when I became a member of our Congregational Care of our Home Committee and as a member of this group I am continually learning and being challenged.
Kate Luxford
I have journeyed with the Sisters of Charity for more than a decade, learning how care, generosity, and gratitude shape a life. I’m honoured to continue my association with the Sisters in this new chapter, cooking for the community at Soudan Station in the Northern Territory — 1.2 million acres and home to 18,000 head of cattle. Here, feeding others has become both ministry and craft, nourishing body, spirit, and connection to the land.
Grace Hayes
My name is Grace and I currently work at the University of Sydney in Advancement, helping philanthropists and academics come together to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges. As an old girl of St Vincent’s College and Catholic Ladies College, I cite my education as the spark for my passion for justice and equality, especially for our wonderful environment.
Danielle Achikian
For over 25 years I have worked in a variety of industries focusing on communication, fundraising and events. I have operated my own consultancy business since 2009 and have worked at the Sisters of Charity Heritage Centre since October 2023. In 2025 and 2026 I am participating in the Mercy Integral Ecology Fellowship Program
Simone Lock
I have been part of the St Vincent’s College community for thirteen years in many roles. I have become a passionate advocate for environmental awareness and stewardship among the next generation. My particular interest lies in teaching Legal Studies, especially Global Environmental Protection, which aligns beautifully with the messages of Laudato Si’ and Laudato Deum. I am delighted to be part of this committee.
Sayra Samudio
I am an agricultural engineer working in sustainability, helping create healthier landscapes and food systems.
I also teach poetry and performing arts, sharing my love for creativity and expression. Gentle and curious by nature,
I find inspiration in art, words and the living world. I cherish poetry, imagination and nature, weaving them softly into everything I do.
Anne Taylor
As a Sister of Charity, I have been privileged to be a member of two congregational environmental committees. Being an educator I have always had a love of learning about our world and over the past 20 years have had a concern for its wellbeing. Being on this committee expands my understanding and hopefully I can advocate for a better world.