Sr Anne Hetherington rsm OAM

The AMPJP congratulates Sr Anne Hetherington rsm for her award of an Order of Australia medal on 26 January 2022.

The Award citation notes Anne’s many contributions within the Catholic Church which have enriched Australian society.

Anne had a key role in the establishment and early growth of Mercy Partners. She was the inaugural Chair of the Council of Mercy Partners 2010-2014.

These initial years were important for Mercy Partners to develop an identity and authority as an authentic Church Authority, whist also respecting the heritage of the original custodians of their ministries.

During this time, the Presentation Sisters transferred governance of St Rita’s College, Brisbane to Mercy Partners.  Anne was a key person in liaising with the Presentation Sisters before and during this transition. Anne was also vitally involved in discussions with the Missionary Sisters of St Francis, which ultimately saw Mt Alvernia College, Brisbane welcomed into the Mercy Partners family.

As a Sister of Mercy, Anne saw other lay people as partners with the Sisters in God’s mission. Mentoring and nurturing other leaders has been a key feature of her ministry, especially at Mercy Partners. In so doing, Anne has been a great gift to the Church and to the community at large.