Sister Bridie Quinn is the Foundation's very own Mission Leader and "inhouse" St John of God Sister. Sr Bridie was born in the West of Ireland and her early years were filled with the love of parents, brothers, sisters, the local village people and a loving Grand Mother. Bridie attended the local village school, and then went to a High School run by the Presentation Sisters to complete her education. Once Bridie had completed her High School education she commenced a traineeship as a draughtsperson in the UK. To find out how Bridie eventually became a Sister of St John of God please read on!

Did you always know that you would be a religious sister?
Yes. When I was about eleven years old I was at the shops with my Father and we met two Sisters of St John of God who made an indelible mark on my spirit. I shared with my Father that one day I would like to be a Sister and move to Australia to work with these sisters. In our family we were made very aware of men and women dedicating their lives to a Religious Vocation and going to foreign countries to provide services to the unmet needs of the less fortunate peoples in these countries.

Eight years later I joined the Sisters of St John of God in Ballinamore Co Mayo and came to Australia on the ss Oronsay in December 1959. I completed my General Nurse Training in Subiaco and worked there for several years. I have also worked In Rivervale, Goulburn, Ballarat and Bunbury. I have completed a Certificate in Pastoral Care through Mercy Hospital for Women and The Austin Hospital in Melbourne.

Have you faced many challenges through choosing this path?
When one is young every challenge and learning experience provides an opportunity to grow and become wiser. I have loved all my challenges. Although, at times I find the extreme heat in Australia a little difficult to cope with!

Tell me some of your most cherished experiences / memories...
Overall working within the Religious Profession is something that I cherish very deeply. Other than that, I really enjoyed my first visit home and of course my Sabbatical Year in Ireland, this afforded me the opportunity to spend some quality time with my mother and family. Other journey’s such as the visit to my father’s grave and visit to the Holy land have also particularly memorable. I have also cherished times when my family has come to visit myself in Australia.

Some really exciting experiences that I have had include: orienteering in the South West of Australia and going for a joyride on a Harley Davidson Limousine!

What do you find is the best thing about working with the Foundation?
My interaction with the young people and their carers; to see the changes young  people commit to make in their lives, to see them grow in self confidence and to take up the challenge of living in a  home that is family orientated.  Ultimately the best thing  about the Horizon House Project is that each your person is given the opportunity to make permanent changes for the better in their lives. These youug persons are  holistically  supported  in all areas of their lives.

Each of these young people empower and challege me to be a more compassionate and loving person. I  am able to share my life's experiences with them, we laugh a lot  I am well supported by the Foundation Team and the Sisters.

Any words of advice to those out there who find themselves in times of trial?
The power to heal and make change is within each and every one of us, take some quiet time, talk to a friend and listen to your inner spirit.

Finally, what do you do to relax when you’re not working?
I love gardening and spend a lot of my spare moments among the plants and the weeds.
I like my own space, so I enjoy reading, music and quiet time to listen to the sounds in the Silence. I walk everyday day, Perth and Bateman where I live has many lovely walks and wonderful parks to reflect in.

Sr Bridie Quinn & Prof Quinlan, Foundation Chairman
Christmas 2008, Bendat House Wanneroo