A Legacy Remembered

By Anglican Family Care | Posted: Monday November 20, 2023

We were saddened to hear that our former Director Catherine Goodyear passed away on Saturday 4 November.

Catherine came to what was then the Anglican Methodist Family Care Centre (AMFC) as a social work student on placement in 1977, and after a short time volunteering for the agency was employed as a part-time social worker. In 1982, following the departure of our first Director Bob Walton, Catherine was appointed as Director of AMFC, a role she held until 2003.

Catherine was instrumental in the development and securing of contracts for many of the services we provide today.

Under Catherine's leadership, the agency grew from a staff of six based in Dunedin, to around 50 with a footprint across the province. She was also very involved in the forming of the Anglican Care Network (ACN) in 1994, a network representing and supporting Anglican parishes and social services throughout the country. The agency continues to contribute to the ACN today.

In addition to her work at AMFC, Catherine was an active member of the Dunedin branch of Rotary International. In 2004 her substantial contribution to our community was recognised when Catherine was awarded the Queens Service Medal.

It was my privilege to spend time with Catherine in 2020 and 2021, a connection formed around the publication of Southern Service - a book written by Julia Stuart chronicling our agency's history. Catherine attended the launch of the book and accepted an invitation to come to our Dunedin office for a staff morning tea- a chance to share old war stories which was very much enjoyed by all who were present. We were also pleased to have Catherine attend our 50th celebration dinner in November last year, an important milestone for someone who had contributed so much to our history.

Kua oti tō mahi, engari kei te mau tonu tō taonga tuku iho

Nō reira, Catherine, moe mai, moe mai, moe mai rā.