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First Projects
The Order was responsible for the setting up of the Bushies School project, the provision of religious instructions to children in outback centres who had no means of obtaining regular Catholic instruction due to their isolation. The scheme was carried on successfully, and was maintained until the advance of settlement made it no longer necessary.
The establishment of Tardun was due to the keen observation of a member. The Order, through its farmer members applied its knowledge in helping to make a success of the Tardun farming project, together with St Vincent de Paul Society it set about and raised the necessary capital to inaugurate the scheme. Later Bindoon was established.
Southern Cross Homes for the Aged was established in 1968 by the Order. Expansion continued through the years to what is now known as Southern Cross Aged Care.
Knight Life Magazine
October 1973 saw the introduction of a Bulletin, A5 in size in black and white print. The Bulletin contained a message from the State Chairman, information on local meetings times and dates, space for advertising members businesses and dates and times for up and coming events.
Members were encouraged to submit articles on issues relevant to the importance of family life and community interests. It became an important tool in not only delivering information on activities the Order was participating in but the opportunity to attend socials events where fellowship, networking and community could be enhanced. This was especially important in rural areas.
By February 1974 the Bulletin was renamed “Knightlife” and contained more articles relating to social issues and advertising support for members businesses etc. It was still being produced in house and as it grew substantially in content so did its size to an A4 size magazine, the first issue being produced in August 1975.
June 1986 saw the introduction of colour into the printing of the magazine making it more appealing. Most advertising space was taken quickly by members promoting their businesses and Catholic organisations saw an opportunity to promote their services and also support the Order's work . Those members unemployed took the opportunity of advertising through the Knightlife for work and thru the networking of the Order were able to secure jobs. To ensure the journey of the magazine since its inception was not lost, in 1991 a decision was made to have each copy professionally bound thus ensuring its history. We currently have at State Office all copies dating from Volume 1, 1973 thru to the current year.
In 1996 the KSC Education Foundation was launched. This Foundation was extensively covered in the Knightlife as was Southern Cross Care Homes and many other projects undertaken by the Order throughout the years.
Knightlife has continued to evolve and today whilst still containing relevant information pertaining to Branch activities, there has been the inclusion of spiritual reflections, notifications for personal development courses, seminars, conferences, family functions, dinners for branches and obituaries commemorating the lives of members who have recently deceased.
Objects
The duties of the Order deal solely with the economic and welfare of the Catholic people, and it covers such things as youth guidance, employment, trade, victimisation, and representation on public bodies.
For centuries the role of a Knight has been looked upon as one of the most nobel callings. The Catholic Knights of modern times, like their predecesors through the centuries, aspire to the highest of ideals.
A Knight of the Southern Cross pledges allegiance to the Order. He is expected to act at all times as a Knight and in the interest of the code, aims and objectives of the Order. Members are loyal to their families and to the Catholic Church. |