Forty-two people were presented with awards on this night, four of them were Patricians: Brothers Joseph Crowley, Aengus Kavanagh, Patrick Lovegrove, Bernard Buflin. These four have given a combined service of over seventy years to the Parramatta Diocese in roles of senior leadership. It was a proud moment indeed for these Brothers and the other Brothers who attended to see the Patricians so significantly represented in the history of education in the diocese. Sterling work has been done and continues to be done by these exemplary Pats. We congratulate them on their most well-deserved recognition and we thank them for the examples of their ministry.

Each recipient of the award was asked to share a few thoughts on leadership. Here is what our Brothers shared.

The most difficult thing about leadership is getting people to do things, not because they have to, but because they want to do them. There is the need to step back regularly and to explore the WHY together. Personal satisfaction that motivates is mainly found in the 'psychic stuff'.

Be yourself - allow the natural impact of your inner strength to guide you in your interactions with staff, parents and students. Listen to the various voices speaking and whispering. Be collaborative and have people leave their mark of ownership on their dynamic community.

Literature of recent decades abounds with theories and skills of leadership. These insights may be helpful but, in the final analysis, leadership is unique to each person in that it is a reflection of soul. Hence a need for the constant nurturing of the soul and for attunement between the inner and outer worlds of the leader.

I would advise a person taking on a leadership role to trust those around you and empower them. As their trust and loyalty deepen they will be of great assistance to you in your task of leading, governing and guiding.