THE secret to flourishing in life is close connection, Geraldine Doogue AO, a renowned Australian journalist and broadcaster, shared at this year’s fourth annual Sisterhood Retreat.

Looking out at the audience of nearly 200 women from Maroochydore Parish and beyond, Ms Doogue said she was “in awe” of what Sisterhood represents.

“It really is remarkable what you are building out here,” she said.

“Friendship is this fabulous developing strength, and women are particularly good at it and effortlessly relational”.

Sisterhood coordinator Anita Zinkel said the heart behind Sisterhood is to bring women from all ages and stages in life, “together in shared faith”.

When women gather in “wisdom and love, a beautiful heart for fellowship and connection emerges”, she said.

 “It was humbling to have such a significant figure of our time come to a regional parish with such openness and honesty.

“She is an inspiration to many.”

The veteran broadcaster reflected on her “long career” of more than 50 years.

“To go into journalism, you have to be intrigued by the world around you,” Ms Doogue shared.

“It is a career I have absolutely loved.

“I think in a way, I have been paid to be curious.”

Ms Doogue spoke on the importance of finding “your own voice”.

“Often, we have notions of what we are going to be.

“You have to be yourself; I really live by that, I think it is terribly important.”

When asked to share about how faith has helped her in life she said: “it gives me a hinterland that I can draw from like a vital oxygen supply”.

“I feel very lucky that I have this incredibly rich tradition.”

The retreat day concluded with Mass, presided over by Fr Gerard Lai, who commented that “it was beautiful to see so many women gathered together for a day where they could simply receive”.

He said the event was “floral, festive and full of vibrancy” and there was a “real sense of joy” in the atmosphere.

“Women spend so much of their lives giving in ways that often go unnoticed”, so it was “lovely to create a space where they could enjoy one another’s company and be reminded of their own dignity and giftedness”.

“We are thrilled with the response from women who have since told us that this was a life changing experience for them,” Mrs Zinkel said.

Planning is already underway for the next Sisterhood Retreat in 2027.