Gatherings celebrate cattle breeding philanthropist

RECENT storytelling events at Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Family Rooms at Monash Children’s Hospital in Clayton and Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Sunshine celebrated Bendigo cattle breeder and RMHC benefactor Joan Heard and her partner Muriel Morrish.

The activities were designed to support early learning and emotional expression through the lens of a new picture storybook about Ms Heard, The Girl That Could and the Girl Called Joan That Did.

The book shares the life and legacy of Ms Heard, whose significant bequest to RMHC continues to support families with seriously ill children.

Led by early years educators, the activities included a group reading and creative session where children were invited to express their own dream, from aspiring astronaut to future vet, through handprint art.

Handprints were then added to a Belonging Tree, which will remain as a lasting symbol of dreams and inspiration in the Family Rooms.

“This activity is a warm and child-friendly way of honouring Joan and Muriel’s incredible life, and lasting gift, while also encouraging children to dream big about their futures, even during challenging times,” said CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria and Tasmania Peter Bishop.

Ms Heard and Ms Morrish co-founded the Rockyleigh Murray Grey Stud in Bendigo in 1968 and were recognised as pioneers in breeding cattle in Australia.

Their contributions were acknowledged with several honours, including life membership in the Murray Grey Cattle Association of Australia, and an annual award named after them at the Royal Melbourne Show.