This altar cloth is one of a set of four of various sizes, embroidered and donated by a parent for the opening of the school's chapel. The chapel was completed in 1989 and officially dedicated 'in thanks for the work of J.R. Pascoe' in March 1990. Religious instruction has never formed part of the curriculum at Westbourne but Christian values have underpinned the school's identity since its very early days. Recognising the importance of spirituality to the broader life of a school, Principal John Pascoe set about building a small chapel at the Truganina campus. In 1988, Reverend George DuRink was appointed as inaugural chaplain, in time to advise on the chapel design, and remained at the school for more than twenty years. Reverend DuRink's friendly, inclusive approach to ministering, drawing largely on his extensive knowledge of philosophy and ethics, and welcoming the many faiths and cultures that came to the school from the growing surrounding community, set the tone for the spiritual dimension of education at Westbourne. An integral part of the fabric of the school, the chapel has been a place to gather for comfort and support during difficult times, a place for quiet reflection and at times a place for music and celebration.This altar cloth has historic significance as it is associated with the very beginning of the Westbourne chapel and was used in the chapel for many years. A rectangular piece of evenweave fabric with a fringed edge and cross stitched with a blue border around the entire piece and a yellow and green Westbourne logo facing the short edge at one end.

Thousands of volunteers work tirelessly to conserve and protect the environment of Geelong and the Bellarine. Their work often goes unnoticed. In 'The Work of Nature' the National Wool Museum and the Environment Department at the City of Greater Geelong worked with photographer Nicole Marie to showcase the significant contribution of environment volunteers in our region. Each of the eight people showcased in these portraits were nominated by their peers and members of the community for their significant contribution to conserving and protecting the environment. Rhonda Kelly - Friends of Waurn Ponds Creek Conservation volunteer projects not only have great biodiversity outcomes but are also collegial community groups that bring people together. Rhonda Kelly has worked tirelessly for over a decade for Waurn Ponds Creek. The Friends group is recognised throughout Geelong as a well-run, well organised and successful community group. This is due to the hard work of people like Rhonda. Rhonda is involved with all aspects of the Friends Group as Convener of the group, seed collector and propagator of plants at the community nursery. She is welcoming, passionate and hardworking. Not only does she organise the planting days and monthly clean-up days, but she also works with the community and schools engaging people with the value and beauty of the creek. Photo at Waurn Ponds Creek by Nicole Marie.Image showing an environmental portrait of a woman holding two potted seedlings with trees and grass in the background.environment, conservation, portraits, geelong, nature, exhibition, work of nature, geelong nature forum, volunteers