President’s Report November
Denise Keele-bedford
Good news this month!
After much ado this year, we have finally received confirmation that MSWPS Inc. is officially recognised as a not-for-profit organisation.
For our members, this change won’t make a major difference in day-to-day activities, but it allows your committee to access benefits that will help reduce our ongoing costs and open up new opportunities that we look forward to exploring.
Ola Cohn Publications
More good news for those who enquired about purchasing Ola Cohn’s books. The Society received a set of her three published books during our visit to Bendigo and the home of Leo Bruinier.
While visiting the Fitzroy Gardens Café and Information Centre, I discovered that three books related to Ola were available for sale:
“The Fairies Tree” and “More About the Fairies Tree” – both priced at $12.50 each.
“A Way with the Fairies: The Lost Story of Sculptor Ola Cohn” – a publication edited by Barbara Lemon and released with the assistance of the State Library of Victoria in 2014.
This last title is based on Ola’s unpublished 1950s autobiography and offers wonderful insights, including how she came to purchase and restore Ola Cohn House, the sculptures she created there, and its later use by MSWPS. A copy of the book will be donated to our archives and made available for members to borrow.
When you have time, take a walk to the rear of Ola Cohn House to discover Ola Cohn Place and what was once the front entrance to her home. In her book, Ola mentions carving two terracotta plaques for the property—one above the front door reads:
“OLA’S HOME – 1937.”
From the Archives
I recently received an image from Linda McEwan, which appeared in her desktop memories. It was likely taken at the 2018 Winter Lunch.
Who do you recognise?
Several in the photo have sadly since passed on, but many contributed greatly to the Society over the decades—past presidents and committee members, Mariette Perrinjaquet (who designed our logo), those who fought to save Ola Cohn House from sale in the 1990s, as well as life and honorary members. I recognise only two who have since left the Society.
Upcoming Events
Thursday, November 13 – Workshop with Erica Wagner at Ola Cohn House.
Details are available on the Events page of our website.
Christmas Luncheon – Final Function for 2025
We’ll again celebrate with a Kris Kringle (value $10). If you wish to participate, please bring We’ll again celebrate with a Kris Kringle (value $10). If you wish to participate, please bring a wrapped, unmarked gift. As always, bring a plate of food to share – refreshments will be provided.
You can register online via the Events page on our website.
We’re also encouraging donations to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) to support their Women’s Empowerment – Wise Women program. A link to learn more is available on the website.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As the year draws to a close, your committee is planning activities for 2026 and even looking ahead to our 125th Anniversary in 2027.
We have submitted an application to participate in the 2026 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (25–29 March).
An Expression of Interest (EOI) will be sent via email and posted on the website. All MSWPS members are invited to participate, although this particular exhibition will focus on 2D artworks.
Annual General Meeting
AGM – Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 1:00pm,
to be held at Ola Cohn House.
All members are welcome to attend. Proxy forms will be available for those unable to join in person.
All committee positions will be open for nomination, except President – you have me for another year!
Formal notices and reports will be sent one month prior.
Please note: only Full Members may vote on resolution items.
Closing Notes
This is my final report for 2025, and I’d like to thank everyone for your support and positive feedback throughout the year.
At times, the committee has faced challenges as we transition further into the digital era, but thanks to our younger members, we’re keeping pace and learning together.
In 2026, we plan to introduce a system to assist members who find technology challenging—helping everyone access and enjoy the Society’s online resources with greater ease.
Finally, to all members celebrating birthdays in November and over the summer break—best wishes and enjoy your celebrations!