Sister Brigid Arthur

Brigid, a Brigidine Sister, grew up in the Wimmera rural community of Kaniva, and was educated at St Brigid’s College, Horsham. After her profession as a Brigidine, she began her long and passionate engagement as an educator, mainly with secondary students in Brigidine Colleges throughout Victoria. A life-long learner, Brigid continued to study and expand her knowledge and skills in many fields. As Principal in a number of Colleges and later a founding member of the Brigidine Secondary Schools Council, her passion for education that encompasses and promotes the inclusion and growth of all young people was paramount. In 2001, whilst continuing her work with education, Brigid’s hospitality extended to the increasing needs of asylum seekers and refugees in our society. In a less than welcoming climate, her vision for students – ‘all are welcome’ – now began to extend to the needs of asylum seekers and refugees. The Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP) was established in 2001 co-founded by Sr Brigid Arthur and Sr Catherine Kelly. It is a Melbourne-based initiative of the Brigidine Sisters whose motto is Strength and Kindness. The Brigidine Sisters have been engaged in education and social justice in Victoria since 1886.  In 2018, BASP was incorporated into Kildare Ministries as one of its ‘Community Works’.