It was so good to be back with some significant former close associates whose connection to Elm Grove has such a heart connection for us. Here are some photos from Pete and Sarah’s Induction on 19th September 2026 as Companions of LFSF.
Walgalu Elder Aunty Sue Bulger, Brother Edwin Thomas & Sister Laurel Clare (LFSF).
Sue, a former Director of Elm Grove Sanctuary Trust remains a close and dear friend. Photo by Blair Montague-Drake.
Former Stewards of Elm Grove – Rhonda and Blair Montague-Drake travelled from northern NSW to celebrate with us all.
Rhonda and Blair loved and cared for Elm Grove after our departure for many years, and like us, have deposited their hearts in that sacred place.
… and newly discovered joys
It was such a joy to meet with Pete’s brother, Jeremy Swan, who delighted us with his music. Following his request, we presented him with a Franciscan Tau cross during the chapel service.
Jeremy and Michael. Photo by Blair Montague-Drake.
Rev. David Oliphant. Photo by Blair Montague-Drake.
Jeremy with our Director, Brother Michael Reid (LFSF) accompanied fellow Director Rev. David Oliphant who brought many of us to tears with his beautiful rendition of ‘The Galilee Song’.
Tumut Grevillea. Photo by Michael Reid.
As if to welcome us all “home” the Tumut Grevillea was in flower. Michael took this photo down at the point where the two rivers meet. These are a critically endangered species and only found on a 6 km stretch of the Goobarragandra River (apart from a few plants near Gundagai). They flower between mid September and mid October, so we were lucky to catch them in flower.