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Sister Marlene Binns

Tasmanian Honour Roll of Women logo
Sister Marlene Binns

Awarded for service to the Community

Born: 1945

Died: 2006

Entered on roll: 2007


Sister Marlene Binns was born in Launcestonin 1945. After obtaining an education degree, she was employed as a secondary teacher in many schools and colleges.

While employed at the Emmanuel Pastoral and Spirituality Centre, Launceston, and at MacKillop Hill, Forth, Sister Marlene completed training and worked as a Spiritual Director and facilitated reflection days for students from Marist Regional, St Brendan Shaw and St Partick’s Colleges. Sister Marlene spent 10 years as a member of the Diocesan Youth Commission.

Sister Marlene was a member of the Congregation of Sisters of St Joseph for 40 years. She was the administrator of the Catholic Church on King Island for the last six years of her life. In recognition of her vast contribution to her community and many skills, Premier Paul Lennon appointed Sister Marlene to the Tasmanian Women’s Council in 2006.

During her time on King Island, Sister Marlene was an active member of many community groups and provided great support to everyone involved with the island community. She was a member of the Country Women’s Association, the King Island Hospital Auxiliary and the Carers Support Group. Sister Marlene was also a keen volunteer at the King Island Hospital, Nursing Home and Day Centre where she was renowned for her fancy costumes on theme days.

She was also active in the King Island Community Support Group, which was responsible for connecting people by looking at their skills. Sister Marlene was a member of the Crisis Support Team that supported people and the community in times of trouble. She used to say there were ‘tea and tissues’ people in a crisis and along with her many contributions to the community, Sister Marlene also offered grief counselling.

As a member of the Youth Access Steering Committee, Sister Marlene supported the young people on King Island. The Building Stronger Families forum was another of Sister Marlene’s passions, and she actively supported children and families on King Island.

Sister Marlene was also a foundation member of the King Island Supporting Disabilities Forum and was actively engaged in the funding proposal for Phoenix Community House. With her colleague, Sarina Laidler, she started a garden at Phoenix House to ‘make the place look brighter’. Sister Marlene was also an executive member of the committee responsible for the day-to-day running of Phoenix House.

Described as “an angel” by the King Island Mayor Charles Arnold, Sister Marlene will be remembered for her significant ongoing impact and the strong support she provided to the King Island community.

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