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The following overview is summarised from the Federation Building Bridges article appearing in Spirit Loreto Kirribilli No. 44, June 2007.

The 26th Conference of Loreto Federation of Australia, hosted by Loreto Kirribilli and Normanhurst was held at Loreto Kirribilli on the 4th - 6th May 2007. The theme for the week was Building Bridges. It was a truly inspirational weekend.

The conference started with an Opening Liturgy by Sr Christine Burke, Provincial, Leader Loreto Sisters, with music and singing provided by the Normanhurst Brass Ensemble and school choir. This was followed by a welcome cocktail party, attended by over 200 guests.

The conference was opened by key note speaker, Governor of NSW, Her Excellency, Prof Marie Bashir. Prof Bashir spoke of the need to "build bridges" within our community and told us of the work she has done and continues to do with Aboriginal communities.

This was followed by a panel of three women from very different backgrounds who spoke of how they "build bridges" in their daily lives. Julia Burke, ex-Kirribilli student spoke of her work with Indigenous communities in Central Australia, The next speaker, Silma Irham, an Islam convert, who established the Noor Al Houda Islamic College for Girls, spoke about her work in the area of "understanding the development of identity in adolescent Muslim Lebanese youth". The third speaker, Anna Brown, ex-Loreto student, spoke about how Normanhurst ex-students provided a bursary for her daughter to attend Loreto college after the sudden death of her husband.

In the next session, Jeff Gambin, founder of charity, "Just Enough Faith", spoke about his move from being a successful restaurateur to providing hot meals to the homeless in the streets of Sydney. He encouraged us to help the homeless by assisting charities either financially or physically.

In the afternoon, Sr Libby Rogerson ibvm, spoke about Mary Ward International, the Loreto Sisters' fund raising program that supports local and international Loreto initiatives, through financial and volunteering assistance.

The Federation dinner was held at Taronga Zoo on Saturday night and bright opera star and ex-Loreto student, Amelia Farrugia, provided a stunning performance.

Sunday's opening speaker, Attracta Lagan, ex-Loreto student and industrial sociologist spoke about her passion for bringing individual and corporate personalities closer together. She spoke about ethics and morality in the corporate world and engendered a great deal of discussion.

A debate themed "The Media Builds Bridges" followed, with participants including Sr Elisabeth Murphy- ex student, Nick Greiner - ex student and ex NSW premier, Emma Simkin ex student and SBS reporter, and Anthea Burton and Amy Woods, Head Girls of Loreto Kirribilli and Normanhurst.

Federation concluded with Mass celebrated by Fr Christopher Gleeson. The entire Federation event was a great success and a wonderful experience for all who attended.

The next Federation will be held at Loreto Coorparoo, Brisbane in 2009.