HIGHLIGHTS OF THE AUSTRALASIA PROVINCIALS' MEETING
MAY 1997,
Lysterfield Australia
The Provincials of Australia, China, Philippines North, Philippines South, Japan, Thailand, Korea (Vietnam unable to be present) met from 5th-8th May 1997.
Amongst the main agenda items were the following:
 | Feedback on the Rectors' course at Hua Hin, Thailand earlier this year. |
| Feedback on the Brothers' Course at Cebu, Philippines, in 1995. |
| Report on the various missionary presences of the Provinces represented. |
| Discussion of the General Council's Programme of Governance and animation 1996-2002. |
| Pacific Zone programming stemming from the above. |
| Interprovincial links for coordination and animation. |
| Sharing amongst Provincials. |
RECTORS
Much enthusiasm has been expressed amongst those present at the Hua Hin course. It was resolved that this experience of Hua Hin should continue and a similar course for new, old, prospective Rectors is envisaged for the future, most likely to be hosted by Philippines North.
BROTHERS
Enthusiasm for this, likewise. Another course is proposed for 1999 to be hosted by Australia. Provincial will be canvassing for appropriate themes - perhaps on the role and place of the Brother, his specific lay and religious dimensions and place in the Salesian Family.
YOUTH PASTORAL ANIMATION
A course is being proposed, to be hosted by Philippines South, for 1998. The last was in Korea in 1993.
MISSION PRESENCES
Provincials reported on the variety of mission presences the region is responsible for, amongst which the work in Western Samoa (AUL) now with 24 Samoan Salesians, one of whom is ordained, and new directions being sought for local formation; the new work now beginning in Tetere, Solomons (GIA); the now consolidating presence of Salesians in PNG (FIN) and the future possibility of Vice-Province status for the Delegation of Indonesia (FIS); the small but effective presence in Cambodia (THA).
SOLIDARITY
Provincials considered ways of assisting each other in the region via such measures as oersonnel, finance and expertise and, more specifically, sharing aspects of formation, training of lay personnel, sharing volunteers and establishing email/internet between themselves.
Provincials will meet in Manila, early 1998.
GENERAL PROGRAMME OF GOVERNANCE AND ANIMATION
The main item to come out of this for the Region has been the proposal to form a Provincial Conference which would involves an executive and a plenary level. A small commission has been established to draw up a draft of statues for such a body.