Our People
28 July, 2026
Strength of Women leaves a lasting legacy
THE success of the book The Strength of Women, produced by Dean and Rochelle Morris, is continuing to make a lasting impact on the Beaufort community, with proceeds from the book being donated to two local organisations dedicated to supporting women and families.
The Beaufort Country Women's Association (CWA) and Beaufort and Skipton Health Service (BSHS) have each received funding from sales of the book, ensuring the money raised remains in the local community.
Dean Morris said it was always the couple's intention that the proceeds benefit organisations making a real difference to the lives of local people.
"We wanted the money raised from The Strength of Women to stay within our local community and go to organisations that genuinely support local people," Mr Morris said. “The CWA and Beaufort and Skipton Health Service both do so much for women, families and the wider community. Their work reflects many of the same qualities found throughout the book – strength, care, resilience and supporting others – so they felt like the right organisations to receive the funds.
Beaufort CWA president Lyn Harvey said members were deeply grateful for both the book and the generous donation.
"The CWA has immense gratitude to Dean and Rochelle for a fantastic book, and we're very mindful of our responsibility to use this money to benefit the Beaufort community," Ms Harvey said.
The organisation has already identified several initiatives that will be supported through the donation.
"We have decided to re-establish a study bursary that the Beaufort CWA ran years ago," she said.
The bursary will be placed in a dedicated account to assist students from Beaufort Secondary College who are pursuing further education at TAFE or university, or undertaking apprenticeships.
The CWA will also direct part of the funding towards its annual Hope in a Suitcase project, which provides practical support for women and children experiencing difficult circumstances.
Chief Executive Officer of Beaufort and Skipton Health Service, Meryn Pease, said staff had enthusiastically embraced the book, particularly as one of the health service's long-serving staff members, Georgie Jenkins, was featured among the women profiled.
"The reaction from staff has been overwhelmingly positive," Ms Pease said.
"Having Georgie Jenkins featured in the book has sparked great interest in the women and their individual journeys."
Ms Pease said the donation would be used to enhance programs and facilities for patients and residents.
"The money will be greatly appreciated and will go towards equipment for our community wellbeing groups, as well as enhancing the dining experience for our aged care residents," she said.
"We are also looking at using some of the funds to bring a mobile train immersive travel experience to our aged care residents in Beaufort and Skipton."
Reflecting on the project's broader significance, Mr Morris said he hoped The Strength of Women would continue to inspire for generations to come.
"I would like The Strength of Women to be remembered as a lasting legacy for the women whose stories are shared within its pages," he said.
"It captures their courage, resilience and life experiences so they are not forgotten and can continue to inspire future generations.
"More than simply a book, I hope it becomes a record of the strength found in everyday women and a reminder that every person has a story worth hearing. If those stories continue to encourage, comfort or help others long into the future, then the book will have achieved what we hoped it would."
There are still a small number of books left over if anyone has missed out and want to purchase a copy. The cost is $85 and purchases can be arranged by calling Rochelle on 0407 352 875.
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