The Good Works Crew, a dedicated group of parishioners including Julie Moyle, Jenny Morris, Angela Victor and Cindy Narvasa, has been formed to raise funds for projects that make a real difference to both the parish and the broader community.
Their first event, the St Mary's Mini Market, will take place on Sunday, August 16, from 10.30am to 1pm in the parish grounds, kicking off straight after the 9.30am Mass.
Julie Moyle said the market was expected to feature a wide range of stalls and activities.
“We'll have cakes, relishes and preserves, books, plants and crafts from Mary's Makers,” she said.
“We're also going to have face painting, a kids' corner, a sausage sizzle, morning tea, tea and coffee.”
Adding to the festive atmosphere, organisers are hoping to showcase local singers and entertainers performing throughout the morning.
All funds raised will go directly towards building a new accessible toilet situated closer to the church, a practical improvement that will make a genuine difference to the community.
While the parish already has an accessible toilet in the parish centre, Mrs Moyle said it was a considerable distance from the church.
“When we have regular Mass services and funerals, it's quite difficult for people in wheelchairs and those using walking frames and other mobility aids to access it,” she said.
“For them not to have to walk all the way to the parish centre for an accessible toilet will be wonderful.”
Mrs Moyle said the mini market was only the beginning of what would be a longer fundraising campaign.
“We won't make all the money on this first event,” she said.
“There'll be other events as we go forward, but this begins the fundraising effort because projects like this are quite expensive.”
The Good Works Crew grew from a simple suggestion by a parishioner who proposed holding a mini market as a way to give back to the community.
Mrs Moyle said the group wanted its fundraising to have a clear purpose.
“We need to be purpose-driven when you fundraise. There's no point fundraising and just putting it back into the coffers, so to speak,” she said.
After consultation with Father Novie and the parish council, providing an accessible toilet closer to the church was confirmed as the parish's most pressing priority.
Mrs Moyle said organisers hoped the mini market would become an annual event.
“We hope we'll get bigger and better each year,” she said.
She encouraged people from across the community to attend, saying the project would benefit far more than just parishioners.
“It's vital for our local Catholic community that we have the support of the general community because the accessible toilet will benefit all who attend farewell ceremonies and other functions within our church community,” she said.
“It's not just parishioners who will benefit from this, it's the general community.”
While EFTPOS will be available on a limited basis, organisers are kindly asking visitors to bring cash along to make the day run as smoothly as possible.
“We guarantee it'll be a fun day,” Mrs Moyle said. “We'd love to see everyone there.”
