A powerhouse of volunteering is being celebrated this month as the Marymead CatholicCare Auxiliary launches a special year of fundraising to mark its 60th anniversary in 2026. 

Raising millions of dollars over 60 years, the Marymead CatholicCare Auxiliary is well-known around Canberra for the ever-popular plant and garage sales at its Narrabundah site, re-purposing mountains of quality second-hand goods, turning it into vital funds and keeping it out of landfill. 

At a celebratory morning tea held today, Ms Lisa Higginson, Deputy CEO of Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn, acknowledged the dedicated work of the Auxiliary, a group of highly resourceful women with a wide range of backgrounds and skills.  

“In today’s funding environment, when the social services sector is increasingly under-funded, the funds raised – often more than $100,000 each year – enables us to allocate targeted funds to better support people in our programs,” Ms Higginson said. 

“Beyond fundraising and awareness raising for our work, these incredible women demonstrate what it means to create community, build relationships and restore dignity for the most disadvantaged people.”  

Ms Higginson accepted a cheque for $101,000 today, as part of the Auxiliary’s celebrations and Annual General Meeting. 

Members of the Auxiliary, staff and invited guests gathered today to celebrate the 60th anniversary at a morning tea to launch a special year of fundraising during 2026.   

Along with five garage and plant sales every year, the MCCG Auxiliary also raise funds progressively each year with a range of other events including Winter Warmer Lunches and Spring Morning Teas. 

Established as the Marymead Auxiliary in March 1966, the group helped to establish the Marymead Children’s Centre in Narrabundah, opened by the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary in January 1967. Later known as the Marymead Child and Family Centre, the site continues to house numerous programs dedicated to the support and wellbeing of children and families.