Catholic Identity and Mission 

Walkathon Assembly and Celebration Assembly

On Friday, the final day of Term 3, we gathered as a College community for our Walkathon Presentation and Celebration Assembly.

This year, the Church invited us to live as Pilgrims of Hope. Pilgrims do not stand still — they walk forward, step by step, even when the path ahead is uncertain.

At Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, we too walk forward. On our Feast Day Walkathon, we walked together — students, staff, and families — from Kardella to Leongatha. But the walk was not only measured in kilometres. It was measured in generosity, in service, and in hope.

Our College values — Wisdom, Courage, Responsibility, and Respect — guided us along the way. They are the foundation of how we live, how we give, and how we support those in need.

On Friday, we celebrated the hope we carry forward and the difference our fundraising will make through the charities we support: the Movember Foundation, CatholicCare Victoria, Trinity Families, and Mary MacKillop Today.

Together, as Pilgrims of Hope, we keep moving — with faith, with joy, and with the spirit of Saint Mary MacKillop, who reminds us: “Never see a need without doing something about it.”

Our Charity Partners

The heart of the Walkathon lies not just in the walk, but in the lives touched by our generosity. While our charity partners could not attend in person, they each sent messages of thanks, showing us the impact of our support.

• Movember Foundation works internationally to improve men’s health, focusing on mental health, suicide prevention, and cancer research. Our contribution will help fund vital programs that encourage open conversations, provide resources, and break down stigma.
• CatholicCare Victoria supports vulnerable families, refugees, the homeless, and people experiencing mental health challenges. From Homework Clubs to scholarships, their work is rooted in dignity, justice, and compassion.
• Trinity Families, the charitable arm of our Diocese, provides grants to small local organisations that strengthen families and communities. Their impact is often most significant where resources are few.

• Mary MacKillop Today, inspired by our patron saint, delivers education, health, and development programs both in Australia and overseas. Through scholarships and training, they uphold human dignity and empower communities.

   

Each charity reflects our College values in action — wisdom in sharing knowledge, courage in welcoming the stranger, responsibility in supporting others, and respect for every human life.

Celebrating Student Efforts

Our Walkathon success comes from the combined efforts of the whole College. This year, we especially celebrate students who went above and beyond in their fundraising:

• Austin Huitema
• Chloe Bertuna
• Cooper Clark
• Elizabeth Dourley
• Erica Begg
• Archie Thornhill

Their determination and commitment inspire us all, showing that when one person gives their best, many lives can be touched.

We also acknowledge the outstanding efforts of our homerooms:

• Senior Chisholm House Homerooms — for their exceptional fundraising.

• 7B — for returning the most cards.

   

Fundraising is never an individual effort. It is the encouragement of friends, the creativity of homerooms, and the spirit of teamwork that make such a difference.

Walking with Hope

Every step we walked from Kardella to Leongatha carried more than distance. It carried the values that shape us as a College community:

• Wisdom — in knowing our efforts can make a difference.
• Courage — in asking for support and walking together.
• Responsibility — in raising funds for those in need.

• Respect — for the dignity of every person we serve.

   

This year, the Church calls us to live as Pilgrims of Hope. Our Walkathon reminds us that hope is not just an idea — it is something we live out together, step by step.

A Final Reminder

While many students have already shown great responsibility by returning their Walkathon cards, a few are still outstanding. We ask that these be returned as soon as possible so we can finalise the totals and celebrate the incredible effort of our College community.

Returning your card is not just a requirement — it’s also an important way of recognising and honouring the hard work of everyone who took part. Every card returned helps us complete the picture of what we achieved together.

Thank you for the enthusiasm, generosity, and spirit you brought to this year’s Walkathon.

Your efforts truly make a difference, and we can’t wait to share the final results with you all.