Mater Dei's fundraising events are organised and run by the Mater Dei Development Office with the support of dedicated and enthusiastic event committees. Mater Dei relies on the generosity and initiative of our community of supporters to provide contemporary, innovative education and services across all our programs.
See below for more information on each of our events. If you'd like to learn more about the Development Office and our vibrant fundraising community, get in touch. Email Sarah Ryan, Director of Development, at sarahr@materdei.org.au.
Trek for Opportunity
The Mater Dei Trek for Opportunity is a fundraising initiative from the Mater Dei Foundation. The Trek for Opportunity invites those up for a physical challenge to travel to beautiful Australian (and New Zealand!) locations for an active adventure to raise funds and awareness for Mater Dei.
The Mater Dei Trek for Opportunity is building a positive legacy, with the first Mater Dei Trek for Opportunity in 2019 challenging participants across the spectacular Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory. In 2021, the scenic and breathtaking East Coast of Tasmania was the chosen location, and our Trekkers cycled, kayaked and hiked their way through some of the most picturesque landscapes in Australia. In 2023 the participants took on the Southern Alps on New Zealand, with some mountain climbs reaching over 1000m ascent but providing 360 degree views over the stunning Queenstown region.
So where to next? The 2025 Trek for Opportunity is taking on the magnificent SouthWest coast along Western Australia. The Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park stretches over 100kms, with the world-renowned Margaret River wine region at its centre. The Cape to Cape challenge will take in one of Australia’s most delightful coastal walks, from giant Karri forests to windswept limestone cliffs, pristine white sandy beaches, coastal heath as well as ancient dunes and granite cliff lines.
It will be challenging but equally rewarding as you are supported by knowledgeable guides, across 8 days in September.
All funds raised directly benefited the NextPath Continuous Learning program, providing opportunities for young adults with an intellectual disability to be supported in ongoing learning, working towards achieving their individual goals.
For more information or if you would like to be involved in the Mater Dei Trek for Opportunity, please email Sarah Ryan at sarahr@materdei.org.au or call 02 4655 7481.
Please Click Here to view the 2025 Mater Dei Trek for Opportunity Info Sheet.
Mater Dei Charity Golf Day
Join us as we celebrate the 31st Edition of the Mater Dei Charity Golf Day on Friday, 7 March 2025 at Lakeside Golf Club, Camden! As our longest-running fundraising event, this special day promises good golf, great times, and plenty of fun, all in support of Mater Dei.
Players tee off early, taking part in exciting hole challenges to help raise vital funds for children, students, and young adults with an intellectual disability and/or developmental delay. Our Mater Dei School Captains are often in attendance, giving vital golf tips to those who need it most! After a morning on the green, our golfers are treated to a delicious lunch, followed by prizes and a charity auction.
A big thank you goes to our hard-working committee, led by Kurt Kordovolos, alongside Leigh Furnari, Neil Williamson, Roger Cubitt, Scott Martyn, Ben Shortridge, and Chantelle Dani, whose dedication and energy ensure the event's ongoing success. We are also grateful to Camden Police Area Command, our event patrons since day one, for their continued support.
Mark your calendars for a fantastic day of golf and giving back!
Take a look below at what's instore for our guests!
For more information or if you would like to be involved in the Mater Dei Charity Golf Day, email Sarah Ryan at sarahr@materdei.org.au or call 4655 7481.
Mater Dei Ladies Lipstick Luncheon
The Ladies Lipstick Luncheon was held on Friday, 10th May, two days before Mother's Day. Over 550 ladies (and gentlemen!) came together at The Cube to conclude their workweek with a delicious lunch, surprise special guest entertainment and performances by our students and young adults. It was a great social event for an even greater cause that never fails to bring our local community of dynamic women together.
The Ladies Lipstick Luncheon has a very enthusiastic committee, led by Rebekah Gates and including Pina Nasso, Sarita Viler, Karina Rauch, Donna O'Neill, Anna Younan, Emma Knapp, Katie McDonald, Alison McManus and Sarah Ryan.
For more information or if you would like to be involved in the Luncheon, email Sarah Ryan at sarahr@materdei.org.au or call 02 4655 7481.
Mater Dei Foundation Dinner
The Mater Dei Foundation Dinner is our biggest annual fundraising event, held in September. The highlight of the night is always the performances from our talented Mater Dei School students and NextPath Young Adults. It is a wonderful night and a great opportunity to feel connected not only to our community but to the students and Young Adults at Mater Dei.
Our hard working and hands-on committee, led by Jim Marsden and including John Adam, Kevin O'Keefe, Kristen Green, Greg Copeland, Nadine Fitzpatrick, Tim Knapp, Joanna Patterson, Richard Drinnan and Sarah Ryan, make each Foundation Dinner a spectacular night that our community looks forward to each year.
For more information or if you would like to be involved in the Foundation Dinner, please contact Sarah Ryan at sarahr@materdei.org.au or call 4655 7481.