(02) 4655 7481
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 Alison McManus, Manager of Development, at alisonmc@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. Since that first Trek in 2019, our trekkers have conquered some more incredible terrain and challenges:
- 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 Trek took on the Southern Alps in New Zealand, with some mountain climbs reaching over 1000m ascent but providing 360 degree views over the stunning Queenstown region.
- In 2025, our Trekkers conquered the Cape to Cape challenge along the south-west coastline of Western Australia, taking in one of Australia’s most delightful coastal walks, from giant Karri forests to windswept limestone cliffs, pristine white sandy beaches.
So where to next? That could be anyone's guess!
If you're interested in tackling a future Mater Dei Trek for Opportunity, and raising funds for the participants of NextPath Continuous Learning, then stay tuned or reach out to us to find out more!
As always, all funds raised on the Trek for Opportunity directly benefit the NextPath Continuous Learning program, providing opportunities for participants 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 contact Alison McManus at alisonmc@materdei.org.au or call 4655 7481.
Mater Dei Charity Golf Day
The 32nd Annual Mater Dei Charity Golf Day hit the greens on Friday, 6 March 2026 at Lakeside Golf Club, Camden! As our longest-running fundraising event, this special day provided good golf, great times, and plenty of fun, all in support of Mater Dei.
Players teed off early, taking part in exciting hole challenges to help raise vital funds for children, students, and participants with an intellectual disability and/or developmental delay.
Our Mater Dei School Captains also enjoy attending, giving vital golf tips to those who needed 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, Roger Cubitt, Chantelle Dani, Scott Martyn, Paul Burgess, Ben Shortridge, Michael Olek, and Senior Constable Doug Brennan, 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.
We look forward to another fantastic day of golf and generosity in 2027!
For more information or if you would like to be involved in the Mater Dei Charity Golf Day, please contact Alison McManus at alisonmc@materdei.org.au or call 4655 7481.
Mater Dei Ladies Lipstick Luncheon
The 17th Ladies Lipstick Luncheon was held on Friday, 8th May 2026, two days before Mother's Day. Over 500 ladies (and gentlemen!) came together at The Cube to conclude their workweek with a delicious lunch, wonderful entertainment and performances by our students and participants. As always, 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 is fortunate to have 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, Vanessa Black and Alison McManus.
To register your interest or to find out other ways to be involved in a future Luncheon, please contact Alison McManus at alisonmc@materdei.org.au or call 4655 7481.
Mater Dei Foundation Dinner
Held at The Cube, Campbelltown, in September each year, the Mater Dei Foundation Dinner is our biggest annual fundraising event. The highlight of the night, as always, is the performances from our talented Mater Dei School students. It is a wonderful night and a great opportunity to feel connected not only to our community but to the students and participants of Mater Dei.
Our hard-working and hands-on committee, led by Jim Marsden and including Greg Copeland, Nadine Fitzpatrick, Tim Knapp, Joanna Patterson, Krystle Wolthers, Jennifer Foldes and Alison McManus, 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 Alison McManus at alisonmc@materdei.org.au or call 4655 7481.
