Their school is close. Their dreams are further.
October 30, 2026In a remote community in Timor-Leste, three young girls are already dreaming big. Their mothers and the teacher who crosses rivers to reach them each morning are determined to help them get there.
17th October and the long work of ending poverty
October 15, 2026Each year on 17th October, people around the world mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
What Real Partnership in Mental Health Work Looks Like
October 1, 2026Stigma is the biggest barrier to mental health support in many communities.
Trust in Development: How One Partnership Transformed Early Learning in Timor-Leste
September 29, 2026Mary MacKillop Today’s partnership with the Noel & Carmel O’Brien Family Foundation began in 2010, grounded in common values and a shared commitment to education in Timor-Leste.
Cyber Security Action Month: How to stay safe when donating online
September 29, 2026October is Cyber Security Action Month in Australia. Scams affect people of every age, but older Australians are particularly impacted.
Walking with Mary MacKillop: From encounter to action
September 24, 2026Walking with Mary MacKillop: From Encounter to Action, a day designed to bring the legacy of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop to life for a new generation.
National Child Protection Week 2026
September 8, 2026Every conversation matters: turning safeguarding into everyday action
'I can see again': How Imelda reclaimed her independence in Timor-Leste
September 8, 2026After seven years without sight, Imelda regained her vision and her independence through Mary MacKillop Today’s eye care work in Timor-Leste. Read her story.
The Welcome Day is one story among many. Community Grants from Mary MacKillop Today are deliberately close to the ground, up to $10,000 for practical, community-led projects that open-up learning, strengthen connection, and help communities thrive.
Finding Her Voice: One Mother's Journey to Empowerment
August 31, 2026Arifa, a determined mother from Fiji, is one of many women whose life has been transformed through community workshops run in partnership with BIRTH Fiji and supported by Mary MacKillop Today.
Weaving New Beginnings: Skills That Change Lives
August 31, 2026Across the Pacific, Mary MacKillop Today partners with local organisations to help people facing real barriers, single mothers, people living with disability, and unemployed youth, build the skills they need for a sustainable future.
Growing Resilience: New Project Empowers Women Farmers
August 31, 2026By diversifying income sources and strengthening local governance, the project aims to build lasting financial resilience, especially for women, in the face of poverty and climate challenges.
Mary’s courage, compassion, and commitment to helping those most in need left a lasting impression, one that stayed with Patricia into adulthood.
Restoring the Land, Strengthening Communities
August 31, 2026Mary MacKillop Today Highways and Byways Small Grants Program helped fund a practical field day for 19 local graziers in a rural Queensland community, collectively managing over 28,000 hectares of land.
A Soldier's Story: Saving Books, Building Futures
August 31, 2026Today, Steve is a regular giver to Mary MacKillop Today, supporting the education work he witnessed firsthand, work that gives Timorese children the foundation to build sustainable livelihoods and a self-sufficient future.
Australia's leaders join the classroom activities in Dili
August 13, 2026A cross-party delegation of Australian federal politicians and international development leaders visited a preschool in Dili earlier this month to see Mary MacKillop Today’s EdTech for Early Learning project in action.
A box of possibilities on the kitchen table
August 13, 2026For families in rural New South Wales, distance can quietly close doors. When programs are delivered online, a patchy internet connection or the cost of getting online can be enough to leave a family behind.
A saint in waiting, and the baton of courage we carry
July 30, 2026Eileen died in 1921, at just 28. Her undertaker spoke five words that have never quite faded: “I buried a saint today.”
Water conservation impact story
July 30, 2026You can help more families in Timor-Leste secure reliable water for generations to come.
Australia's first education activist, and why there is still work to do
July 9, 2026Saint Mary MacKillop of the Cross, Australia’s first saint, was also, by any honest accounting, its first education activist.
Mikayla is from the Yawuru and Bardi peoples, born and raised in Broome, and currently completing her Diploma in psychology.
Part of the solution: Cameron - a journey from the Kimberley to the courtroom
July 2, 2026Today, Cameron is a scholarship recipient with Mary MacKillop Today’s First Nations Scholarship Program, studying paralegal studies through the Pilbara and Kimberley University Centres.
Horses, Healing, and the Courage to Thrive: inside the Yawardani Jan-ga Program
July 2, 2026In the Kimberley region of Western Australia, a place of vast red plains, ancient saltpans, and sky that stretches further than you can imagine, something quietly extraordinary is happening. Young Aboriginal people, aged six to 25, are walking into a paddocks with horses, and beginning to heal.
Australia's First Saint was also Australia's first Education Activist
June 29, 2026This August, as we celebrate the Feast Day of Australia’s first saint, let’s be clear: the injustices Mary MacKillop fought have never gone away.
The problem isn't civil society but it's who holds the power
June 15, 2026Australian NGOs are listening and the system is beginning to shift
Agostinho Learns from His Experience
June 11, 2026Agostinho, a school coordinator in Timor-Leste, has spent his life teaching.
From Barriers to Belonging: Lourdes' Path to Learning and Leadership
June 11, 2026At 50 years of age, Lourdes, from a small rural village in Peru, is proving that the door to education should never be closed.
A Legacy of Care and Opportunity
June 11, 2026For Judith, the connection to the Sisters of Saint Joseph began in childhood and has shaped her life ever since.
Across the Kimberley, too many Aboriginal young people are growing up carrying the weight of trauma, disconnection and loss.
Walking Alongside: our reconciliation journey
May 26, 2026Today is National Sorry Day and so Mary MacKillop Today wanted to reflect our Reconciliation Action Plan to-date.
World Oral Health Day: A Journey to Atsabe
April 30, 2026I recently had the privilege of travelling to Atsabe, a remote mountain town, to witness a World Oral Health Day community health screening event supported by Mary MacKillop Today. What followed was one of the most challenging, humbling and beautiful experiences of my life.
Close the Gap: Real Change Starts with Opportunity
March 19, 2026Close the Gap Day is a reminder that awareness is not enough.
International Women's Day: Give to Gain
March 2, 2026A Woman Who Gave So Others Could Gain International Women’s Day invites us to reflect on the power of women to shape the world through courage, generosity and action. Few women embodied this more sincerely than Saint Mary MacKillop. Mary gave her time, her comfort, her reputation and her security so that others could gain […]
Supporting Teachers to Build Healthier Futures
March 2, 2026Jose describes the training as highly beneficial and is grateful for the continued support from donors.
Thanks to Your Support, Marcia is Thriving
March 2, 2026Thanks to the collective kindness of supporters who gave to our recent Christmas Appeal, Marcia has been given the chance to learn, grow and dream of a brighter future.
Championing Education and Opportunity for Young First Nations Women
March 2, 2026Mary MacKillop Today congratulates Laurenzia on being named the WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year 2025.
Growing Knowledge, Connection and Equity Through Community Learning
March 2, 2026By supporting grassroots initiatives, the Mary MacKillop Today Highways and Byways Small Grants Program helps ensure education is inclusive, culturally grounded and accessible.
Creating Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs in Peru
March 2, 2026Mary MacKillop Today is proud to partner with CEOP Ilo to build the skills of students in Moquega.
A Lifelong Connection Inspired by Saint Mary MacKillop
March 2, 2026Maureen learned more about the life of Saint Mary MacKillop and her work with the Sisters of Saint Joseph.
A Lifelong Commitment to Education
March 2, 2026Our long-time supporter Mary Williams has dedicated her life to education and helping communities on the margins.
Creating Opportunities for Every Child in Timor-Leste
March 2, 2026In Timor-Leste, one of Australia’s closest neighbours, too many children are missing out on the education they deserve.
Mary MacKillop: A Trailblazer for Women, Faith and Courage
February 27, 2026International Women’s Day invites us to reflect not only on the progress women have made, but on the women whose courage made that progress possible. Mary MacKillop was a female trailblazer for women, faith and courage.
Why Lent Still Matters in a Fractured World
February 17, 2026Why Lent Still Matters in a Fractured World
In a world marked by division, uncertainty and fatigue, Lent can feel like an outdated ritual, a quiet season of reflection in a noisy, fast-moving age. And yet, perhaps it has never been more relevant.
Strengthen Donor Trust Through Privacy
January 28, 2026Every gift given to Mary MacKillop Today is not just a financial transaction, but a deeply personal act, an expression of belief in dignity, opportunity and lasting change, and a confidence that those values will be honoured.
How Education Interrupts Cycles of Poverty: Evidence Gaps, and Real Solutions
January 24, 2026International Day of Education – Mary MacKillop Today
Remembering Mary MacKillop on her Birthday
January 13, 2026Each year on 15 January, Saint Mary MacKillop’s Birthday, we pause to honour her life and legacy — a woman whose unwavering belief in education continues to shape lives around the world.
Civil society statement of solidarity with the Australian Jewish community
December 22, 2025We stand in unwavering support of the Australian Jewish community following the horrific antisemitic terror attack on peaceful Hanukkah celebrations in Bondi.
Donating Safely This Christmas: How to Spot a Charity Scam in Australia
December 17, 2025If you plan to give this Christmas, a few simple checks will ensure your kindness reaches the communities who genuinely need support.
A New Chapter for Our Work in Timor-Leste
December 17, 2025Reflections from Timor-Leste: A Visit with Our Education Team By Jane Sloane, Board Member, Mary MacKillop Today
Mary MacKillop Today Named Finalist for the FIA 2026 Best Transformational Gift Award
December 10, 2025Mary MacKillop Today is delighted to share that we have been announced as a Finalist for the FIA 2026 Best Transformational Gift Award for our project, EdTech for Early Learning, in Timor-Leste.
Welcome Our New Chair: Hilary Johnston-Croke Steps Into Leadership at Mary MacKillop Today
December 9, 2025We are delighted to share an important leadership update at Mary MacKillop Today. After six years of dedicated service as Chair of the Board, Kieran Gleeson has concluded his tenure, and we are proud to welcome Hilary Johnston-Croke as our newly appointed Chair.
Christmas Giving Ideas for Australians - Go Beyond Cash
December 2, 2025This Christmas, Mary MacKillop Today is here to help you focus on what truly makes a difference. If you want to create lasting impact, the most effective giving strategies go far beyond a quick cash donation.
"It was an eye-opener for me to see that there were others like me."
August 18, 2025Fabian, a 55-year-old man from a remote island in Fiji, has lived with bipolar disorder for most of his life.
Standing up for respect and change
August 18, 2025The Student Leadership & Citizenship Training Project, delivered in partnership with Fe y Alegría, is building the social and political skills of students and teachers in rural Peru through collaborative learning and community action.
Welcome to the 2025 Spring edition of Mary’s News Today where you can read about the amazing impact of your generosity.
Celebrating 10 wonderful years of Margaret at Mary MacKillop Today
August 18, 2025We recently celebrated the 10-year work anniversary of our wonderful colleague Margaret Lea – a decade of dedication, warmth, and meaningful impact at Mary MacKillop Today.
"What a difference a year can make."
August 18, 2025Emma is one of our dedicated Financial Counsellors working in the Central West region of NSW.
Travels through Fiji - a field trip update
August 18, 2025Our International Programs team recently travelled to Fiji to visit our local partners as part of our annual monitoring trip – to see firsthand the impact of the work you make possible through your generous donations.
Small Grants, Big Impact: Communities Taking Action
August 18, 2025Each year, Mary MacKillop Today’s Highways and Byways Small Grants program supports grassroots organisations working to overcome disadvantage and exclusion – especially in rural and regional Australia.
"Saint Mary's courage lit a spark in me - one that has never faded."
August 18, 2025Kevin first encountered the story of Mary while in novitiate of the Marist Brothers.
I always had a special feeling for people who strive to make a difference
August 13, 2025When Patricia first learned about Saint Mary MacKillop – as a child attending a Josephite school – she was immediately drawn in. Mary’s story resonated deeply – her courage, her compassion, her commitment to helping those most in need, no matter the cost.
We give thanks for his deep faith...
June 5, 2025A heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis, honouring his deep faith, compassionate leadership, and unwavering advocacy for justice—remembered fondly by the Sisters of Saint Joseph and Sr Monica Cavanagh.
Margaret regains financial peace of mind
June 5, 2025Margaret, an 86-year-old grandmother from Bathurst, has spent most of her life living modestly. However, recent times have become increasingly challenging due to the cost-of-living crisis.
"The more people that Mary MacKillop Today can help... the better."
June 5, 2025Inspired by Saint Mary MacKillop, Chris chose to leave a bequest to Mary MacKillop Today—supporting communities to build self-worth, learn new skills, and create lasting change for future generations.
Mary MacKillop Today is Saint Mary MacKillop in action in this day and age
June 5, 2025Mary MacKillop Today is Saint Mary MacKillop in action—empowering lives through education, health, and livelihood. Discover why long-time supporter Mary gives monthly to create lasting change.
Thank you to our generous supporters! Discover the values, motivations, and feedback shared in our recent survey—highlighting why so many feel inspired to support the mission of Mary MacKillop Today.
"I was struggling to teach my children at home..."
June 5, 2025Discover how Mary MacKillop Today’s Parents Training Program in Timor-Leste empowers parents like Beatriz to support their children’s learning at home.
Sonia is the President of the Bicentennial Women’s Organisation in her town in the province of Quispicanchi, Peru.
Welcome to the 2025 Winter edition of Mary’s News Today where you can read about the amazing impact of your generosity.
Mary MacKillop Today Highways and Byways Program
June 1, 2025The Highways and Byways program – the mission entity of the Missionary Sisters of Service (MSS) – has officially transferred to Mary MacKillop Today, forming the Mary MacKillop Today Highways and Byways Program.
Celebrating the news of the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV
May 9, 2025We join with the Holy Father in his mission, expressed in his opening greetings as Pope Leo, “We have to look together how to be a missionary Church, building bridges, dialogue…
Darcy Godden joins the Mary MacKillop Today Board
April 28, 2025We are delighted to announce that Darcy Godden has joined the Mary MacKillop Today Board.
Jane Sloane joins the Mary MacKillop Today Board
March 24, 2025We are delighted to announce that Jane Sloane has joined the Mary MacKillop Today Board.
Ann Wigglesworth joins the Mary MacKillop Today Board
March 24, 2025We are delighted to announce that Ann Wigglesworth has joined the Mary MacKillop Today Board.
"Saint Mary MacKillop was a phenomenal person. She is what we should all aspire to be."
March 11, 2025Thanks to Jane’s kindness and compassion, she has been making regular monthly donations to support our work since 2012.
When women and girls are uplifted, their families and whole communities flourish
March 11, 2025Through our work, we seek to promote the voice and participation of women in spaces where they have been typically excluded.
Transforming lives through the power of education
March 11, 2025Thanks to generous supporters like you, we raised over $150,000 for our annual Christmas appeal which was a fantastic result. We really are so grateful for your kindness and compassion.
Carrying on the mission of the Missionary Sisters of Service - Highways and Byways
March 11, 2025We are pleased to announce that as of the beginning of December 2024, Highways & Byways has become a part of Mary MacKillop Today.
Maurine is supporting life-changing work
March 11, 2025Maurine is inspired by the life of Mary and the great example that she set for everyone she met.
The Beatification of Mary MacKillop - A Celebration for all Australians
March 11, 2025On 19 January 2025, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of Saint Mary MacKillop’s Beatification – a significant milestone that highlights Mary’s enduring legacy as Australia’s first saint.
Travels through Peru - a field trip update
March 11, 2025Yesenia Romano, our Programs Coordinator for Peru, recently spent 10 days in Peru spending time with our partners and program participants to learn about the impact of the work that you are supporting through your generous donations.
As I reflect on the past year, I am filled with gratitude for the unwavering commitment of our donor community.
How horses are helping First Nations young people heal and thrive in Western Australia
March 10, 2025Athena is one of more than 2,000 young First Nations people who have been supported by the Equine-Assisted Learning program since it was established in 2019.
International Women's Day - message from BIRTH FIJI
March 6, 2025On this International Women’s Day, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the incredible strength and resilience of women, especially those who are working tirelessly within our communities to promote mental health and recovery.
"The Warmun Whipping Tree" - the healing power of forgiveness
February 11, 2025A new bloodwood tree, planted as part of the ceremony, was to replace an old ‘Whipping Tree’ – a significant landmark for the Kija people that had stood in its place for hundreds of years.
Join us for "Breakfast in the Garden" March 2025!
February 5, 2025Come and join the fun, meet old friends and make new ones at our Annual “Breakfast In The Garden” event in Perth, Western Australia.
30 years since the Josephite Sisters began working in Timor-Leste
September 4, 2024Inspired by Saint Mary MacKillop’s mission to reach the margins, the Sisters of St Joseph have continued Mary’s legacy through courageous faith, deep compassion, and a steadfast belief in the power of education through their work in Timor-Leste.
"I work hard to be able to achieve a better future for my children."
September 4, 2024Supporting women in various provinces in Fiji, this project aims to train young women in building leadership skills, financial literacy, and mentoring capabilities.
Mary's Feast Day: Be Fierce for Fair!
September 4, 2024As we reflect on the recent Feast Day of Saint Mary MacKillop, held on 8 August, we are filled with gratitude and joy for our community’s incredible support and participation.
"It is what we do with our lives that matters."
September 4, 2024Supporting women in various provinces in Fiji, this project aims to train young women in building leadership skills, financial literacy, and mentoring capabilities.
Planting Entrepreneurial Seeds in the Mountains of Moquegua
September 4, 2024Mary MacKillop Today’s Youth Entrepreneurship project is helping to grow the next generation of entrepreneurs in rural Peru.
Your kind support is helping to reach the people who are living on the margins – people who are marginalised, displaced and often overlooked.
Webinar: 30 years since the Josephite Sisters began working in Timor-Leste
September 4, 2024Inspired by Saint Mary MacKillop’s mission to reach the margins, the Sisters of St Joseph have continued Mary’s legacy through courageous faith, deep compassion, and a steadfast belief in the power of education through their work in Timor-Leste.
Harnessing Hope in the Kimberley
September 4, 2024The program, which is owned, developed and facilitated by Aboriginal community members, involves the use of horses to engage at-risk Aboriginal young people in learning a variety of transferable social and emotional life-skills so that they can re-engage and thrive in their education.
"I want to help keep Saint Mary's legacy alive well into the future."
June 12, 2024Darcy’s connection with Saint Mary MacKillop and the Josephite Sisters extends back to his childhood.
Resilient mothers in Fiji set a new path for themselves.
June 12, 2024Generous people like you are helping to provide an opportunity to change the path these women face.
"We were able to get back on our feet"
June 12, 2024You are helping to break the cycle of poverty for people doing it tough in the current cost-of-living crisis.
"Now I no longer feel heavy, because I have been trained"
June 12, 2024In Timor-Leste, school enrolment has seen a tremendous increase, but the quality of education is still lacking.
Thanks to your kind support, not only can Herminia now read and write, but she also pours her heart into teaching her four grandchildren these essential skills, creating a powerful legacy of knowledge.
All our work is made possible thanks to your generosity and support. Let’s continue to walk alongside people towards a better tomorrow, just like Mary MacKillop.
20 years of Community Grants and counting
March 4, 2024Chrys Fernando is our Australian Programs Coordinator and is responsible for managing Mary MacKillop Today’s Community Grants program.
Janette and Austin's twelve years of generosity
March 4, 2024Recently we enjoyed chatting with Janette and Austin — a lovely couple who have kindly been making monthly donations to support our work since 2011.
Lucinda has been inspired - she wants to be just like her teacher!
March 4, 2024There’s nothing quite like hearing a child talk about what they want to be when they grow up.
Saint Mary MacKillop was not only an incredibly inspiring woman herself, but she also drew other inspiring women to join her in her work as Sisters of Saint Joseph.
I was encouraged to know that I am "still something..."
March 4, 2024It’s truly remarkable to witness the success that kind supporters like you make possible.
"I feel like I am starting a new life in a good way"
March 4, 2024The economic disadvantage starts early on in life, particularly for those living in remote and rural communities, where many girls miss out on opportunities to go to school and get an education.
"This scholarship has truly changed the way I study"
March 4, 2024Your support breaks down barriers to education. You help to provide much-needed scholarship access to tertiary studies for incredible First Nations students.
"Now, people call us to be part of community actions."
March 4, 2024The ‘Enhancing Women’s Civil Participation in Rural Peru’ project is working to give women living in the rural province of Quispicanchi, in the southern highlands of Peru, the skills, confidence, and opportunities to become community leaders.
"I can make money for my children to study."
March 3, 2024In Quispicanchi, a rural region in the southern highlands of Peru, only 10% of high school graduates go on to pursue further studies at university or vocational training centres.
Join us for "Breakfast in the Garden" March 2024!
February 5, 2024Come and join the fun, meet old friends and make new ones at our Annual “Breakfast In The Garden” event in Perth, Western Australia.
We are reaching out to thank you for your tremendous support over many years and to share an important update regarding our project supporting women artisans in Peru through Fair Trade.
Special note from a courageous and inspiring grandmother
November 16, 2023Can you imagine waiting almost 50 years for your opportunity to learn to read and write? This is the experience of Herminia – an inspiring widowed mother of six children and grandmother of thirteen.
I'd like to think I'm honouring my wife's wishes
September 4, 2023John decided to remember Dorothy and her big heart by including a gift to Mary MacKillop Today in his Will, so Dorothy’s compassion can live on to help more people in need.
Towards best practice in sustainability
September 4, 2023This Partner Learning Forum focused on the theme of ‘Towards Best Practice in Sustainability.’
The next generation of leaders in the Kimberley
September 4, 2023An essential part of Mary MacKillop Today’s development model to build self-sustaining communities is our Community Grants program.
Youth Entrepreneurship in Rural Peru
September 4, 2023The Youth Entrepreneurship in Rural Peru project is set to help the young people to reach their full potential through an entrepreneurial spirit to drive change in their communities.
We’ve been thankful to have Tina as a passionate member of the Mary MacKillop Today family for 10 years!
Self-sustaining communities drive their own change
September 4, 2023Mary MacKillop Today’s unique approach to development is built on locally led partnerships, working together towards self-sustaining communities for lasting impact.
Sereki was a true inspiration to many, leaving an unforgettable impact on the lives of countless people.
Financial literacy now and beyond
September 4, 2023At Mary MacKillop Today, our focus is on holistic support. That means building relationships with each person who comes to us seeking support to escape economic hardship, so we can address the underlying issues together that might be affecting their financial capability.
It’s truly remarkable to witness the success that kind supporters like you make possible.
When First Nations people receive scholarships, it is a circuit breaker
June 7, 2023When First Nations people receive scholarships, it is a circuit breaker.
See aspiring First Nations students become architects of their own future.
May 25, 2023Our First Nations students are the next generation of teachers, doctors, business leaders… the possibilities are endless!
Join us to help change lives through education!
May 16, 2023Saint Mary MacKillop saw the power of education as a pathway towards self-determination, famously saying, “I’m a teacher, let’s start today!”
Celebrating Angela, a volunteer making a world of difference!
May 16, 2023National Volunteers Week is a time to celebrate the millions of volunteers across Australia. We would like to shine a light on one of our own inspiring volunteers, Angela…
Supporting First Nations Scholarships: Tegan's Story
May 11, 2023Tegan found Mary MacKillop Today’s First Nations Tertiary Scholarship, which provided her with the financial support she needed to take care of her family and continue her studies.
There’s no doubt it is tough right now for people globally. The rising cost of living is pushing so many families to the margins. So many people are in need.
Why and how do we focus on partnerships
March 9, 2023All our partners are incredible organisations with such strong ties to their local communities.
Scholarships to help people flourish
March 9, 2023The Mary MacKillop Today Scholarship provides much-needed financial assistance to students, relieving the financial burden related to tertiary education.
Supporting new Australians at a crucial life stage
March 9, 2023The Josephite Refugee Mentor Support Project supports people who are new to Australia to gain access to education.
Government partnerships paving the way in Timor-Leste
March 9, 2023The impact of having good partnerships means that the community can receive consistent information from both Mary MacKillop Today and the government.
Santusa is breaking the cycle of poverty, thanks to your support!
March 9, 2023Kind supporters like you are empowering women and young people living in rural and remote communities to break the cycle of poverty.
Your vital role in our partnership with the Sisters of St Joseph
March 9, 2023I believe the partnership between the Sisters of St Joseph and Mary MacKillop Today is successful because it grew out of the Sisters living with and working ‘on the ground’ with the people.
Helping people achieve financial freedom
March 9, 2023Financial inclusion is about making sure that everyday financial services are available to everyone at a reasonable cost — instead of pushing people, who are already struggling, even further to the margins.
Programs working with wonderful partnerships
March 9, 2023Our partners ‘on the ground’ provide us with vital local knowledge to strengthen our programs.
Join us for "Breakfast in the Garden" March 2023!
January 30, 2023Come and join the fun, meet old friends and make new ones at our Annual “Breakfast In The Garden” event in Perth, Western Australia.
We would love to hear your thoughts on our future directions...!
January 24, 2023As a community we are entering a period of reflection, discernment and planning, as we here, at Mary MacKillop Today, craft our new Strategic Plan. We’d love you to tell us your thoughts!
Mereoni recently found her voice through new skills and knowledge...
September 8, 2022In Fiji, traditional community structures often do not provide women with the ability to play an active role in decision making. This is especially common in remote areas.
The impact of the pandemic, conflict, and the rising cost of living around the world has been catastrophic for people living in poverty.
"I owe the Timorese people my father's life"
September 8, 2022We recently spoke with one of our supporters, Mary Haire. She told us the incredible story of her father, Jerry Haire, who served in Timor Leste in 1942.
The heartbeat of the Josephite Sisters in the East Kimberley
September 8, 2022Nearly 60 years ago, the first Sisters of St Joseph arrived in the town of Wyndham in East Kimberley, Western Australia.
Education beyond the classroom in Peru
September 8, 2022Education doesn’t just happen in the classroom, but also in the home and within the community.
Supporting regional Australians
September 8, 2022Financial inclusion is about making sure that everyday financial services are available to everyone at a reasonable cost — instead of pushing people, who are already struggling, even further to the margins.
The importance of early education in Fiji
September 8, 2022In Fiji, people from remote islands often come to the city in search of work and end up living in informal ‘squatter’ settlements
Peruvian Women in community leadership
September 8, 2022Women have incredible power to uplift their communities to flourish together! But to be able to do this, women experiencing marginalisation must first be supported to realise their inherent value.
What Saint Mary MacKillop's legacy looks like today
August 1, 2022In celebration of Mary’s Feast Day on 8th August, our CEO Jane Woolford reflects on her recent travels to see Mary’s legacy alive today.
I would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to each of you for the good wishes, prayers and thoughtful messages you send through to us each day.
Tetun storybooks bridging the gap for Timorese children
March 1, 2022Our Tetun Literacy and Teacher Training Project in Timor-Leste is improving educational outcomes for children in remote and rural areas and revitalising the native Tetun language.
With your support, the Sisters are reaching those most in need in Peru
March 1, 2022In Peru, we are proud to work with the Sisters of St Joseph to improve quality of life for children and adults living in some of the most remote parts of the country.
Meet Bridie, First Nations Scholarship recipient and Honours student
March 1, 2022Bridie is a proud Wiradjuri woman from Bateman’s Bay on the New South Wales far south coast.
Keeping children safe in Papua New Guinea
March 1, 2022Our focus is to help end child exploitation and abuse by growing awareness of child safeguarding practices and the importance of safe and inclusive learning environments, within the scope of Callan Services’ work.
No-interest car loans help with job security
March 1, 2022Mary MacKillop Today’s no-interest car loans help with job security.
Meet Lyall, one of our valued monthly donors ...
March 1, 2022Donating regularly is a commitment I’m happy to make. I know it is being put to good use.
Your donations are helping vulnerable women gain new skills
March 1, 2022We were delighted to fund vital first aid skills training for vulnerable women in Sydney supported by Lou’s Place, a community based, daytime refuge for women in crisis.
Indigenous Money Network Program
September 29, 2021Mary Mackillop Today partners with Good Shepherd Australia to increase the financial resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our communities.
As we continue to battle the impacts of the pandemic, I am mindful of how much I appreciate your support.
The uplifting power of self-determination
September 9, 2021Being worthy of respect – from yourself and from others – is inherent to every person.
Supporting women as community leaders - Peru & Fiji
September 9, 2021It’s important for women experiencing vulnerability to gain the confidence to realise their inherent value and vital role in uplifting their entire community.
Helping families heal: Make a change - The Kimberley, WA
September 9, 2021Thanks to the generosity of people like you, our Community Grants can support grassroots initiatives focused on the unique needs of communities.
Taking steps towards financial wellbeing - Central West NSW
September 9, 2021Financial wellbeing empowers people to have control of their lives and build their economic resilience. But sadly, right here in Australia, there are many people living on the margins.
Celebrating Saint Mary's Feast Day 2021
September 9, 2021We created a commemorative prayer card to share this hope with you and inspire you to take fresh courage through Mary’s incredible legacy.
Empowering parents to support children's education - Timor-Leste
September 9, 2021Education is a pathway out of poverty and key to restoring dignity through self-determination. Many parents wish to see their children accessing the education they need for a bright future.
Livelihoods to set up families for the future - Timor-Leste
September 9, 2021Building a successful livelihood is key for people to break free from the cycle of poverty and realise their dignity through self-determination.
2021 Saint Mary MacKillop Feast Day
August 8, 2021We invite you to watch a short video from our CEO, Jane Woolford. Jane talks about what Mary MacKillop means to her. “Mary always had hope, perseverance and faith in God … Mary made a difference in the lives of many children, women and families who are struggling.” We wish you all a very Happy […]
Why 'Education for Life' is important
March 17, 2021Education is one of the best investments a country can make to alleviate poverty. Through her time working with communities around the world, Mary MacKillop Today’s CEO, Jane Woolford, has come to deeply appreciate the relationship between education and poverty. Jane shares why she believes ‘Education for Life’ is important.
Our Community Grants program has invested grants in over 600 life-changing projects across the country since 1995. We partner with organisations who empower Australia’s most marginalised people to improve their lives through education.
Meet Christine, one of our valued supporters
March 17, 2021It is only through the generosity of our wonderful supporters that we can reach people in need, here in Australia and overseas. We are so thankful for the kind support to help us follow in the footsteps of Saint Mary MacKillop and break down cycles of disadvantage.
Dear friends and supporters of Mary MacKillop Today
March 17, 2021During her most difficult trials, Mary persevered to provide practical support for children and families, regardless of their background.
Providing inclusive education in remote areas - Papua New Guinea
March 17, 2021As part of our mission to provide Education for Life, we are doing everything we can to make sure no one is left behind.
Training Teachers with skills for lifelong learning in Timor Leste
March 17, 2021Timor Leste will celebrate 18 years of independence this May. We remember the humble beginnings of the work of the Sisters of St Joseph who walked alongside the Timorese throughout the years of the Indonesian occupation and after the 1999 post-referendum violence.
Helping parents get involved in education in Peru
March 17, 2021At Mary MacKillop Today, we believe education doesn’t just happen within the classroom, but also in the home and within the community.
Supporting Women's Leadership in Fiji
March 17, 2021Women in participating communities are invited to join a series of training workshops delivered in partnership with local government and non-government organisations.
Join us for "Breakfast in the Garden" March 2021!
March 2, 2021Come and join the fun, meet old friends and make new ones at our Annual “Breakfast In The Garden” event in Perth, Western Australia.
Thank you for supporting First Nations Scholarships
January 15, 2021Happy New Year from all of us here at Mary MacKillop Today! We hope you enjoyed a peaceful Christmas despite the many ways COVID-19 continues to turn our lives upside down. After a uniquely challenging 2020, may this year be filled with new hope and renewal.
Dear Friends and Supporters of Mary MacKillop Today
September 1, 2020A message from our CEO to share an update about the impact of COVID-19 on our communities, and why we are focusing on our guiding principle, Women at the Heart, right now. It has certainly been an eventful year so far and I know many of you have been heavily impacted by the disruptions of […]
A very special person integral to the beginnings of ethica in Peru A much-loved member of the Mary MacKillop Today family, Sister Cathy Dean, has sadly passed away. She played a key role in the inception of our Fair Trade social enterprise in Peru, ethica. One of Sister Cathy’s close friends and another important person […]
Celebrating 10 years since the canonisation of Saint Mary MacKillop
September 1, 2020This year is the 10-year anniversary of the canonisation of Saint Mary of the Cross, Australia’s first Saint. At Mary MacKillop Today, we are reflecting on the qualities and actions that set Mary apart, and how her legacy continues to be relevant today. Mary MacKillop was an ordinary woman with an extraordinary dream and a […]
Helping women affected by family violence in Peru
September 1, 2020One of the greatest dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the increased risk of family violence. Women, especially, are suffering abuse at the hands of family members in their home.
Aussie schools raise funds for Mobile Kindy in Fiji
September 1, 2020We asked schools all over Australia to hold fundraising activities during the month of August in celebration of Mary MacKillop’s Feast Day. We were thrilled to see so many school communities sign up to raise funds for the Mobile Kindy program in Fiji!
Why I decided to include Mary MacKillop Today in my Will
September 1, 2020Now aged in her eighties, Leonie shared how she came to support Mary MacKillop Today many years ago by witnessing the wonderful work of her sister, Joan, who is a Sister of St Joseph.
What does it mean to achieve financial freedom?
September 1, 2020For many people, the impact of COVID-19 has brought financial hardship. With widespread job losses and business shutdowns, it means less money in the pockets of people who are desperately trying to make ends meet
Silvia and our Women’s Livelihoods Project
September 1, 2020Silvia is a wonderful example of a success story with our Women’s Livelihoods Project in Timor-Leste – thanks to your generosity!
Celebrating Mary on her Feast Day
August 7, 2020At Mary MacKillop Today, we are reflecting this Feast Day on the qualities and actions that set Mary apart, and how her legacy continues to be relevant today.
Keeping Mary MacKillop's spirit alive
May 27, 2020I have recently been appointed as the Chairperson of Mary MacKillop today and am keen to try and emulate the remarkable work undertaken by our former Chair…
Keeping kids healthy in Timor during COVID-19
May 1, 2020Many teachers and community leaders in Timor-Leste are currently not equipped to educate children and their families on basic health and hygiene practices…
How you can help young Aboriginal Australians
May 1, 2020Disengagement from education is a significant concern amongst community members in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and local service providers are …
NILS & StepUp Loans - serving those in need over the phone!
April 3, 2020In this global pandemic we find ourselves facing, Mary MacKillop Today’s Financial Inclusion Program throughout Central-West NSW is now more important than ever!
COVID-19: Maintaining the legacy of Mary MacKillop
March 20, 2020We here at Mary MacKillop Today are continuing our important work. I’d like to share with you what we are doing in response to COVID-19 to continue to serve those most in need;
As the new CEO of Mary MacKillop Today, I aspire to work diligently, with pride and enthusiasm, alongside our dedicated staff, in serving our vital mission in a way that emulates and honours the legacy and spirit of Saint Mary MacKillop…
You’ve made Julio a happy dad!
January 28, 2020Mary MacKillop Today relies on your support to make a difference in the lives of parents in Timor-Leste, where many are not able to be involved in their children’s education.
You might remember in our last newsletter we introduced you to an inspiring young man called Benjamin and we wanted to share with you a wonderful update!
Helping Aussies having a tough time...
January 28, 2020Your ongoing support of our Financial Inclusion Program gives a ‘hand up’ to those Aussies having a tough time.
Mary MacKillop Today supports rural artisans in Peru through our Fair Trade social enterprise; ethica and our livelihoods program.
Mary MacKillop Today’s Inclusive Communities is a vital program in Papua New Guinea aiming to increase access to inclusive health and education services while raising awareness of the rights of people with disability in remote village communities
Connecting Communities in Australia
January 28, 2020Mary MacKillop Today’s Community Grants Program partners with organisations to improve the lives of Australia’s most vulnerable and marginalised people through education in all its form.
Meet April, the first in her family to go to University!
January 28, 2020Help make tertiary education possible for determined First Nations students, like April, the first in her family to go to University!
Mary MacKillop Today - No Interest Loans Scheme Bushfire Relief
January 21, 2020For those of you directly impacted by the bushfires, we want to provide you with how, in response to this unprecedented disaster, our Financial Inclusion program’s ‘No Interest Loans Scheme’ (NILS) has been updated to assist you.
Join us for "Breakfast in the Garden" this March!
January 15, 2020Come and join the fun, meet old friends and make new ones at our Annual “Breakfast In The Garden” event in Perth, Western Australia.
Introducing our new CEO- Jane Woolford!
January 10, 2020Mary MacKillop Today has announced the appointment of Jane Woolford as our new CEO, commencing 28 January 2020. Jane joins Mary Mackillop Today with a wealth of experience gained in the international and Australian not-for-profit sectors
BenJAMin's jams - transforming lives one jar at a time!
November 13, 2019benJAMin’s Strawberry & Vanilla jams & East Timorese BBQ Sassate sauce are now available at Harris Farm Markets in Lindfield, Cammeray, Mosman, St Ives and Willoughby from Saturday 16 November & proceeds will go to Timor-Leste..
Dear Friends and Supporter,
Firstly, thank you for your kindness and support throughout what was an exciting first financial year as Mary MacKillop Today! You make it possible to lift vulnerable communities out of poverty through empowering opportunities – and I am so grateful for that.
You're giving a voice to women in Fiji
September 3, 2019In partnership with local organisation Ola Fou Fiji, the Talitha Women’s Leadership program aims to empower young women to be agents of change within their community. The training focuses on building skills in leadership, mentoring and financial literacy.
As a ten year old boy Benjamin asked his mum to make jam to support his immense love of all things fruity and sweet. He also wanted to support children in Timor-Leste who don’t enjoy the same educational opportunities that he and his brothers have here in Australia
Theresa is strong Aboriginal woman from the Gweagal Clan of the Eora Nation, Sydney. She however grew up in her father’s country within the culturally vibrant community of the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community, on the NSW south coast.
A fair income for single teen mums
September 3, 2019Recently ethica ran a crowdfunding campaign seeking funding to produce a new range of gorgeous fair trade bags and accessories to help single teen mums in Peru earn a fair income. ethica is our social enterprise that believes with all our heart in helping women and mothers to become strong women. Teen pregnancy is closely […]
Your ongoing support of Mary MacKillop Today’s Financial Inclusion Team means we are able to offer, in partnership with Good Shepherd Microfinance, No Interest Loans (NILS) to those in need. Successful applicants of a NILS loan receive up to $1,500 with small fortnightly repayments over a 12 to 18 month period with no fees and […]
Creativity shines in Vanimo, PNG
May 17, 2019All humans are born creative, as our childhood finger-painting can attest to. Sometimes however, creativity is borne of necessity.
Our PNG Australian Aid Friendship Grant
March 12, 2019Support from the Australian Government through a Australian Aid: Friendship Grant is boosting efforts to support people with disability…
Thank you for the gift of books
February 5, 2019You might remember at the beginning of January 2018 Mary MacKillop Today’s first successful crowdfunding campaign raised over $18,000. The goal was to produce and develop empowering stories of children with disability in Papua New Guinea
Your future leaders in action!
February 5, 2019On December 8th, Mount Saint Joseph High School Milperra, celebrated their annual Peru Day. On this day the Year 10 school students raise money for Mary MacKillop Today through all sorts of stalls.
Mary MacKillop Today partners with organisations who support Australia’s most vulnerable and marginalised people to improve their lives through education in all its forms. Our Community Grants Program
In 2016 Aiden Pearson received a Mary MacKillop Today Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Tertiary Scholarship, allowing him to…
Clara is a dedicated teacher in Fatuberliu, Timor-Leste. Married and with a young son her goal is to teach and guide her students as if they were her own child. Clara recently completed Mary MacKillop Today’s Health Literacy training
Your generous support of Mary MacKillop Today has enabled us to develop two new partnerships with locally-based organisations in Fiji
It was on the 19th March 1866, the Feast of St Joseph that Mary MacKillop wore her simple black dress to Mass, made her commitment, and so began the order of the Sisters of Saint Joseph
Collaboration and Hope in Fiji
November 9, 2018Over the past year, we’ve developed two new partnerships with locally-based organisations in Fiji, making Fiji the newest country for our growing Partnerships & Performance work!
Welcome to the first edition of Mary's News Today!
September 25, 2018Here we can share stories with you about the work you are making possible – both in Australia and overseas. In this edition you’ll see we have heart-warming stories from near and afar.
Having a valid Will is important to help protect the future of your loved ones. After considering your family’s needs, choosing to leave a lasting legacy to Mary MacKillop Today will allow our life-changing work to continue for years to come
Celebrating new beginnings at our office blessing!
September 25, 2018Thank you to those who joined us for the Office Blessing at our new space in North Sydney on 17th July. It was great to be able to meet many of our supporters and to have some of our amazing Mary MacKillop Today Scholarship recipients attend.
Thank you for providing livelihoods!
September 25, 2018Mary MacKillop Today’s partner in Peru, Solidaridad para el Desarrollo, has just completed training 40 women in Puka Phallcha and Kailla Kipu communities to knit beautiful garments and work together to manage their small businesses!
Your big heart has helped rural Aussies!
September 25, 2018Mary MacKillop Today’s Financial Inclusion Program supports low income earners to move away from financial hardship towards stability.
In the small community of Waramo village in Vanimo, Papua New Guinea, your generous support is transforming the lives of people like Anna.
Say hello to Iza in Timor-Leste!
September 25, 2018Mary MacKillop Today’s Mobile Learning Centre (MLC) operates in and around Dili in Timor-Leste. Many challenges exist for children to access quality education, with many schools and pre-schools outside of the capital lacking basic resourc
Linda's Story - giving back to her community!
September 25, 2018Linda is a motivated, focused and driven individual. As a mother of six and proud grandmother of one, she works tirelessly to inspire, educate and encourage her children to study hard by setting a good example.
We need your opinion - can you help us?
September 25, 2018I’m writing to you as one of our wonderful supporters because I value your opinion and would like to hear your feedback about what you think of Mary MacKillop Today and why our work is important to you.
Celebrating CBCA Book Week 2018 at Mary MacKillop Today
August 23, 2018At Mary MacKillop Today, we love books and all things education. Our staff took the opportunity to celebrate Book Week 2018 on 23 August!
Saint Mary MacKillop's Feast Day 2018
August 8, 2018This Feast Day, we’re celebrating the vision of Australia’s first Saint and of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, being realised.
I believe at the heart of it, that is what Mary MacKillop was trying to achieve… for children to be free, to express themselves, to grow, to learn, to be inspired. To live life fully with a sense of optimism and nurturing.
Subsidiarity and Development in Timor-Leste
July 27, 2018Mary MacKillop Today’s Timorese staff have trained thousands of teachers, approximately 15 per cent of the entire teaching population, on how to deliver the national curriculum using innovation and creativity.
Fostering a love of learning in Timor-Leste
July 5, 2018It’s been three years in the planning but finally it’s all coming together. In mid July, eight Year 11 students from St Joseph’s East Gosford will be flying into Timor-Leste to participate in the Mary MacKillop Today immersion.
Programs like those instigated by The Glen and supported by Mary MacKillop Today in regional high schools and with families are so crucial in providing hope for a positive future for kids in regional communities.
Mary's courage alive in Timor-Leste
July 3, 2018This is an important reminder of what communities and individuals can achieve when empowered to make their own decisions.
I watched yesterday as the new sign was lifted and hung outside our office in Dili, Timor-Leste.
COUNTDOWN ... OUR SINGLE MINISTRY
May 31, 2018Pray with us for Saint Mary’s blessings on the transformational change ahead. We are on the cusp of an historic moment.
Empowering parents to help their children learn!
May 10, 2018Children in poor communities are facing barriers to education…in their own homes. You can equip and empower their parents to help them.
2018 Scholarship Announcement!
March 7, 2018You’re helping more Indigenous Australians to break down barriers and fulfill their dreams. Many of our students are the first in their families to study at university, and it’s with your help that more Indigenous Australians are able to receive a tertiary education. One of the top reasons that Indigenous students drop out of university […]
2018 Community Grants Announcement!
March 7, 2018The Mary MacKillop Foundation is pleased to announce the funding for 22 life-changing community projects in 2018, which aim to improve the lives of vulnerable and marginalised Australians through education. If it were not for your generosity, many of the projects that we support through the Mary MacKillop Foundation might not otherwise receive funding needed […]
Education ... helping families learn together
February 5, 2018In Timor-Leste, many parents never had the opportunity to attend school themselves and now struggle to play an active role in their children’s learning and development at home.
On 1 July 2018, Mary MacKillop International will join with the Mary MacKillop Foundation and the Josephite Foundation to form a powerful single ministry: Mary MacKillop Today.
Livelihoods ... creating new futures
February 5, 2018In Peru, less than 60% of women are active in the workforce, with those in remote and rural communities further disadvantaged by a lack of education and limited opportunities to earn a living
Health ... teaching skills that saves lives
February 5, 2018In Timor-Leste, MMI recently supported the Timor-Leste Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education for a Global Hand-Washing Day event that was held on October 18, 2017.
Dear friends and supporters of MMI
February 5, 2018Welcome to the February 2018 edition of Mary’s World. This will be an exciting year at MMI. There are hundreds of teachers in Timor-Leste who we plan to train and hundreds of women in Peru we will help to earn an income…and so much more!
A message from the Hon. John Watkins
December 19, 2017Mary MacKillop Today will bring together the work of the Mary MacKillop Foundation, Mary MacKillop International and the Josephite Foundation.
Every year 1.4 million children do not live to celebrate their 5th birthday. Watch the video of our Health Literacy Program in Timor-Leste…
Help 5000 children get at book!
October 23, 2017Become a crowdfunding buddy with MMI’s Crowdfunding Campaign and help 5000 children get a book! Each book costs just $2.05- less than a cup of coffee.
Dear friends and supporters of MMI
September 20, 2017Welcome to the September 2017 edition of Mary’s World. In a world fraught with violence, oppression and suffering it can often be hard to find hope. Thanks to your support we can continue the legacy of Mary MacKillop and that brings great hope.
Education... empowering future leaders
September 20, 2017In Peru, MMI, in partnership with the Centro de Educacion, Organizacion y Promocion del Desarrollo, trains teachers and involves students in an effort to promote safe environments for children, both in their schools and in their homes.
Health... creating brighter possibilities
September 20, 2017In Papua New Guinea nearly one million children and adults with disability lack access to proper support services. One of MMI’s on the ground partnerships is with Callan Vanimo Special Resource Centre (Callan Services) that seeks to address this imbalance.
Livelihoods... a fair go for all
September 20, 2017Sustainable, meaningful and fair livelihoods benefit whole communities, decreasing poverty that helps families to lead meaningful lives, open to all possibilities.
Here at MMI we are very excited about our planned merger with the Josephite Foundation and the Mary MacKillop Foundation in July next year.
An Outstanding debt... by Mary Haire
August 16, 201775 years ago my father Jerry Haire was fighting for his life on Timor Leste. Outnumbered by the Japanese, he and around 300 commandos of the 2/2 Australian Independent Company had refused to surrender.
What Mary MacKillop did for others, we still must do
August 8, 2017On 8 August every year, we celebrate Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop’s Feast Day This Feast Day, we’re celebrating 20 years since the launch of Mary MacKillop Foundation and reflecting on the qualities and actions that set Mary apart. She was truly a woman well before her time, with courage that inspires our work […]
Everyone Belongs - celebrate Harmony Day!
March 21, 2017Harmony day is a celebration of cultural diversity held every year on 21 March.
Pray with us on World Day of Prayer!
March 2, 2017World Day of Prayer is a worldwide movement of Christians of all traditions who come together each year on the first Friday of March to observe a common time of prayer to which all people are welcome.
Ten things you might not know about Mary
August 20, 2015Mary MacKillop was an educator, a pioneer and a leader, someone who had compassion for others regardless of their situation or race. Galvanised by her belief in the value of education as the foundation for a fulfilling life, Mary’s motto was ‘never see a need without doing something about it’. This led her to minister in […]
Cammeraygal Country
ABN: 88 808 531 480
Industry Standards
Mary MacKillop Today is a member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) and complies with industry standards of good practice, transparency and accountability.
Accreditation
Mary MacKillop Today NGO is accredited by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), responsible for managing Australia's development program. To maintain accreditation, Mary MacKillop Today's systems, policies and processes are rigorously reviewed by the Australian Government. Mary MacKillop Today receives support through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
Acknowledgement
Mary MacKillop Today acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of the land, past, present, and emerging, on which our offices are located
