Mamre Fund Update

The Mamre Fund is the GIFCC’s first-established outreach programme which utilised funds held after the completion of the Australian Monument to the Great Irish Famine in 1999.

At the time, Mamre was managed by the Sisters of Mercy under the leadership of Sr Marie-Louise Petro. Interest earned from the capital fund was to be used to assist with programmes being run for Sudanese refugees at Mamre.

A successful relationship was established between the GIFCC and the Sisters at Mamre and the fund grew with donations from the public and from the GIFCC.

In recent years, Catholic Care Social Services took over the management of Mamre and, although a large amount of money was in the Fund, decreasing interest rates meant less earnings. It was decided to release at least some of the capital for a suitable major project. 

Included in this newsletter are reports about two areas to which GIFCC agreed to release funds, the Creche at Mamre and Project Afriq. 

I think when you read these reports you will agree that these are extremely worthwhile programmes which are providing vital support and facilities to new arrivals in this country. Please consider making a contribution to the Mamre Fund to enable the continuation of these programmes.

Make a donation to:

Catholic Care Social Services

Commonwealth Bank

BSB: 062 950 Account: 000040 Ref: Your name

Please email Debtors@ccss.org.au to obtain a tax-deductible receipt for your donation.  

Trish Power, Chair

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From Catholic Care Social Services:-

Supporting our African and Sudanese Community

We are deeply grateful for your support and accompaniment. 

It is with thanks to your kind-hearted compassion and faithful support of our ministries that we can give African and Sudanese families a more positive, empowered, educated life in Australia; and help our brothers and sisters in need. 

The Diocese of Parramatta, Catholic Care Social Services, the Sisters of Mercy and Parramatta Catholic Foundation can’t thank the Irish Famine Memorial and the Great Irish Famine Commemoration Committee enough for your kind-hearted and compassionate support of the women, children and families in our care. 

May God bless you always. 

Peter Loughnane, Executive Director – Catholic Care – Western Sydney and Blue Mountains  

Dianne Wigan, Head of Fundraising – Parramatta Catholic Foundation