‘There will never be a time when the Brotherhood is not needed.’

Leaving a gift to the Brotherhood.

At a recent event, we expressed our thanks to some of our special supporters who have generously left a gift to the Brotherhood in their Wills. Our Board Chair, The Most Reverend Dr Philip Freier very kindly opened his home - the historic Bishopscourt - to host an afternoon tea and presentation about our work to support a broad range of people who face disadvantage in our community.

Bishopscourt was completed in 1853 and is the oldest standing home in East Melbourne. Joy Jackson, pictured above, has left a gift in her Will and was one of the guests. ‘I am very happy to be included in this event, to be able to meet other like-minded people and to be able to admire this lovely home,’ she said. Dr Rosemary Bryant AO was another guest.

Rosemary, whose nursing career earned her an Order of Australia, said she saw many people in need as a nurse and that gave her a deep understanding. ‘There will never be a time when the Brotherhood is not needed,’ she said. ‘Refugees and many people here in Australia find themselves in situations not of their making. ‘The Brotherhood has a very good track record of providing support and services for people in need. Today it covers a very wide range of programs from early years to ageing - services for people who have fallen through the cracks, or are in danger of doing so. It’s important that the Brotherhood continues to assist these people.’

Another supporter Ian Lording also attended and has had a life-long connection with the Brotherhood. ‘Our St Augustine’s parish group used to catch the tram from Mont Albert to Fitzroy in the 1960s. We sorted clothing donations for the community stores,’ he said. Later, when he retired from teaching, Ian became a mentor to refugees who were taking part in a Brotherhood employment program. ‘I have always admired the Brotherhood and was familiar with Father Tucker as the founder. It was really a no-brainer to leave something in my Will,’ he said.

If you would like to know more about how to leave a gift to the Brotherhood in your Will, please speak call our fundraising team (03) 9483 1332

Find out more about Gifts in Wills