Mercy Works celebrates a milestone of compassion, partnership and hope
Laughter, music and gratitude filled the air as Mercy Works marked 25 years of walking alongside communities at its Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser on 23 October 2025 at St Patrick’s Cloister Hall, Parramatta. The evening brought together the Sisters of Mercy, partners, schools, volunteers and supporters to honour a journey of compassion and transformation since 2000.
Guests enjoyed pre-dinner drinks and a musical performance by students from Our Lady of Mercy College Parramatta, followed by a moving Traditional Water Blessing Ceremony led by the Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation, symbolising connection, renewal and shared spirit.
An exhibition highlighted Mercy Works’ projects across Australia and the Asia-Pacific, from maternal health in Timor-Leste, education and livelihoods in Papua New Guinea, and support for women and children in the Philippines, to refugee and Indigenous partnerships across Australia.
Each story reflected the theme , ‘25 Years of Walking Together, Changing Lives’ and showcased the impact of supporters in creating opportunity, dignity and self-reliance for thousands.
(L-R) Theresia Boyer RSM, Mercy Works, Papua New Guinea, Joe Zabar Board Chair, Mercy Works, Sally Bradley RSM, Executive Director, Mercy Works, Gilbert Pathros SOM, a Mercy Works partner in Timor-Leste, Diane Balatero, a Mercy Works partner in Philippines during the 25th anniversary celebrations of Mercy Works at the St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, Parramatta. Image: Supplied
Board Chair Joe Zabar and Executive Director Sally Bradley RSM reflected on the significance of the milestone.
“Tonight, we celebrate a story of compassion and community,” Joe said.
“For 25 years, Mercy Works has stood with people in vulnerable situations, offering practical help and hope.”
Sally added, “Inspired by the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy, our mission has always been to walk alongside communities, especially women and children, empowering them to build a better future.
“Together, we honour the past and commit ourselves anew to the work of mercy.”
Acts of service
A highlight of the evening was the ‘Gifts that Give Back’ stall, where guests could purchase handmade bilums and tais cloth, directly supporting artisans and their families.
Among those who attended, Sr Ailsa Mackinnon RSM, Mercy Works Executive Director 2012-18 and Member of the Diocesan Curia, reflected on the mission behind the name.
“Mercy Works is a construction company – not of bricks and mortar, but of people’s lives,” she said.
“For over 25 years, many across Australia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and the Philippines have built better, more sustainable futures through Mercy Works. Some changes have been small, others monumental.
“Congratulations to all who make Mercy Works such an effective organisation,” she said.
Sr Rosie Carroll RSM, who served as Executive Officer between 2006-11, said at the heart of Mercy Works and its service to the poor were the “field workers”.
“During my years, many were our own Sisters, whose compassionate hearts and boundless energy made a profound contribution to the development of Mercy Works,” she said.
A panel discussion during the 25th anniversary celebrations of Mercy Works at the St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, Parramatta. Image: Supplied
Mercy in action
During the event, Sr Gilbert Pathrose SOM, from Timor-Leste, shared stories from the Teresa Orsini Maternity Clinic in Maucatar, where her team provides essential healthcare and nutrition for mothers and babies.
“Every life saved, every child nourished, is a sign of what we can achieve when we walk together,” she said.
Sr Theresia Boyek RSM, who leads programs in Simbu, Papua New Guinea, spoke of women’s livelihood and education initiatives transforming rural communities.
“Mercy Works helps people believe in themselves again. When women learn new skills and start small businesses, they not only change their lives– they change their villages.”
Guests listened in silence as Diane Balatero, from Mercy Works’ partner program in the Philippines, shared powerful stories of survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking reclaiming their dignity.
“Mercy is not a moment, but a movement,” Sally Bradley RSM said as the event concluded.
“Each of us has the power to make a difference. Together, we can keep walking alongside our sisters and brothers across Australia and the Asia-Pacific, building communities where everyone can thrive.”
To learn more, visit www.mercyworks.org.au
You can watch the highlights reel on Youtube or the livestream recording
This celebration underscores the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priority of Community and Mission, and our objective to reach to the margins. Visit Synodality to learn more.
