Tasmanian generosity shines through Project Compassion

By Heather Excell

Tasmanian Catholics have demonstrated the power of faith in action, with schools and parishes across the state raising more than $148,000 during this year’s Project Compassion campaign. The total represents a 14 percent increase on last year’s fundraising efforts.

In total, Tasmanian parishes raised approximately $87,948, while Catholic schools contributed a further $50,506, and miscellaneous donations came in at $9,764.

Caritas Australia’s Diocesan Director, Penny Edman, said a key factor behind this year’s success was the increasing use of online fundraising, with digital donations increasing by almost 250 percent from 2025.

The campaign highlighted both the importance of engaging communities locally, and the value of embracing new ways to give.

“I have learnt two things from Project Compassion this year that I will take forward: the importance of local visibility and the value of the online portal,” Penny said.

The impact was particularly evident in the South Hobart Parish, which increased its fundraising by 205 percent from 2025. A large portion of this was generated through one parishioner’s ‘Long Walk for Water’ challenge.

“The parishioner walked at least 30 minutes each of the 40 days during Lent, covering more than 80 kilometres and walking a total of 23 hours,” Penny said.

“The local experience gave the South Hobart parishioners and others something tangible on which to focus.”

Feedback from the parish was positive, with another parishioner saying that “it humanised Project Compassion for me”.

Catholic schools also embraced new fundraising initiatives. Eighteen of the 38 Catholic Schools around the state raised more than $1,000, with MacKillop Catholic College and St Aloysius Catholic College each raising more than $5,000.

MacKillop introduced online fundraising for the first time, increasing its total by more than 90 percent from 2025.

“The main reason for the big increase in donations is because we used the online fundraising page for the first time this year. It made it really easy for our families to make donations,” said Lachlan Marsh, MacKillop Catholic College’s Director of Catholic Identity and Mission.

“We set up a separate page for each of our six Houses and had a competition to see which House could raise the most money. The House with the most money earned a free dress day.”

Reflecting on this year’s appeal, Penny said the campaign’s success extended well beyond the figures.

“While these are very exciting results, the raising of funds for the work of Caritas Australia is not a competition but a wonderful expression of faith, compassion and our shared commitment to helping the marginalised of this world,” she said. “I would like to sincerely thank every adult and every child in our parishes, schools, and privately who contributed.

“Regardless of the amount given, every dollar raised is important and makes a difference. Each donation represents an act of generosity, kindness and solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world.”

Funds raised through Project Compassion support Caritas Australia’s long-term humanitarian programs across the world. Projects are developed in response to requests from local communities themselves.