The Gellibrand community gathered for our annual Biggest Morning Tea event to raise money for cancer research.
It was a new venue for our 2025 Biggest Morning Tea in support of the Cancer Council of Australia, but the same fun and energy as members of the whole Gellibrand community came together to eat, drink, dance, and donate.
At the wide-open roller door of Gellibrand’s new Mary Burbidge Hub at 50 Orbis Drive, Ravenhall, clients Melanie and Sophie met the crowds and accepted the $10 donation to the Cancer Council that was the event’s entry fee.
“You can pay by cash or with a QR code,” Sophie said, while Mel showed the milk carton-style box where people could place extra donations.
“The donations are for cancer survivors or people living with cancer,” Mel said. “And you’ve got to love the food as well.”
There was an amazing spread on offer that ranged from scones to samosas, and from sandwiches to donuts. Gellibrand was fortunate to receive food donations from a range of retailers and suppliers, including Donut King Werribee Plaza, Routleys Altona, The Industrial Kitchen Truganina, and Sunshine-based businesses iCafe and Ahadu Ethiopian Restaurant & Café.
“I like everyone getting together,” said client Neil, who also enjoyed having his face painted. The colourful work by Queens Facepaint & Glitter Tattoos was a highlight of the day, with the young – and young at heart like clients Neil and Tin – loving the decorative fun.
Guitarist and vocalist John Campbell played music to keep the vibe rolling, while Gellibrand team members kept the cups of tea and coffee flowing. Client Stephen never misses a Biggest Morning tea event and, draped in St Kilda Football Club supporter gear, he spoke of its importance to him.
“It’s good fun, all you can eat, you get out of the house, and I love the raffle, but I’ve never won a prize,” he said, though he wasn’t giving up hope this year. Which was lucky – because his name was called for a prize when the raffle was drawn!
“It’s a great time to meet new team members and new clients,” Stephen added. Bernadette was one such new client in attendance, resplendent in her pink cowboy hat.
“It’s my first time at a Biggest Morning Tea and it’s good!” she said. Bernadette loves to sing and dance, and it wasn’t long before a Gellibrand team member had her up and whirling to the music.
Of course, the raffle is one of the highlights of our annual Biggest Morning Tea event. Wonderfully organised by long-term Gellibrand supporter Ann McGowan, the prizes put smiles on faces of clients, family members, team members – and even board members! We were thrilled to have such a huge array of items and experiences on offer and our big thanks go to Sun Theatre Yarraville, Elephant Café Newport, Anytime Fitness Harpley, Tulle fashion outlet Williamstown, Bunnings Sunshine, Garden Nails & Lashes Williamstown, and K-Mart Werribee Plaza.
Client Ugur enjoyed his day chatting and moving to the music. “I like the new place!” he said, sipping his coffee. There’s no doubt the new Mary Burbidge Hub at Ravenhall was christened with a great event for a cause that the whole Gellibrand community loves supporting. Thanks to all Gellibrand team members who helped out setting up and managing on the day, and those who provided supports for clients.
At time of writing, our event had raised more than $2000. If you couldn’t make it, you can still support cancer research by donating to Gellibrand’s Biggest Morning Tea. Just use the QR code below or hit this link and search for ‘Gellibrand Support Services’.
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