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Community generosity shines at Biggest Morning Tea events

By Abby Green

May 29, 2026

Tocumwal unit SES volunteers Charne, Peter, Theresa, Elsinore, Emma, Wendy, Wendy and Ian at the Biggest Morning Tea. Photo by Supplied

Communities across Katamatite, Cobram, Barooga and Tocumwal have rallied together to raise thousands of dollars for the Cancer Council through Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea events.

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Among them was Katamatite’s Boosey Creek Cafe, which raised an impressive $2806 at its first-ever event on Thursday, May 21.

Cafe owner Brenda Virgona said she was “shocked” they raised so much money.

“The week before I was thinking we might not even make it to our goal of $1000,” she said.

“But on that day we smashed it.”

Ms Virgona said the idea for the fundraiser came from cafe worker Wendy, who is currently battling cancer herself.

Staff and volunteers at Boosey Creek Cafe's first ever Biggest Morning Tea. Photo by Supplied

“I’d also thought about it myself because I lost my mum to cancer last year in September,” she said.

“My mum was always a big part of the cafe, popping in and visiting everybody every couple of days.

“So we both got together and said, ‘Why not? Let’s do it.’”

Guests enjoyed homemade cakes and sweets available for donations, along with games and a raffle.

Ms Virgona said the overwhelming support reflected how deeply cancer affected local families.

“We’ve had so much support from the local community,” she said.

Katamatite’s Boosey Creek Cafe had a variety of homemade goods available for the Biggest Morning Tea. Photo by Supplied

“There’s always somebody who knows somebody who’s been touched by cancer.

“It’s become so common that we have to do what we can to try and support them all.”

She also thanked staff and volunteers for helping make the event possible.

“It wouldn’t have happened without all the staff and volunteers,” Ms Virgona said.

Meanwhile, the Tocumwal SES Unit hosted its first Biggest Morning Tea on Monday, May 18, raising more than $500.

Unit deputy commander Theresa Mantovani thanked the community for turning out despite poor weather.

“Despite the weather those who attended had a nice time enjoying a barista-made cuppa from Odesi Collective, some homemade treats and a chat with our volunteers while raising some much-needed funds for the Cancer Council,” she said.

“The generosity of the community never fails to astound me, even though times are tough for everyone.”

Students Liam Maraldo, Leo Demaio, Bailey Aksionov and Nixon Hendry.

At St Joseph’s Primary School, students, families and staff raised $530.35 during their Biggest Morning Tea on Wednesday, May 20.

Acting principal Stephanie Arundel thanked everyone who contributed to the event’s success.

“Once again, it was a beautiful example of the generosity and community spirit that the St Joe’s family is so well known for,” she said.

“The delicious snacks, treats and platters generously donated by families and staff were thoroughly enjoyed, and the steady stream of gold coin donations certainly made the tins rattle.

“Most importantly, every donation will help support the incredible work of scientists, researchers and doctors as they continue to problem-solve, innovate and work towards finding a cure for cancer.”