Quietly Responding to Need Across the Diocese
The Sandhurst Solidarity Trust, originally founded by Bishop Noel Daly in 2003, is a charitable fund chartered to provide financial support for people and communities in our Diocese who are experiencing hardship or disadvantage.
What sets the Trust apart is its approach. Rather than inviting formal applications for grants, the Trust’s board of trustees works quietly in the background, staying connected to parish life, school communities and Catholic organisations across the Diocese, to identify where support is genuinely needed. Their work reflects the original intent of Bishop Daly – to help people who are doing it tough, but would not think to ask for assistance.
The Sandhurst Solidarity Trust supports those whose needs sit outside the scope of regular parish or diocesan resources. This includes individuals or families under pressure; schools or parishes responding to crisis or disadvantage; and initiatives that promote dignity, wellbeing and education.
Over the years, the Trust has helped families affected by drought, flood and fire, including in communities such as Corryong, Tallangatta and Myrtleford. It has assisted with costs like school fees, retreat programs, and short breaks for families under strain. In partnership with groups such as CatholicCare and L’Arche, the Trust has contributed to pastoral and community-based initiatives and has supported initiatives in spiritual direction and formation for ministry when resources are limited.
Fr Dennis Crameri, who helps coordinate the Sandhurst Solidarity Trust, says the trustees remain guided by Bishop Daly’s original vision: to seek out the poor, however they are defined; not only in material terms, but also in those moments of life when people find themselves without the support they need.
“The people we assist are often those who wouldn't come forward themselves,” he says. “We rely on those around them, parish priests, school leaders, community workers, to let us know when someone is carrying more than they should have to.”
The Trust is governed by a Deed and supported by professional financial management to ensure funds are used responsibly and sustainably. Donations to the Trust are welcome, but the focus remains firmly on responding to real situations with care and discretion.
Inspired by Bishop Daly’s original founding purpose, to care for those at the edges, the Sandhurst Solidarity Trust continues to operate with humility and intention: listening closely, responding quietly, and offering practical help where it is most needed.
The Trustees are:
Mons. Frank Marriott (Chair), David Purdy, Fr Dennis Crameri , Joan Coldwell, Fr Stephen Bolling, Peter Bugden (alternate Trustee).
The Trustees have been well served by the firm, Petersen Westbrook and Cameron.
The current Secretary is Greg Westbrook.
For further information, please contact the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Monsignor Frank Marriott on 0427 315 633.