Rose Bay, 12 September 2025 – This morning, over 380 McAuley Catholic Primary School students and 25 teachers took over the Rose Bay streets for what turned out to be the school’s biggest and best Walkathon yet! The annual fundraiser was all about one thing: finally replacing the school’s playground structure after more than 25 years.
The streets were buzzing with the usual mix of excited kids, slightly frazzled teachers, an army of parent volunteers and plenty of community spirit. This year felt different though – there was real momentum behind the fundraising drive to give the students a new playground.
Kids Go All Out in Fundraising Lead-Up
The kids have been at it for weeks, showing impressive creativity in their fundraising efforts. From running bake sales and selling toys on Facebook Marketplace to knocking on doors and convincing local businesses to sponsor them, they’ve left no stone unturned. It’s been pretty inspiring to watch their determination in action all the way from Kindy through to Year 6 children.
Prizes Worth Walking For
The school pulled out all stops with prizes that had the kids talking for weeks. Surfing lessons, signed Sydney Swans and Roosters jerseys, zoo passes, arts and crafts experiences – the kind of rewards that definitely motivated some extra fundraising hustle. All prizes have been donated by the local community businesses which is phenomenal.
Teachers Step Up (and Dress Up)
The real entertainment came from the teachers. Mr Hayes didn’t just put on a cockroach costume – he’s also committed to shaving off his moustache he’s been growing for a year – if his class top the fundraising charts! And Miss Danaher matched the challenge committing to letting her Year 2 students style her hair all in the name of fundraising for the playground. Talk about dedication!
Deputy Head Mrs Karen Blacklock suited up as “Mama Roach” for the second year running – what a legend. In fact, over 30 students and teachers joined the cockroach parade, courtesy of sponsor Pest2Kill. There’s something pretty funny about watching that many people shuffle around Rose Bay dressed as oversized insects.
After all the walking and excitement, each student got their certificate and the essential Zooper Dooper.
Community Champions
The success of this Walkathon really comes down to the incredible support from local businesses and community members. The response has been fantastic, showing just how much the Rose Bay community values the school.
Platinum Sponsors:
- LJ Hooker Double Bay
- ASI Solutions
- Dr Cosima Medispa
- Alspec
Gold Sponsors:
- Pest2Kill
- Nuzest
- C Day Lighting
- Dance Curriculum
Silver Sponsors:
- Ange Phillips
- Evolution Charters
- Unique Cleaning
- Fit 1
- Bastruct
- Kids for Yoga
- Rose Bay Vet Hospital
- The Cook & Baker
- Physiofix
- Eurodrive Centre
- Signarama Surry Hills
Time for a New Playground
After 25 years of solid service, the current playground has definitely earned its retirement. All of the funds from this Walkathon will go toward building a new play area that’ll give the kids something fresh and exciting for years to come. It’s about time these students had a playground that matches their energy levels.
Still Time to Help Out
Even though the Walkathon’s wrapped up, donations are still very welcome. Every bit helps get the school closer to that new playground goal.
For more information or to contribute, head here: https://events.humanitix.com/mcauley-2025-walkathon
This year’s Walkathon really showed what happens when a community gets behind something they believe in. From tiny fundraisers to giant cockroaches, from beard sacrifices to business sponsorships – it all adds up to something pretty amazing. That new playground is going to be worth every step taken today.
McAuley Catholic Primary School Walkathon Brings Joy and Funds to Rose Bay
