700+ Unite for Project Compassion Big Water Walk

More than 700 students and staff from 23 schools across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) came together for Caritas Australia’s Big Water Walk in support of Project Compassion.

Beginning at Parramatta Park, students carried buckets of water along a 4km route, gaining a glimpse of the daily journey faced by people in developing communities, especially women and children, in search of clean water.

"I feel tired,” said St John's Primary Riverstone student Rachel Song. “Now I understand how people must feel after walking such long distances for water. We should be grateful for how easily we can get water.”

"I feel like today was a day of reflection, and to come together in solidarity and to raise awareness of the difficulties people face trying to access clean water,” added St Patrick's Primary Parramatta student Amelia Siva.

Adding to the significance of the day, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv joined part of the walk, offering encouragement and sharing in the experience alongside students and staff.

"I know firsthand what it's like to have to walk long distances to fetch clean water,” said Bishop Vincent. “When I fled Vietnam and was living in a refugee camp in Malaysia, we were all focused on how we would get clean water.”

The journey took participants past local landmarks including Parramatta Leagues Club and CommBank Stadium. They were joined by CSPD Chief Executive Officer Jack de Groot for a prayer and reflection led by Deacon Adrian Gomez at St Patrick’s Cathedral. The walk continued to Noller Bridge and the Boer War Memorial before looping back into Parramatta Park.

“It was moving to see so many of our students genuinely engaging with Project Compassion and its message of solidarity,” said Mr de Groot. “From my time with Caritas Australia, I know the profound impact initiatives like this can have on communities experiencing poverty and hardship. This is faith in action - young people showing compassion and a real commitment to others.”

Students approached the walk with energy and enthusiasm, aiming to better understand the daily reality faced by millions of people around the world. People like Sisilia, a 13-year-old from northern Tanzania. After her father passed away, she spent hours each day fetching water, often in unsafe conditions, leaving little time for school. With support from Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion, clean water taps have been installed at her school and in her village, improving health and giving her time to learn. She’s now a school leader and hopes to one day become a pilot.

"This event is a great example of young people coming together in faith and action,” said the event’s organiser, CSPD Mission Partner Ryan Reyes. “By carrying buckets of water, students get a real sense of the challenges people like Sisilia face every day. It deepens their understanding of human dignity and why it’s important to look out for those most in need. It builds real compassion and helps them see the difference they can make.”

“It’s so easy to take safe, clean water for granted when we live in Australia,” said Bishop Vincent. “So many people around the world must take a long daily journey to access what we get freely from our taps. When you carry a bucket of water, every step you take must be deliberate, otherwise the water spills. Your arms feel like lead, and your shoulders tighten and burn. The weight feels manageable at first but quickly becomes relentless. It’s a heavy burden that few of us will ever experience.”

In an atmosphere of positivity and shared purpose, students expressed their gratitude at how the experience deepened their understanding of global inequality.

"I learnt to empathise with other people's situations and that you need to walk in someone's shoes to really truly understand," said Marian Catholic College Kenthurst student Aleesha George.

In its second year, the Big Water Walk continues to be a powerful expression of Project Compassion in action - inviting students to live out the Gospel call to serve others with compassion, justice and generosity.

"We need to take more care of our water,” said Marian Catholic College Kenthurst student Lucia Sorbello. “We take it for granted when others don't have it. So every time we take a shower or even drink water, let's be grateful because it's a blessing we have in our life."

Through the Big Water Walk, students and schools across the Diocese of Parramatta are raising awareness and directly supporting Caritas Australia’s work with communities in need - a clear reflection of CSPD’s mission to form young people who care for others and seek to make a difference.

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Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au

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12 May 2026
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PARRAMATTA DIOCESAN PRIMARY CROSS COUNTRY 2026 Wednesday 13th May 2026 Sydney Motorsports Park (Eastern Creek Raceway), Ferrers Rd, Eastern Creek Entry via gate A (rear of the venue) PARKING Please allow additional time to ENTER the venue, PARK, and WALK to the grandstand; this could take up to 30 minutes WALK THE COURSE OPEN - 8:50am CLOSED - 9:00am *No student will be permitted on the course at this time unless supervised by a school/teacher representative. *Teachers/Age Managers are to supervise their school team during the Walk the Course. WELCOME - 9:45am ORDER OF EVENTS https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xvxlQBAFpGybp6_L8wRVPKeQsq116LQj/view?usp=sharing *The times are a guide only and the Convener reserves the right to alter the program of events without prior notification. *Please allow sufficient time to arrive for the Marshall time listed on the Order of Events. ATHLETE NUMBER ALLOCATION *Athlete Bibs with a Timing microchip will be provided by the school Team Manager on arrival *NO BIB - NO RUN! *Each Competitor is allocated their OWN athlete number. These allocated numbers can be found on the school team list provided in the Team Manager’s Pack. *Each competitor must have their ATHLETE number clearly displayed on their school shirt/singlet with the pins provided. *At the conclusion of the competitor’s event, the competitor keeps the bib as a memento. MEDICAL CONDITIONS For any children with specific medical details, please pick up a medical tag from your Team Manager. RESULTS Results are available via either: The MultiSport website will be live after the first race has commenced https://www.multisportaustralia.com.au/races/parramatta-diocese-primary-cross-country-2026 OR Go to the APP Store and download the “Multi Sport” App PARRAMATTA TEAM REPRESENTATIVES *After the race, the top 8 competitors will remain at the finish line presentation area located in the Garage or near the podium. *Event placegetters will be announced after results have been verified. *1st to 8th placegetters will be announced from each event and will qualify for the 2026 Parramatta Diocesan XC team. *The Diocesan team will participate in the NSWCCCCPS Cross Country on Wednesday, 24th June *Qualifiers will receive their pennants on the day and the Diocesan Cross Country team information on the day. We look forward to a wonderful event.

09 May 2026
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💐 Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mums, grandmothers, carers and special women in our St Angela’s community. 💛