Michael Sukkar MP

60th anniversary of St Thomas the Apostle Parish

Earlier this year I had the great privilege of joining in a special celebration in my electorate of Deakin—the 60th anniversary of St Thomas the Apostle Parish in Blackburn.

The parish held a special service in March to acknowledge the priests, parishioners, school community and all of those who have contributed to the life of the parish. It was a very memorable occasion for me, as I was struck by the important role that the parish has played in life of so many local people over the past 60 years—and, of course, the role it continues to play.

The parish is ably led Father Chris Murphy and his assistant Father Frank Dineen. St Thomas the Apostle has been served by 23 parish priests, some of whom were able to join us at the anniversary event. The late Father Paul Ryan formed the parish in 1954, the year after the St Thomas the Apostle Primary School opened. The parish has an active youth ministry, runs numerous activities for the parish and wider community, and raises significant funds each year to help those in need in the electorate.

I therefore wish to extend my congratulations to the St Thomas the Apostle Parish—Blackburn community during this 60th anniversary year, and, of course, my best wishes for the years ahead.