Prefects Concert

“Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.”  

– Mother Teresa.  

This adage rang true when the college was paid a visit by Vivian Stavis, Manager of the Lillian Howell Project (Lillian’s).  

Lillian’s is a specialist homelessness service, providing medium to long term 24-hour, on-site gender-specific supported housing for young women and girls from the age of 13 to 17 years. 

Lillian’s has been operating in Sydney’s Inner West since 1988. Ms Stavis’ presentation provided our students with an insight into the many hardships that many young women are experiencing today, not only across the nation but even in their own neighbourhood.  

Ms Stavis discussed the mission of Lillian’s and the need to increase awareness among the community. Providing women with essential health and wellbeing management services is paramount to Lillian’s cause, and they rely on ongoing external support to provide these services. The project’s ultimate purpose is to empower residents to live independently.  

Principal Maxine Kohler highlighted the several commonalities between the College and the Project’s mission.  

“Our college is modelled on empowering an independent mindset that is fostered through collaboration and so it was clear to see how synonymous we are to this cause. It starts with a conversation and both staff and students at The McDonald College are proud to be a part of it.”  

Each year, the student leadership team curates and performs a fundraising concert to support a charity as part of the College’s community outreach program. The 2022 Prefects’ Concert held this Friday 18 March and will support of the Lillian Howell Project.  

Year 11 Prefect Nick Annas, one of the event’s organisers, shared his sentiments on why the event was an opportunity to shed light on the realities so close to home. 

“After reading Stephanie Land’s inspiring memoir ‘Maid,’ I was significantly moved by her arduous journey out of poverty and looked to our own local refuges for teenage girls. New South Wales has almost 5,700 known homeless young people, yet the Lillian Howell Project is the only long-term housing refuge in the state.”  

After reading Stephanie Land’s inspiring memoir ‘Maid,’ I was significantly moved by her arduous journey out of poverty and looked to our own local refuges for teenage girls. New South Wales has almost 5,700 known homeless young people, yet the Lillian Howell Project is the only long-term housing refuge in the state

This event is an evening of performances from many of our talented students, and to keep it light-hearted, is driven by a new theme each time. This year’s theme is the Wild West.  

If you wish to support our fundraising event by purchasing tickets or donating, please email reception@mcdonald.nsw.edu.au or call 02 9752 0666.