Background Q&A: St Margaret’s and the Parish Masterplan

This FAQ has been prepared to help parishioners understand the background to recent discussions about St Margaret’s, the Parish Masterplan process, and the steps being taken by the Parish Advisory Board and Parish Masterplan Reference Group.

Q: What maintenance work had already been carried out at St Margaret’s?

A: In Fr Justin’s 2019 Parish Planned-Giving Renewal program message, parishioners were advised that a number of minor works had been completed at St Margaret’s. These included external and internal painting, new carpet, works to pews and kneelers, and new internal doors. At the same time, parishioners were also advised that larger works, including roof replacement and foundation works, would soon be required.

Q: When did the Parish Advisory Board begin formally considering the future of St Margaret’s?

A: In August 2023, the Parish Advisory Board considered the future of St Mary’s, including St Margaret’s, as part of the “Towards a strategic plan” process. The Board reviewed earlier and current building reports, including a March 2010 building report and an August 2023 structural investigation report on the presbytery building prepared by Scroggie Consulting Engineers. Because these reports identified a number of issues, the Future Directions working party was established to assist with further consideration.

Q: What was the Future Directions working party?

A: The Future Directions working party was established in September 2023 and was chaired by Larry Burn. Its role was to help the Advisory Board consider the future needs of the parish and the condition of parish facilities.

Q: What did the Future Directions working party recommend?

A: In October 2023, the working party submitted a directions paper to the Board. The paper described the current situation and recommended that a masterplan be prepared to help identify parish priorities and guide future decisions.

Q: What is the Parish Masterplan Reference Group?

A: The Parish Masterplan Reference Group was formed in November 2024 to assist with coordinating the masterplan process and to help bring together information about parish needs, priorities and facilities.

Q: Who was engaged to prepare the Parish Masterplan?

A: In December 2024, parishioners were advised through the weekly Sunday bulletin that Harmer Architecture had been engaged to develop the masterplan. The process involved presenting a self-reflection tool used by the Archdiocese to support the development of viable, vibrant and vital parishes, and six priority investment areas surveying parishioners. Parishioners were invited to provide feedback on these six proposed investments.

Q: What did parishioner feedback identify as the main priorities?

A: Parishioner feedback received in January 2025 was summarised by the Parish Masterplan Reference Group and provided to the architects for inclusion in the masterplan priorities. The feedback identified Priority 1 as a “safe parish residence” and Priority 2 as a “community centre”.

Q: What did the building audit reports identify?

A: During 2025, the Parish Masterplan Reference Group met in March, June and December to discuss building audit reports prepared by Ultum. The report for St Margaret’s identified a number of items requiring immediate to short-term rectification. These works would involve major capital expenditure simply to maintain the current condition, without providing enhancements.

Q: What decision has the Parish Advisory Board recommended?

A: The Advisory Board was informed of and discussed the recommendations of Parish Masterplan Reference Group, one being that St Margaret’s be closed by November 2026. In May 2026, the Advisory Board recommended the closure of St Margaret’s and commenced the procedures required to enable this to occur. The Parish Masterplan Reference Group and communications team also began developing a communication strategy to keep parishioners informed.