On Thursday,  May 25,  Monkerai residents and friends gathered in the School of Arts Hall for the much-anticipated annual Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea –  held to raise awareness and money for cancer research.

Guests reported the  old hall looked magnificent decked out in bright colours and filled to the brim with home baked goods.

There were plenty of raffle prizes on offer, many of which were donated by local businesses including a beautiful wine and chocolate-filled hamper from Dungog SUPA IGA, a gift voucher donated by Pete’s Country Cuts Dungog, bottles of wine from Gap Hill Vineyard at Stroud Road, a trailer load of firewood donated by the Woolley and Trappel family at Monkerai and many other wonderful goodies of chocolates and handmade jams, Sugarloaf soaps and a lovely crocheted rug and hand towels.

Hosted by Jennifer Woolley, the morning tea is now a long running tradition at Monkerai, with this time marking the sixteenth-year Jennifer has held the event.

The day has come a long way, from the first event raising $125, to now raising more than $1000.

This year Sue Russell from the Cancer Council attended as a guest speaker. She talked about the work Cancer Council do in providing care and support for those suffering from cancer and their families. She explained where the money goes that is raised and how it’s used. 

“It’s a lot of work organising it all,” said Jennifer.

“But it’s worth it because it’s such a good cause that is close to my heart.

“I could not have done it without the help and support of family and friends including Annie Noonan of Monkerai and Gordon and Dianne Trappel of Girvan.

“It was a really successful day with a great bunch of people that attended.”

Jennifer said she would like to thank all those who helped support the cause by donating time, cooking and money – and is looking forward to seeing everyone again next year.