LONG-TIME Nyah West resident Lucy Dacey, 92, hosted her 16th Biggest Morning Tea at her home, known as Dolltown Abbey, last week.
More than 60 people attended, helping raise nearly $3,000.
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is a nationwide fundraiser supporting cancer research and essential services for patients, with community events helping raise both awareness and funds.
So far this year, more than $7 million has been raised, with over 20,500 morning teas registered across the country.
Over the 16 years Dolltown Abbey’s Morning Tea has been running, it has raised more than $13,000.
“It was a lovely turnout,” Ms Dacey said. “We had a lovely morning. And the weather was really good. We were in the garden too, which makes it even better when the weather’s nice.”
Local businesses and community members made generous contributions.
“We had a good donation from Mallee Mowing,” Ms Dacey said. “And the locals are pretty good. They just put in.”
Ms Dacey said her motivation for starting the event was personal.
“I had two brothers die of cancer,” she said. “And then I had two sisters also die of cancer. As well as one son. All gone with cancer.”
She now hosts the event with her family; John, Kerryn, and Craig Dacey; alongside a devoted group of volunteers.
“My son Craig did all the cooking,” Ms Dacey said.
“And some great people come in every year and to help.”
This year’s guest speaker, Ian Brauer, talked about the Nyah District Lions Club, its role in the community, and the positive impact it continues to make.
To anyone considering hosting their own morning tea, Ms Dacey said: “Just go for it, because every dollar helps.
“And if it helps to save one life, well, you’re doing a good job.”
Her son, Craig, said it’s the community that makes the event possible.
“It’s the community; they’re the ones coming,” Mr Dacey said.
“Everyone wants to support a good charity.”
Dolltown Abbey is also home to a collection of around 2,000 dolls of all shapes and sizes, which Ms Dacey has been collecting for about 30 years.
The real-life dollhouse attracts many visitors each year, and Ms Dacey welcomes anyone who hasn’t yet stopped by.
