In 2019 Camberwell Parish formed the Basilica Enhancement Committee to look at enhancing both the entrance and interior of the Basilica.  The Committee is chaired by Dan McOwan and membership includes Glen Mendis, Michael McCloskey, Albert Van Grieken, Kate Baines and Fr Brendan Reed.  You will hear more from this Committee over the next year.

Today we are announcing the first phase of the Basilica enhancement which consists of the refurbishment of the front steps.  Starting on Monday, 5 December refurbishment of the front steps of the Basilica will commence.  This will involve replacing some of the broken bluestone steps on the lower set of stairs and re-levelling and relaying some of the upper bluestone steps.  This will also include repointing the steps and regrouting the joints. 

The cost of the work to the steps will be $30,000.  We are conscious that the Basilica has always been a building open to all and built on the donations of Victorians since the foundation stone was laid.  We once again invite donations to assist with the refurbishment of the steps.  If you would like to contribute towards this project, your donation would be gratefully accepted.

To make a contribution towards the Basilica Steps Refurbishment you may transfer funds directly into our bank account:

Our Lady of Victories Church Account
BSB:  083 347  
Account Number:  63604 1772
In the reference field, please insert “Basilica Steps”

To make a credit card contribution, please contact Kate Baines at the Parish Office.

The Basilica will continue to remain open for Masses and private prayer.  Accessing the interior of the building will be via one of the three main doors and the side entrance will always be open.  There will be no changes to church services or activities due to the step refurbishment work.

As you can appreciate with all building works there will be some disruption.  Equipment will be left on site and the workmen will also create exclusion zones around areas to ensure public safety.

The work will take some three weeks to complete.  

Our parish community has seen many changes in the 104 years since the Basilica was officially opened on 6 October 1918.  Amongst social, political, economic and demographic changes, the Basilica too has undergone many changes whilst retaining its imposing grandeur.  

The interior changed in response to Vatican II and other changes have occurred over the years.  Most recently the exterior stonework has been restored.  It is now time to give some well-deserved attention to the steps of our Basilica.

The steps are the first contact we have with the Basilica, as we climb them to enter our church building.  The steps to our Basilica have been the witness to many historical moments.  People attended Mass to celebrate the end of the Great War, prayed for the end of the Second World War, Vietnam War, prayed for peace and prayed for those affected by floods, fire and famine in the world, prayed for healing and our own personal intentions amongst others.  We have gathered on the steps for the Easter Vigil, standing to witness the lighting of the Easter Fire.  Many have gathered on the Basilica steps for their wedding photos, baptism photos, celebration of their sacraments or to farewell a loved one and some have even queued on the stairs to enter the Basilica for musical concerts that have been held here over the years.  

We look forward to the completion of the works so we may once again gather on the steps of the Basilica and create even more memories.

By Fr Brendan Reed and Basilica Enhancement Committee