Edmund Rice Community Services TAS

19/12/2025

As ERCS approaches its closure on 31 December, our social media accounts will be archived.

To everyone who has walked alongside us! Your support, care, and involvement have shaped this journey in ways we’ll never forget. These shared experiences are a testament to the strength of this community, and we hope they bring you as much pride and joy as they do us.

If you have any safeguarding concerns or need to report an interaction involving a past participant, please contact [email protected]

While ERCS will close, our Victorian pages will remain active as the Mt Atkinson project continues delivering programs for the Victorian community. We’d love for you to stay connected with us through Mt Atkinson and keep following the positive change we’re creating together.

Thank you for being part of our story.

23/09/2025

Join us for one last hurrah! Chuck on your hoodies for the last time, bring your best Eddie moments, your favourite memories, and your Eddie crew along for a fantastic day of reflection and community. If you did a program this year, 5 years ago, 15 years ago or 40 years ago – we would love to see you there!

We will be cooking up a barbeque storm, one final OCL (over competitive leader) championship and the loudest war cry Tassie has ever heard!

Event Details:
Sunday 5th of October, 11am-4pm
St Francis Flexible School, 22 Ashbourne Grove, West Moonah TAS 7009

Please RSVP via the link or via texting/calling Georgia on 0498 059 988 for catering purposes by Thursday the 2nd on October.

We can’t wait to see you there, Blackett and Georgia🌀

Drink more cordial!🧃

https://forms.gle/HTRwTfM2idW3zVAN9

29/08/2025

Share Your Story – Edmund Rice Community Services Gratitude Wall https://padlet.com/ercsGratitudeWall/ERCS_GW
Let’s honour and hold close the incredible memories, friendships, and life-changing moments that have shaped our community, as we say goodbye to some significant ERCS programs.
For 44 years, ERCS has been a place of connection, courage, and kindness. A place where strangers became family, and where young people found joy, belonging, and belief in themselves.
Whether you’ve been a participant, volunteer, staff member, or supporter, we invite you to share your experience. You might like to write from the heart, or respond to one/some of these prompts:
+ Share a powerful moment of connection - an ‘Eddie moment’
+ Share a funny story that others will connect with
+ Write a letter to participants or leaders who have impacted you
+ Share how being involved has impacted your career, passions and life
Your reflections will become part of our Gratitude Wall — a living tribute to the heart and soul of this community. Together, we’ll celebrate the spirit of Edmund and the incredible impact you’ve made.
Some important info:
*Posts will be approved before appearing on the Gratitude Wall
*To protect people’s stories, please refrain from sharing any names or photos of participants
*This is an open space, anything posted will be accessible and downloadable for the general public, including photos.
Submit your story here: https://padlet.com/ercsGratitudeWall/ERCS_GW
Let’s fill this wall with love, laughter, and legacy.
With heartfelt thanks,
The ERCS Team!

Significant programs are winding down in 2025. Share a positive memory of belonging, laughter or support. Add yours below to help record hope you created.

20/08/2025

With full hearts, a thank-you from ERCS. Today we share difficult news: Edmund Rice Community Services (ERCS) will wind down programs and activities by the end of 2025. For nearly 50 years, ERCS has walked beside young people and communities where need is most felt—creating safe places to belong, to be heard, to laugh, and to know that someone believes in you.
ERCS has done remarkable work for many years in exploring mission possibilities however we are in a very difficult financial environment. We have been unable to find ways to make ERCS’ operations financially sustainable despite extensive efforts by the board, staff, advisory councils and, of late, independent professional financial advisors.
ERCS was built on a simple conviction: dignity, inclusion and justice are not optional extras—they’re the ground on which healthy communities stand. Inspired by the Edmund Rice tradition, we’ve shown up where it matters most: with children and young people, families and carers, and older Australians seeking connection. Through camps, mentoring and leadership programs, community development activities and advocacy, we’ve worked to build connection, resilience and empowerment—not as one-off moments, but as habits of community that change lives.
The real story of ERCS has never been our name—it’s you. Volunteers who gave weekends and holidays to create joyful spaces. Donors who trusted us to steward resources wisely. Staff who chose compassion and professionalism, day after day. Partners who opened doors so young people could discover their strengths and step into leadership. Together, you’ve helped thousands of young Australians and others experience what everyone, especially children deserve: friendship, encouragement, challenge, and a sense of future.
We will wind down programs safely and responsibly. We will honour all legal, financial and safeguarding obligations, communicate directly with current participants and families, and where appropriate provide referrals to trusted services so support continues beyond ERCS. We’re deeply mindful of the relationships at the heart of this work, and we will do everything we can to close well.
Thank you for believing that small actions, delivered with empathy, change lives. The legacy of ERCS isn’t a building or a brand—it’s the confidence, connection and leadership now carried by the people we’ve served and served alongside. If you’d like to share a memory or message for our community, we’d love to gather those stories as a record of the hope you’ve helped create.
For questions or records (donations, receipts, references), please contact [email protected] . We’ll continue posting updates at https://www.facebook.com/edmundricecommunityservices/

20/05/2025

Juliette's Story — Volunteer Week Spotlight
💙 “You realise that just by showing up, having fun and being yourself, you can help create a safe space where kids feel seen and valued.” 💙
Juliette’s Eddie Rice journey started with a single camp taster in Year 8 — and it changed everything. Since then, Eddie Rice has become a second family to her, filled with connection, belonging, and growth.
We ask her a few questions....
1. What makes being an ERCS volunteer something everyone should try at least once?
Being a part of Edmund Rice Camps is honestly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It’s one of those things you can’t fully explain until you’re in it, but once you are, you just get it. You’re surrounded by this amazing community of people where everyone actually cares and wants to make a difference, even if it's in the smallest ways. Eddie Rice reminds you how powerful kindness and presence are. You realise that just by showing up, having fun, and being yourself, you can help create a safe space where kids feel seen and valued. Plus, it’s not just about helping others; you also grow so much as an individual. You learn things about yourself, you build real friendships, and you leave every camp with a heart that feels a little fuller. And I think that's something everyone should get to feel.
2. How did you end up joining the Eddie Rice crew? – What’s your story?
I first got involved with Eddie Rice back in Year 8. One of the older leaders at my school kept telling me I should come along for a camp, just to try it. I said yes and went for a day, and that tiny “taster” completely changed everything. Then in Year 9, my school offered a service-learning elective, and through that, I got to experience Eddie Rice again. I then knew this was a community I wanted to be a part of. Later that year, I went on my first full camp and I felt this sense of belonging straight away. It didn’t feel like something I had to do, rather something I was meant to do. And ever since then, it’s been like a second family to me.
3. What’s the best thing about being part of our volunteer community?
Honestly, there are so many good things it’s hard to pick just one. But if I had to, I’d say the best part is the sense of connection you build with both the kids and the other leaders. You meet people who just get it, and it feels like you're part of something bigger than yourself. Some of my closest friends have come from Eddie Rice. It’s a place where you can completely be yourself and let your inner child free. And the best part is you're not the only one! Being able to help create a space where kids can just be kids is something that fills your heart in a way nothing else really can. And at the same time, being a leader has helped me heal parts of my own inner child too. It’s like you’re giving what you once needed as a child to a child who also needs a little extra love and support. And the gratitude you feel from the campers and the families is something you carry with you long after camp ends.

Would you like to volunteer? Join us here: https://ercs.org.au/support-us/volunteer/

20/05/2025

Ebony's Story — Volunteer Week Spotlight
🎉 “Rice has taught me that life is not at all as serious as it’s made out to be — just have fun!” 🎉
Ebony’s journey began during a high school leadership retreat, and ever since, she's kept coming back to camp, bringing joy, leadership, and an unforgettable spirit.
We asked her a few questions:
1. What makes being an ERCS volunteer something everyone should try at least once?
I truly believe that everyone should try Edmund Rice Camps at least once, regardless of who you are! Personally, ERCS has given me the chance to support vulnerable individuals and communities, creating a safe and fun environment where participants feel a sense of belonging. Through ERCS, I've connected with incredible people who share similar values — some of whom have become my closest friends. Eddie Rice has taught me that life isn’t as serious as it’s made out to be, and to just have fun! On a personal level, the experience has helped me grow by challenging me to step outside my comfort zone and significantly enhancing my leadership skills. The enthusiastic and welcoming atmosphere is something I look forward to every holiday.
2. How did you end up joining the Eddie Rice crew? – What’s your story?
My journey with the Edmund Rice Camps community began during a Year 10 leadership retreat at high school. We travelled to the Huonville PCYC, where we were paired with participants, played games, sang songs, and created unforgettable memories that I still reflect on today. That experience sparked something in me, and I was inspired by the positive impact I was able to make in just one day. Since then, I haven't stopped returning to camps — driven by the desire to continue making a difference and creating more meaningful connections.
3. What’s the best thing about being part of our volunteer community?
My favourite thing about being part of the volunteer community is the freedom to be as loud, silly, and crazy as I want — without any judgment. The energy that all the volunteers bring to camp is incredible and truly sets the vibe for the whole experience. The reactions we get from the public when we break into song are absolutely priceless! It’s such a fun, carefree atmosphere that makes every moment unforgettable and keeps me coming back time and time again.
Want to be a volunteer..join us: https://ercs.org.au/support-us/volunteer/

20/03/2025

We have some staffing changes that have occurred in ERCS Tasmania to let you know about. Brendan Webb is no longer working for the organisation. Andrew Blackett is having shoulder surgery and will be away from work for a few weeks commencing this week. In the meantime, our National Director of Youth & Community Services, Jessica Alikaris, will be working with and supporting Emma Brough and Georgia Summers as casual staff. If you have any questions about programs and activity in the coming weeks, please reach out to Jess on [email protected].

As a community of Edmund Rice people, we value your passion and commitment to building this community for our children and families. We are committed to listening to our community to keep building our mission and are using this time to consider the results of our review over January to determine future activity.

08/03/2025

Edmund Rice Community Services Tasmania is proud to present its first ‘Positive Steps’ leadership retreat. This is a leader training weekend focused on personal development as well as professional development working with at risk young people. Attending leaders can expect a weekend full of team building, learning opportunities and fun. The weekend will include courses and speeches from professionals in the spaces of health and wellness, social work and mindfulness. In addition to fun, team building and an opportunity to connect with their community.

Dates: 29-30rd March 2025
Time: 11am Saturday- 2pm Sunday
Location: TBD, Kingston
Attending Staff Members: Andrew Blackett, Emma Brough & Georgia Summers

https://forms.office.com/r/w7ER9r0Suk

17/02/2025

As we reflect on the incredible Summer Camp that has been, we can’t help but smile. This Summer Camp was the epitome of a community effort and we can’t say thank you enough to those who helped make it happen!

A huge thank you goes out to St Aloysius Catholic College for hosting us! Your facilities are incredible and the memories that were made on your campus will not soon be forgotten by our participants and leaders. Particular thanks goes to Jane, Damien, Kristy and all the office staff, who were all so accommodating, helpful and generous with their time.

Darwin, Foodbank Tasmania were spectacular as always, keeping our bellies full with nutritional goodies, feeding over 100 people for a week is no easy feat, and you made it so much easier!

Shelly and Nicky, the ultimate Eddie Rice masterchefs! Thank you for your tireless work in the kitchen; baking, cooking, preparing and being so flexible with our ever changing schedule. Knowing you two are on our team keeps programs running!

Madelyn and Jason, The incredible milk donation from Ashgrove Cheese was such a delight! The blender did not catch a break, whipping up blueberry and banana smoothies, and mountains of Milo.

Sarah, Loretta and Sam, without your help we would not have pulled this camp together. You support these kids all year long, it was an honour to give them a fun filled week during their holidays upon your referrals.

Thank you to the members of our community who donated baked goods to the kitchen, cooked dinner and took on the role as sous chef with Shelly and Nicky! Emma, Sarah, Mark, Dayna, Sharon and Jennifer, your help is invaluable.

A big thank you also goes out to Banjo's Bakery Cafe, the incredible bread donation kept the camp fueled and energised to tackle all the challenges the captains sent their way!

Kim and the St Virgil's College, thank you once again for the fleet of buses! Transport is always a big hurdle for our programs and many participants, thank you for your generous loan of buses.

Monica, Brother Peter Flint and Billy, thank you for your time and expertise during our leaders’ professional development. Our leaders were able to engage and participate in your sessions and effectively apply their learnings the following day with their buddies.

Lastly, a massive thankyou goes out to our leaders, these programs simply would not happen without your passion, dedication and energy🌀🌀

14/02/2025

After morning tea on Friday, we discovered four envelopes that warned: DO NOT LET GET OUT. Of course we had to investigate! We worked out that the random words we’d received were ingredients for a recipe. We set out on a scavenger hunt to collect the ingredients in buckets, but we were confused what they were for. The pirate then called again! 🏴‍☠️ He’d taken the group leaders and turned them into pirates, and the only way to turn them back would be to splash them with the potion we’d created! 🧪

We ran out to find our group leaders trying to destroy our team flags, but luckily we gave them the potion in just enough time for them to turn back! After turning them back into group leaders, they told us that they’d found the treasure, and took us to a secret disco room! 🪩 After a bit of a boogie 🕺, we got into some party games of pin the tail on the whale 🐳, pass the parcel 🎁, and jellyfish piñatas! 🪼 We enjoyed some party food with our buddies, and got ready to say goodbye to our buddies and celebrate the week with an impromptu water fight! 🔫

What an amazing week we’ve had! We owe so many thanks to our friends at St Aloysius College, Foodbank, our MasterChef’s Shelly and Nicky, all the parents and friends of our community who donated baked good or helped in the kitchen, Ashgrove, the team at Kingston Primary and St Virgil’s for having been part of making this week possible. And of course, thank you to the tireless work that each and every leader put into being present in their buddy’s week and getting to know how awesome they are! 🌀🌀

13/02/2025

Thursday was a very busy day where our sea creatures worked tirelessly to divert the pirates from trying to take our treasure!
We began our day by making under the sea disguises to hide from the pirates. We saw some incredible artistry from everyone! After refuelling with some morning tea we came across a very peculiar looking sea creature that we needed everyone’s help to figure out what it was! Teams had to complete mini challenges in order to buy the components for the creature before working together to try and recreate exactly what it looked like!
We ended our day with a well loved game of rainbow tag before finding even more of those pesky bits of paper! Those pirates can’t be up to any good!

The leaders rounded out their day out by hearing from Brother Peter Flint and Billy.

Brother Peter talked about the origins of ERCS in Tasmania - how camps have grown and adapted over the past 40 years and his interests in Theology, Physics and Cosmology. Peter Mitchell ran the first camp in Tasmania on Bruny Island inviting boys from Bridgewater to attend. The boys all slept in tents and the leaders were fathers of children at the local school. Although camps have changed from an observational front, they still operate on the same philosophies they did 49 years ago!

Billy‘s segment focused on the impact of volunteering. With a central focus on how finding passion and individuals with similar aligned views can change one’s life. Billy explained his journey as a form of volunteer to now having founded several businesses. Billy attributed his success to having access to a network of people who helped bring his vision to life as well as having been equipped with an extensive skill set from his time as an ERCS volunteer. Following Billy’s presentation, in small groups, leaders created vision boards and plans for a dream or goal of their own noting which Edmund Rice based skills would assist them and the types of connections they would need to foster.

12/02/2025

On Wednesday we began the day with our group leaders teaching us some invaluable under the sea skills with some games – including acting like sea animals and pathfinding through the ocean! After morning tea the ocean called and so we made our way to the beach, where we splashed in the waves, built some sandcastles and made our buddies into sand mermaids.

We were so exhausted after the beach so we spent the afternoon enjoying our lunch and relaxing with our buddies. Before we finished up we looked back on some of our favourite moments from the day, as well as finding some more of those strange pieces of paper!

In the evening, leaders were joined by Monica - who works with Autistic students. She provided thoughtful insight into breaking down stigmas surrounding learning disorders in a collaborative manner. Leaders explored various behaviours they had noted on camps and gained a tool kit of techniques to support these participants.