Parish News
On Sunday, August 30, 2026 the Banyena community celebrated the 150th anniversary of St Joseph’s Church with Mass and morning tea. Locals, members of the wider East Wimmera Parish and visitors whose families had strong ties to St Joseph’s, filled the church.
Originally the Banyena community was part of the Carisbrook Parish and Masses were celebrated at the home of Judith and Martin Shanahan, the original selectors of ‘Marnoo’. By the time the Church was built it became part of the new St Arnaud Parish, which also commenced in 1876. Banyena parishioners remained part of the St Arnaud Parish until the East Wimmera Parish was formed in 2018.
St Joseph’s Church is still the original building and one of the oldest buildings in the East Wimmera Parish. The building was constructed using local timber from the Bolagum Hills which were carted by horse and wagon. Since early construction, the building has been lined and in 2000 the outdoor boards were replaced. The Church has had flood waters from the Richardson River surround it every few years. Only the 2011 summer flood waters entered the church. The building required cleaning, painting and new carpet but the building dried up and the floorboards did not need to be replaced.
The Mass for the 150th anniversary was celebrated by Fr Gerry Prunty and concluded with a slide show displaying many celebrations and familiar faces participating in special events at the Church. Mr Peter Byrne shared some of his memories about attending St Joseph’s. Special events included weekly Mass, celebrating First Communion and breakfast at the Hall across the road and Confirmation when the Bishop visited.
With the Church surrounded by a stunning backdrop of flowering canola, lush green pastures, thriving crops and the gently flowing Richardson River, guests enjoyed a delicious morning tea together. The cake was cut by two parishioners, Peter and John Byrne.
The first Baptism at St Joseph’s recorded was John Robert O’Shannessy on August 15, 1876 celebrated by Fr Michael Dwyer. Other baptisms held that year included Hugh McConville, John McDonald, Maria Boyle and Joseph Patrick McGonigal.
The first marriage celebrated at St Joseph was on July 19, 1897 between Dugald McDonald and Lorene Dow. Marriages have continued to be celebrated over the decades with the last wedding celebrated between Lisa Drum and Jake McConville in October 2022.
Over the 150 years Mass has continued to be celebrated by dedicated priests travelling out from St Arnaud, with Fr Gerry Prunty continuing this today on the fifth Sunday of the month. Until the 1960’s, Mass was held fortnightly and on the alternate Sunday locals attended Mass in Rupanyup, Minyip, St Arnaud or Donald. During the 1960’s and 1970’s the Church was full, Mass held weekly and each family had their own seat.
St Joseph’s was the building used for the filming of the movie ‘The Dry’, when then Parish Priest Fr Eugene McKinnon and several parishioners had roles in the film.
Marnoo parishioners were also part of the Banyena community, as they only had Mass every fortnight or monthly. By the 1970’s, Mass was only held a couple of times a year and the Church was closed and demolished. Some of the red pine wood from the building was turned to make the Easter Candle stand used at St Joseph’s.
St Joseph’s parishioners love their church, Irish ancestry and strong family ties to this area. They are known for their long chats after Mass to catch-up on the local news, discuss the seasons and solve local issues. In recent years we have started to share morning tea and welcome other East Wimmera parishioners who share Mass on the fifth Sunday.
Throughout the 150 year history, the Church has played a central role in the life of the local parishioners. It has been the place to celebrate both joyous occasions and join to support each other during times of loss or difficulty.
With thanks we acknowledge the former Banyena parishioners and thank them for their support and care of the Church.
Special thanks to Fr Gerry Prunty for his care and interest in each parishioner and celebrating Mass with us. Parishioners appreciated Fr Eugene McKinnon sharing our celebration and remember fondly his time as our Parish Priest.
In the coming years may St Joseph’s Church continue to be a gathering place to pray and share our lives with each other.
Written by Anne Anderson
1. The paddock with the number 150 mown into it belongs to Gerald Drum; 2. L-R: Fr Eugene McKinnon, John Byrne, Peter Byrne & Fr Gerry Prunty