Fr Junray Rayna, Administrator of St Kilian’s Parish, has launched an appeal to help protect and preserve St Kilian’s Church following a serious fire that gutted the sacristy.

Emergency services were called to the beloved and historic Bendigo church shortly before 6.00 a.m. on Friday 31 July, after the rear of the historic timber building was found alight. Fortunately, no one was injured as the building was unoccupied at the time. Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the fire to the sacristy area and managed to save a number of liturgical objects. While some parts of the church have been affected by smoke, the main body remains largely unscathed, and the tabernacle, altar, pipe organ and other sacred furnishings have not been damaged.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, but Victoria Police have reason to believe it is suspicious and have initiated an investigation.

In an online announcement, Fr Junray expressed his gratitude to emergency rescue workers.

“We are incredibly grateful to the members of the CFA (Country Fire Authority), Fire Rescue Victoria, Victoria Police and all emergency service personnel whose swift and professional response prevented what could have been a far more devastating outcome. Their courage, skill and dedication have helped preserve a church that has been a place of prayer, worship and hope for generations.”

In launching the appeal, Fr Junray acknowledged that the Church is not a building, but a communion of people who rest their hope in Christ; yet he stressed a community responsibility to honour the legacy of our forebears and protect the beloved building of worship which St Kilian’s parish has inherited:

“One thing that has become evident through this fire is that we did not have an adequate fire detection and suppression system in place to properly protect a timber church of this significance. We need to change that.

There will be an insurance process in relation to the damage caused by the fire, and that will take its course. But, regardless of the outcome of that process, we know that we need to invest in a modern and appropriate fire detection and suppression system to better protect St Kilian’s in the future. And that will be our responsibility.

That is why today I am launching the St Kilian’s Fire Appeal and asking for your help.

St Kilian’s has been entrusted to our care. We came very close to losing it. Now we have an opportunity to do something practical to protect it.”

More details about the Appeal and where to make a tax deductible donation will be made available soon. 

Return to Sandpiper e-News 128 (14 August 2026) 

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