Catholic Outlook Magazine | Advent | Summer 2022 Issue

Community hero honoured with
new accessible playspace
STORY MARY BRAZELL
One man’s advocacy means that those with a
disability can now easily access the Holy Spirit
Parish church. Now the whole local community
benefits through a playspace named in his honour.
The legacy of Western Sydney parishioner
and community advocate David Currie will be
remembered for decades to come after a local
inclusive playspace was dedicated in his honour.
At the same time, his own parish, Holy Spirit Parish,
St Clair-Erskine Park, can welcome people with a
wide variety of needs thanks to David’s advocacy
for accessibility.
On Monday 19 September 2022, a large group of
Holy Spirit parishioners joined Penrith City Council
Mayor Tricia Hitchen, NSW Member for Mulgoa
Tanya Davies, Holy Spirit assistant parish priest
Fr Peter Tangey OSA, David’s wife, Margaret,
their children, grandchildren and friends for the
official dedication ceremony of the David Currie
Playspace in St Clair.
David, a long-term parishioner, was a passionate and
tireless advocate for people with a disability, ensuring
that all members of his community could engage in a
fulfilling community life. He was an active member of
the Penrith City Council’s Access committee for over
12 years and was named the Penrith Citizen of the
Year in 2015. David passed away in January 2019.
Parish Moderator Fr Michael Belonio OSA is
delighted that David has been honoured and
remembered in this way. The church now
experiences the benefits of David’s advocacy for
ensuring all places are accessible to all people.
David was a man of compassion
and kindness, he was a welcomer
and a long-time parishioner
until his passing.
Fr Michael
“He took pride in the layout of the church when it
was being renovated, ensuring that from the carpark
to the altar there were no steps. We’re a parish that
is ‘elderly friendly’, we can welcome parishioners in
wheelchairs and lots of young parents with prams
attend our church too. It’s part of being a welcoming
and inclusive community for all generations and all
abilities.
“David ensured there was no hindrance for anyone
going into the church. He saw his disability as not
being a limitation.
David Currie (third left) with NSW Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies (third right) and members of the parish (L-R) Parish Moderator
Fr Michael Belonio OSA, then-Assistant Priest Fr Sumesh Joseph, then-Assistant Priest Fr Kim Phu Tran, Margaret Currie, and PPC
Chairperson Fleur Mathias after receiving a grant from the NSW government for their pergola outside the church. Image: Supplied