Our Parish has been the cornerstone of our community for over
60 years, but it’s in need of preservation. 

The Preservation Project is a non-profit  project coordinated by the parish and it is dedicated to raising much-needed funds to preserve Sts Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral. Through this project we aim to maintain the church’s physical significance for today’s community and future generations. 

Donate today

About the Preservation Project

Fundraising for the Preservation Project commenced in May 2024.

Project works and renewed fundraising efforts commenced in November 2025.

Throughout 2026 and going forward, the Parish will be running a series of fundraising initiatives, where all money raised will go direct to parish works. From gala events, monetary donation to community meetings please subscribe to our mailing list to stay up to with our fundraising efforts. 
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To see an on-going list of projects where all money raised will go to, along with an estimated costs of works, please see the stages listed below.

Est. 1963

The Cathedral has been the home for our parish since 1963.
It’s now vital we put the needed resources into preserving the cathedral for our future generations – the children we see in the cathedral now.

In Memory of Stefan Romaniw

The Preservation Project is a fundraising initiative launched by Stefan Romaniw in May 2024 to help preserve and keep his beloved Cathedral standing for now and future generations. 
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He was a tireless advocate who used the power of his revered voice to fight for others.

He made it his life’s work to preserve Ukrainian culture and identity, both in Australia and abroad.

Cathedral Preservation, Renovation and Renewal

(click the tabs to see each what’s included in each stage)

Stage 0 – Governance, Safety, Risk and Compliance (runs in parallel

  • Project governance: define scope and budget, manage variations in writing, and maintain a project evidence pack (photos, as-built drawings, warranties, certificates).
  • Site safety: fencing, signage, and clearly defined access routes.
  • Fire and evacuation: a one-page Fire and Evacuation Plan, nominated wardens, and a candle safety protocol.
  • Kitchen safety: fire blanket, volunteer briefing, and test-and-tag for portable appliances.
  • Lightning protection: resistance testing and formal report.
  • Fire services: hydrant water supply proving test and formal report.
  • Financial controls: two-person collection/counting rule, reduce cash handling where possible, and timely deposits.
  • Security governance: key control, nominated system administrators, and a documented list of external ‘dark spots’ requiring lighting coverage.
  • Maintenance appendix (after each stage): a short maintenance plan (what, how often, and who is responsible).

Stage 1 – Stormwater and Drainage (external) (budget – $300,000.00 – we have loan for 185,000.00)

Already completed

  • Downpipes: cleaned/flushed and CCTV-inspected (jetting and camera inspection).
  • Preliminary external works: removal of trees/roots and removal of required concrete sections to enable excavation and drainage works.

To complete the stage

  • Complete the underground system: new pipes, pits and (where required) a pump.
  • Reinstate the grounds: backfill, compaction, concrete, and safe pedestrian paths.
  • Quality gate 1 (before concrete/backfill): capture as-built photos/video and verify pipe grades, connections and pit locations.
  • Quality gate 2: functional testing (water test/verification of discharge).
  • Handover pack: as-built documentation, warranties, and a service/maintenance plan for pits, pump and downpipes.

Stage 2 – Under-Cathedral Works, LED, Security, External RGB Lighting and Monitored Alarm (Cathedral only) (budget: $295,238.20 – Grant request: $220,438.20; Cash contribution: $74,800.00 – find money)

2A. Basement / community rooms

  • Confirm a dry baseline after stormwater works.
  • Surface preparation and repairs.
  • Damp treatment.
  • Painting.
  • Basement LED lighting upgrade and electrical certification.
  • Flooring (after wet trades are complete).
  • Kitchen upgrade.

2B. Security systems (turnkey) – Cathedral only

  • CCTV (if included): cabling, installation and commissioning.
  • Monitored alarm (Cathedral only): zoning design (zones map), sensors/panel/sirens/communications, connection to monitoring service, and full testing.
  • Security governance pack: zones map, code policy, call list, and entry/exit delays.
  • Key control: codes/keys, authorised users, and nominated administrators.

2C. External lighting (RGB + safety) with ‘neighbour-friendly’ settingsurity systems (turnkey) – Cathedral only

  • Prepare power supply, cabling routes and circuits.
  • Install architectural lighting (front/perimeter/columns) and up/down feature lighting.
  • Install step lighting as a safety priority.
  • RGB+CCT zoned control.
  • Commissioning and training, including a one-page quick guide with simple modes (Daily White / Event RGB), brightness limits and timers to minimise glare and complaints; admin access restricted to nominated leaders.

2D. Handover

  • As-built documentation, warranties, certificates, user instructions (lighting/alarm/CCTV), and closure of the defects (snag) list.
  • Maintenance appendix: service requirements for lighting, alarm monitoring and CCTV.

Stage 3 – Grounds Reinstatement, Water Shedding and Planter-Only Landscaping (budget -????)

  • Confirm grading so surface water falls away from walls.
  • Provide water cut-off detail at the base of walls (e.g., edge/strip drain/gravel strip as appropriate).
  • Finalise safe, non-slip pedestrian routes and eliminate trip hazards.
  • Landscaping in planters only: anti-vandal planters, correct drainage, placement that does not obstruct access/egress routes, low-maintenance planting and a simple watering approach.

Structure to avoid rework

  • 3A – Design and procurement: grading concept, wall cut-off details, planter-only scheme (planters, locations, planting and watering), and procurement of planters/plants.
  • 3B – Final installation: complete path finishes and install planters/planting once heavy works are fully complete.

Stage 4 – Building Envelope – Roof, Windows and Facade Protection (budget – ???)

  • Roof and domes: inspection and leak mapping, then repair leaks (flashings, penetrations, gutters, junctions). Optional capital upgrade: copper cladding to domes and full external repaint.
  • Windows: diagnose water ingress, repair/reseal flashings and sills, then perform a verification test.
  • Facade: breathable silicone water-repellent treatment (with a test patch and visual approval as a mandatory quality gate).
  • Before facade treatment: rectify cracks, joints and defective pointing.
  • Maintenance appendix: roof and gutter inspection intervals.

Stage 5 – Cathedral Interior – Health, Services, Comfort and Safety (budget – ???)

5A. Ventilation

  • Audit all ventilation openings/paths, clean thoroughly, and upgrade where required.
  • Maintenance appendix: filters, inspection intervals and humidity control checks.

5B. Mould remediation (cause-first approach)

  • Implement safe remediation using containment, treatment, drying and surface preparation.
  • Use breathable materials to avoid trapping moisture within the building fabric.

5C. Full repaint of walls and ceiling

  • Complete repainting after remediation and ventilation stabilisation.

5D. Electrical and LED efficiency upgrade

  • Electrical audit: outlets, switchboard, breakers/fuses, RCDs and load assessment.
  • LED upgrades throughout (internal and where required externally) to reduce energy costs.
  • Emergency/exit lighting compliance as part of the safety scope.
  • Switchboard labelling, updated circuit schedule and certification.
  • Thermographic scan of switchboards (risk/compliance).

5E. Sound, recording and livestream integration (turnkey, no new cameras)

  • Professional audio system: microphones, speakers, DSP/mixer/amplification, cabling and control.
  • Streaming integration: deliver clean audio feed to existing cameras, with level setting and a simple operating workflow for YouTube/Facebook.
  • System tuning, operator training, and a one-page ‘how to stream’ guide.
  • Contingency method for outages (internet/camera failure).

5F. Choir loft perimeter handrails (compliance)

  • Measure current heights, design a sympathetic compliant solution, fabricate and install, and document compliance.

5G. Delivery approach during daily services

  • Deliver works in zones to keep the Cathedral functional.
  • Use dust containment and daily cleaning, with a clean handover prior to services.

Stage 6 – Long-Term Maintenance and Asset Management (10+ years) (budget – ???)

  • Regular inspections: gutters/downpipes, roof, ventilation, electrical systems, lightning protection, lighting and monitored alarm.
  • Maintenance log plus post-storm checklist.
  • Asset register: as-built documentation, warranties, certificates, contractor contacts and service schedules.

FAQs

Yes, it is. You’ll receive a receipt automatically, so keep it handy for tax time.
Impact: Your gift helps keep this Cathedral alive — not just for today, but for the generations coming after us.

The easiest way is online through Stripe — it only takes a minute. If you’d prefer, you can also do a direct bank transfer. You’ll find the details in the Donate section.
Impact: A minute of your time today helps protect this place for decades to come.

Absolutely. Stripe is one of the most trusted payment platforms out there — used by millions of people worldwide. Your details are fully secure.
Impact: Safe, easy giving means we can keep the work moving without unnecessary hold-ups.

Of course. Just make sure to include your full name in the reference field so we can match your payment and get your receipt out to you.
Impact: Direct transfers help us plan ahead and keep progress steady on the work that can’t wait.

If you donated through Stripe, it’ll land in your inbox automatically. For bank transfers, we’ll send one through once we’ve received and matched your payment.
Impact: Behind every receipt is real work happening on the ground — thank you for being part of it.

Straight into the work — things like drainage, basement renewal, safety upgrades and security improvements. Real, practical projects that keep the Cathedral standing and safe for everyone who walks through its doors.
Impact: You’re funding something tangible — work you can see, touch, and point to with pride.

Yes, you can. Just leave a note when donating via Stripe, include it in your bank transfer reference, or drop us an email and we’ll make sure it goes where you want it.
Impact: Want to be the person who fixed the drainage or upgraded the lighting? Now you can be.

No worries at all. Just email us with the donation date, amount, and the name you’d like on the receipt — whether that’s an individual, a couple, or an organisation.
Impact: Getting the paperwork right makes it easier for more people to give generously.

Not at all — every bit helps, genuinely. If you’re thinking about a larger gift, feel free to get in touch and we can work out the best way to handle it.
Impact: Whether it’s $20 or $20,000 — you become part of the story of this place.

There’s still plenty you can do. Share the link with your friends and family, invite people to get involved, sign up for project updates, or simply keep the project in your thoughts and prayers. It all makes a difference.
Impact: One share can spark a dozen donations — and bring this whole project one big step closer to the finish line.

Location

35 Canning Street
North Melbourne
Victoria 3051

Find out more:

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Phone

+61 (3) 9320 2566

Email

melbourneparish@catholicukes.org.au