Every Australia's Biggest Morning Tea carries a story. For Jess, it's a story of hope, connection and the power of her community.
Living in the regional WA town of Nannup, Jess has spent the past few years navigating life with cancer. Through creativity, community involvement and hosting Australia's Biggest Morning Tea, she has found a way to bring people together and make a meaningful difference for other Western Australians impacted by cancer.
When Jess was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, the future suddenly felt uncertain.
"It was the first week of January," she recalls.
"I was still in hospital when the results came in. Everything felt pretty doomed."
Jess had just undergone major surgery when she learned she would need to begin chemotherapy as soon as possible. Weak, overwhelmed and adjusting to life with a feeding tube, she was faced with not only her own diagnosis, but the emotional weight of what it would mean for her family.
Turning a Personal Journey into Purpose
In the midst of ongoing treatment, Jess decided she wanted to give back - not just as a way to stay busy, but to help other people facing cancer.
That's when she volunteered to host an Australia's Biggest Morning Tea.
"I wanted to support research and help others going through cancer," Jess explains. "When you see progress being made it makes it all worthwhile."
What began as a cuppa and some cake quickly became something much bigger. Hosted at the Nannup Recreation Centre, Jess' first Australia's Biggest Morning Tea attracted nearly 100 people from across the community.
"I honestly didn't know how many would come," she says.
"But everyone showed up. People brought food, baked cakes, donated prizes, helped set up and pack down.
"The support was incredible."
Over the past two years, Jess and her community have raised more than $11,000 through Australia's Biggest Morning Tea – with raffles, auctions, live music and generous donations from local businesses and volunteers.
A Community Effort
From handmade quilts and donated furniture, through to musicians who volunteer their time year after year, Jess' Morning Tea has become a much-loved local event.
"It's only a couple of hours," she says.
"But it's full of connection – good food, laughter, music and people coming together for something that really matters."
Jess is quick to credit her committee of volunteers, who help plan, organise and run the event. "I couldn't do it without them," she says.
"From setting up the hall to coordinating the raffles, they're there every step of the way, and their support makes the whole day possible."
Knowing the funds raised through Australia's Biggest Morning Tea help support other West Australians affected by cancer makes all their hard work feel worthwhile.
"Five years of chemo is huge," Jess reflects.
"If what I'm doing can help another mum or dad going through cancer, that means everything. I'm very proud of that."
Why Jess Encourages Others to Host
Now preparing for her third Australia's Biggest Morning Tea, Jess has a simple message for anyone thinking about hosting their own event:
"Just give it a go."
"You don't have to do something big," she says.
"You can host at work, down your street, at home, or in your local hall. People want to help – you just have to ask."
Jess admits she was nervous at first, but quickly learned that hosting doesn't mean doing everything alone.
"I had a small committee, we met for coffee, planned it step by step," she says.
"The support from the community was unbelievable."
Host Your Own Australia's Biggest Morning Tea
Every Australia's Biggest Morning Tea host and guest has their own reason for getting involved, making each event as unique as the stories behind it.
Host your way this May or June.
