Looking southward across the Richmond River south from Ballina lies the beautiful Parish of Wardell. The parish encompasses the villages of WARDELL and BROADWATER, and includes Meershaum Vale, Empire Vale, Cabbage Tree Island, Dungarubba, Patch's Beach, Riley's Hill and South Ballina and surrounding areas. The PACIFIC HIGHWAY passes through Wardell and Broadwater and on through the canefields and lush green countryside of the lower Richmond. The parish is centred on our beautiful historic Church of St Patrick on the hill overlooking the Richmond River at Wardell. We are looking forward to our church's centenary in 2010. Our Sisters of Mercy live in the convent next to the church and are a much loved part of the parish community. Our priests from our sister parish of Ballina celebrate the sacraments with us and see to our pastoral needs.