Adelaide’s The Block fan favourite Mat Johnson is swapping TV drama for a real-life rescue mission: reviving a decommissioned Anglican Church to help bringing visitors – and dollars –back to a town he describes as “dying”.
Fresh off finishing third on the 2025 season of the hit reality show with best mate Robby – Mat on styling, Robby on the tools – the duo’s wicked sense of humour and big-hearted approach made them one of the season’s most-loved teams.
They were tipped to win The Block’s 21st season, but walked away with just $109,999 between them after buyer Danny Wallis paid $3,099,999 for their house.
Back in Norwood at his hair salon, MJ by Mat Johnson, Mat told Glam Adelaide the church dream has been years in the making.
“I can’t tell you the reason I wanted a church or the need that I wanted one,” he said, adding, “But it’s been a goal that I’ve had for years.”
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Years of searching led Mat Johnson to a church in Brinkworth, and he’s got plans to create a country getaway.
He plans to share his reno project on instagram.
The 116 year-old church sold at auction for $250,000.
Six weeks ago, that long-held idea suddenly turned into a reality.
On a Friday morning scroll, a listing popped up for the former St Mary Magdalene’s Anglican Church in Brinkworth.
The auction was in two hours, however, Mat – a working hairdresser – was in the midst of making one of his clients look their best when the hammer was expected to fall.
So instead, he registered to bid over the phone, popped in his AirPods, kept cutting – and bought the church.
Realestate.com.au listings data shows the 1910-built property sold for $250,000 through Ray White Clare Valley.
“I could tell by the structure and everything that it was sound. Properties like this don’t come up very often, structurally sound, ideal location, on land with an incredible view,” he told Glam Adelaide.
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Matt plans to consult the community on what they would like to see the church being used for.
Brinkworth is a town in the Mid North region of South Australia with a current population of 243
Robby Lippett and Mat Johnson. Picture: Supplied.
“I knew I had to have it there and then.”
The church, decommissioned in 1997 and largely untouched since, won’t be hosting services or funerals – Mat’s vision is boutique accommodation that puts Brinkworth back on the map.
“It is a dying town. I want to breathe life back into it and support local businesses,” he said.
“I’m going to meet with the locals and find out everything.
“I want to build trust and respect. I don’t want them thinking some whacko from TV is just coming in.”
He’ll share the restoration in real time on Instagram, where he’s already racked up 12.5 thousand followers.
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