The Block star Mat Johnson buys church in bid to save ‘dying’ town – realestate.com.au

Adelaide’s The Block fan favorite Mat Johnson swaps TV drama for a real-life rescue mission: reviving a decommissioned Anglican church to bring visitors – and dollars – back to a city he describes as “dying”.

Fresh off a third-place finish in the 2025 season of the hit reality show with best friend Robby – Mat on styling, Robby on tools – the duo’s wicked sense of humor and big-hearted approach made them one of the most beloved teams of the season.

They were tipped to win the 21st season of The Block, but walked away with just $109,999 between them after buyer Danny Wallis paid $3,099,999 for their home.

Back in Norwood at his hair salon, MJ by Mat Johnson, Mat said Glam Adelaide the church dream has been in the making for years.

“I can’t tell you why I wanted a church, or why I wanted one,” he said, adding, “But it’s a goal I’ve had for years.”

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He plans to share his reno project on Instagram.

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The 116-year-old church was sold at auction for $250,000.

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Six weeks ago, that long-cherished idea suddenly became reality.

On a Friday morning roll, a listing appeared for the former St Mary Magdalene’s Anglican Church in Brinkworth.

The auction was in two hours, but Mat – a working hairdresser – was busy making one of his clients look his best when the hammer was expected to fall.

So instead, he registered to bid by phone, put in his AirPods, kept cutting — and bought the church.

Realestate.com.au records show the 1910-built property sold for $250,000 through Ray White Clare Valley.

“I could tell from the structure and everything that it was fine. Properties like this don’t come around very often, structurally sound, ideal location, on land with incredible views,” he told Glam Adelaide.

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Matt plans to consult with the community about what they would like to use the church for.

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Brinkworth is a town in the Mid-North region of South Australia with a current population of 243

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Robby Lippett and Mat Johnson. Image: supplied.

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“I knew I had to have it there and then.”

The church, which was decommissioned in 1997 and has remained largely untouched since, will not host services or funerals. Mat’s vision is boutique accommodation that puts Brinkworth back on the map.

“It’s a dying town. I want to breathe life back into it and support local businesses,” he said.

“I’m going to meet the locals and discover everything.

“I want to build trust and respect. I don’t want them to think that some idiot from TV just walks in.”

He shares the restoration in real time on Instagram, where he has already amassed 12.5 thousand followers.