Spring
October 2023
Newcastle Anglican acknowledges the traditional custodianship of the First Nations of the land. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past, present and emerging.
For the sake of our grandchildren and great grandchildren
Last year, the Newcastle bishops supported the Lambeth Call on the Environment and Sustainable Development. We joined with bishops from around the globe in affirming that: “We have been gifted a world of breathtaking beauty, astounding abundance, and intricate interconnection. It is a world God declared good and loves.” We heard directly from bishops who were experiencing the ravages of climate change.
Our Synod in 2022 expressed strong support for environmental activism. Slowly and carefully, we are embracing a proactive approach to the environment in our Diocese. We are blessed by Anglican EcoCare as it motivates continued reflection and action. We are challenged by our insurers. The weather is changing, and they believe our assets face more damage.
One of the most tangible expressions of our activism is to change our investment strategy. We have decided not to invest in companies that derive more than 20% of revenue from the extraction, production, or refining of coal, oil, or gas. Our decision takes effect during 2024. This was not an easy decision because we are fully aware of how much our region relies on fossil fuel mining. Our economy is dependent upon it.
We are not alone in this decision. Many Anglican dioceses as well as many faith groups are making similar decisions. The United Nations has estimated that religious institutions, globally, manage a combined $US3 trillion of investments.
The UK-based environment group Operation Noah states:
The investment decisions that churches and faith institutions make are a reflection of the Church, its beliefs, and its values. Investing in climate solutions can be a significant way for churches to stand in solidarity with the most marginalised communities and with the Earth.
Divestment is only part of our response. We state our position in our Environment, Social, and Governance policy this way:
Newcastle Anglican accepts that climate change threatens humanity and our planet. We strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and to sustain and renew life on earth. We commit to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040. Initiatives will include undertaking energy audits and implementing measures to improve energy efficiency. We advocate for a just transition for people and organisations in the transition to renewable resources.
The Hunter Jobs Alliance (HJA) comments that “Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG)-linked investment decisions have turned from a trickle to a flood.” We support the HJA in advocating for the workers and communities of our region.
Rightly, we are concerned about the impact of climate change on our grandchildren and great grandchildren. The Anglican Communion addresses it this way:
The environmental crisis is an existential threat to millions of people and species of plants and animals across the globe. Slow onset disasters, such as drought and sea level rise, as well as rapid onset disasters, such as catastrophic flooding and wildfires, take lives, destroy habitats and beloved homes, devastate livelihoods, cause food shortages, force migration, disrupt communities, and break up families. The impacts of the crisis are costly, both financially and in terms of the trauma they create.
Locally, we are also concerned about the nature of our children’s work and life in the decades to come. It is vital the government articulates a strategy that means the people of this region do not “carry the can of economic change.” A Deloitte report quoted by HJA identifies that “mining and energy concerns directly provide some 13,500 jobs, or 35 percent of the approximately 40,000 jobs in the region, supporting many residents, but also workers living in regions across the lower Hunter and Newcastle.”
We need all political parties to imagine working together on solutions. We all need to imagine that an environmentally and economically sustainable future is possible. This must include models of secure long-term employment.
There are many theological reasons informing our response. One of them is centred on Jesus’ call to care for children. In preparing for the third phase of the Lambeth Conference, Anglicans around the world have been reminded that young people are fearful and anxious about environmental crisis. A 2021 survey of 10,000 children and young people (aged 16–25 years) in 10 countries found:
• 59% were very or extremely worried about climate change.
• 75% said that they think the future is frightening.
Charlotte Jones, a Tasmanian researcher identifies that young people are “increasingly demanding that their environmental futures are taken into consideration in decision-making and are actively confronting older generations for their continued inaction to the climate crisis.”
We have the opportunity to make a difference by our decisions. We can choose life for our planet and future generations.
May we have sufficient courage to make the decisions that will make a difference.
Drought and bushfires. Microplastics and pollution. As the planet continues to suffer, an annual event called on millions of Christians from across the world to pray for and act on behalf of creation.
The 2023 Season of Creation, which took place over five Sundays up until 1 October, was a commitment to help safeguard the environment and its inhabitants for future generations.
The theme for this year was ‘Let Justice and Peace Flow.’ It focused on the Bible verse in which Prophet Amos cries out: “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:24).
Newcastle Anglican’s environmental arm, Anglican EcoCare Newcastle, celebrated the launch of the Season of Creation with a gum tree service at Minmi.
Anglican EcoCare Chair, Reverend Canon Andrew Eaton, said it was an opportunity to lead the way through prayer and action. “As Anglicans, we are strongly committed to peacemaking and striving for justice. This includes ecological justice,” Rev. Eaton said.
Holy God, Earth and air and water are your creation, and every living thing belongs to you: have mercy on us as climate change confronts us. Give us the will and the courage to simplify the way we live, to reduce the energy we use, to share the resources you provide, and to bear the cost of change.
Forgive our past mistakes and send us your Spirit, with wisdom in present controversies and vision for the future to which you call us in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
“In 2023, the symbol for the season was a mighty river. We are gifted with many mighty rivers across our Diocese, from the Hunter to the Manning to the Hawkesbury.
“The people with whom we live and work and pray have strong connections to the rivers and enjoy their beauty.
“It is incumbent upon us to fight for their survival, to be free from pollution and overfishing, and from the deluge of microplastics filling our waterways.
“The world is also facing more frequent and devastating impacts from the changing climate.
“We know the coming summers will be long and hot. Drought and fires will affect many.
“We have the opportunity to lead the way through prayer and action, repenting for misuse of what God has given us, and striving to safeguard this beautiful planet for future generations.”
Parishes from across the Diocese hosted a number of activities and events during the Season of Creation.
Visit Anglican EcoCare Newcastle’s Facebook page or go to www.seasonofcreation.org for more information.
Creation Anglican EcoCare Newcastle organised a gum tree service at Minmi to launch the 2023 Season of Creation.
Anglicans have long been concerned about environmental issues and its impact on people and the planet. Find out more about Anglican EcoCare | Newcastle Anglican’s Environmental Commitment.
Anglican Care is proud to have received a ‘Silver Partner’ award from the NSW Government in recognition of its work as an environmental leader.
Diocesan Chief Executive John Barriga and Executive Director Infrastructure Services Craig Tinker accepted the award from NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage Penny Sharpe during a special ceremony in Sydney.
Anglican Care’s sustainability journey began in early 2018 when it partnered with the NSW Sustainability Advantage program.
This helped the organisation understand the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and how they can be applied to aged care on a daily basis.
Anglican Care’s Corporate Operational Plan prioritises environmental sustainability. It aims to reduce electricity and gas use by 10%, as well as minimising fleet fuel and carbon emissions.
It has also introduced waste separation, with organic green waste collection diverting about 550 tonnes of waste from landfill each year.
More than 40 people from East Lake Macquarie Anglican Parish ‘communed with creation’ around a picturesque location as part of an inaugural Meaningful Meander event.
The parishioners met near the Pirrita Island boardwalk, behind Swansea Holiday Park, for the walk, which included shorter and longer distances to cater for people of varying abilities.
Following a brief prayer, participants were instructed to meander, linger, listen, and love.
They set off to slowly walk or look around and see if they could notice if any member of creation attracted their attention – it might be a cloud, a tree, or a plant.
The aim was to linger, to pause, and to use their senses to take in the wonder of this creature: the colours, shapes, smells, and textures.
There was also an element of listening. What was the being trying to say? What might God be saying through this creation?
Participants were asked to consider entering into dialogue with this member of creation, calling to mind St Francis talking to the birds and seeking Brother Sun and Sister Moon.
Finally, they were asked to find a way to offer love by saying thanks, offering a prayer to God for the encounter, or wishing their new friend well. The aim was to find a way to acknowledge the gift that had been received and the desire to give something in return.
According to Anglican EcoCare Newcastle, to contemplate creation is to hear a message, to listen to a paradoxical and silent voice.
It encourages people to listen to other beings – to learn from animals, birds, the sky, and the land. This can be done inside or outside.
Following the success of the Meaningful Meander, Anglican EcoCare Newcastle will be encouraging other parishes to organise similar events in the near future.
Australians will head to the polls on October 14 to vote in an historic referendum.
Voters will be asked to say “yes” or “no” to the following question:
“A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
Do you approve this proposed alteration?”
For more information in support of a Yes vote:
www.yes23.com.au
Newcastle Anglican is a leading faithbased organisation serving the people of the Hunter and Central Coast. We operate on the traditional lands of the Awabakal, Biripi, Darkinyung, Geawegal, Kamilaroi, Worimi, Garrigal, and Wonnarua peoples.
Discover movie and book recommendations that help paint a fuller picture of the true history of Australia.
Movie recommendations:
The Last Daughter
This documentary is based on a book by Wiradjuri woman and member of the Stolen Generations, Brenda Matthews. It shows Brenda’s journey to unearth the truth about her past, and to reconcile the two sides of her family. Available on Netflix.
Biraban and Threlkeld: Finding the Third Space
This film tells of a friendship between Biriban, an Aboriginal man and leader of Newcastle/Lake Macquarie’s First Nations peoples, and Reverend Lancelot Threlkeld, a British missionary. The pair worked together to create the first translation of the Bible into an Aboriginal language. Available on YouTube.
Book recommendations:
Dark Emu Written by Bruce PascoeDark Emu argues for a reconsideration of the ‘hunter-gatherer’ tag for pre-colonial Aboriginal Australians and attempts to rebut the colonial myths that have worked to justify dispossession.
Koori, a will to win
Writtenby James Miller
The heroic resistance, survival, and triumph of Black Australia.
Blog recommendation:
Red Shoes Walking
A blog for people to explore the spiritual journey by Wiradjuri man, Reverend Canon Uncle Glen Loughrey. www.redshoeswalking.net
Aunty Di and James Miller, author of “Koori, a will to win”As a Christian organisation, storytelling is an important part of our eldership. God has been inspiring authors and narrators for millennia. So, too, have our First Nations peoples.
Our Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander peoples share the wisdom of a 60,000-year-old story. Australia’s history cannot be reduced to 235 years.
More than 750,000 Aboriginal people inhabited Australia thousands of years before colonisation. The indigenous peoples lived harmoniously. They developed languages, rituals, customs, and above all, a deep connection with land.
It is inescapable that we observe we are on land that has been colonised.
The Crown established The Diocese of Newcastle by Letters of Patent in 1847. Our history is intrinsically linked with colonisation. Our leaders, often wealthy men, have made mistakes. The Aboriginal people of our region were dispossessed of their land and oppressed. We lament the reality of bloodshed and massacres.
We know this has caused unresolved and ongoing tension for us as a Diocese and as a community. We can’t right the wrongs of the past, but we can help ensure history doesn’t repeat itself. We choose to change the patterns of privilege.
The Uluru Statement of the Heart invites the nation to “create a better future” with some key reforms:
• Voice: enshrining a First Nations Voice in the Australian Constitution.
• Makarrata: the coming together after a struggle to supervise a process of agreement-making between governments and First Nations and truth-telling about our history.
We wholeheartedly accept the invitation.
Newcastle Anglican is guided by six core values: compassion, integrity, justice, courage, wisdom, and faith.
These values guide us as we work toward meaningful reconciliation. We commit to the joyful and demanding journey of Makarrata: conflict resolution, peace-making, justice, and treaty.
Newcastle Anglican offers unequivocal support to a constitutionally enshrined Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
Our mission is for our people to flourish, because of what we do, inspired by the way of Jesus. We believe the Voice will help First Nations people to flourish.
We ask our community to join us in support of the Voice. Vote ‘yes’ in the 2023 Referendum, so all Australians have the opportunity to flourish.
A better future starts with a true expression of Australia’s history.
More Resources:
The Voice Design PrinciplesUluru Statement from the Heart
The Voice Referendum 2023
https://ulurustatement.org/education/design-principles/
2 https://www.reconciliation.org.au/reconciliation/support-a-voice-to-parliament/
3 https://voice.gov.au/
The Newcastle Anglican team had the pleasure of working with Natalia, a former resident of Samaritans Student Accommodation, throughout the Winter Appeal.
In July, Natalia competed in the Hunter Valley Marathon to raise money for Samaritans, the service that turned her life around.
We’re pleased to report Natalia won the female division of the marathon and placed 9th overall, with a time of 3 hours and 34 minutes.
Natalia organised various fundraisers in the lead up to her run, raising $4,301.32 for the Winter Appeal
On behalf of everyone at Samaritans and Newcastle Anglican...
Many Samaritans programs rely on community donations. Find out how you can help.
Anglican Care’s workforce in Taree has been bolstered with the arrival of the first group of employees under an international sponsorship program.
Bishop Tyrrell Place and Storm Village both welcomed five new staff members after Newcastle Anglican joined a HealthX Pacific Aged Care Training (PACT) initiative.
The program, which is endorsed by the federal government, supports aged care providers through early access to student carers from the South Pacific. They will complete their Certificate III while working at their host facilities.
Following the first group of employees, a further five participants are expected to arrive at Bishop Tyrrell Place in November.
Storm Village will also receive five more staff members in early 2024.
Newcastle Anglican Talent Acquisition and Wellbeing Manager Justin Ryan said there were a number of benefits to joining the HealthX program.
“These new arrivals will provide a more stable workforce, provide an amazing experience of life in Australia for our workers, and offer continuity of care to our residents,” he said.
“The program also provides participants with career and learning development opportunities and will likely lead to a long-term career in aged care.”
Mr Ryan added the employees had enjoyed a successful start to their new careers in Taree.
“Our care support staff members are already fitting in well and supporting our residents in all aspects of care, activities, and wellbeing,” he said.
“They are loving the local area and all the things the Mid North Coast has to offer.”
Under the HealthX program, a recruitment team travels to the South Pacific four times a year and works with local governments and training organisations.
Upon selection, student carers are then prepared for life in Australia through cultural lessons, financial literacy, health, and hygiene.
A facilitator will now fly to Taree each month and present two days of classroom training. Participants also engage in a weekly training session via Zoom.
Newcastle Anglican has the option to sponsor participants full-time following a three-year period.
Newcastle Anglican is loud and proud when it comes to inclusivity.
“There are groups of Australians who still do not feel comfortable being themselves. Many in the LGBTIQA+ community tell us it often feels unsafe to do so.
“This is especially true in religious settings. Newcastle Anglican wants to be part of positive change,” Bishop Peter Stuart said on Wear It Purple Day.
In a show of the organisation’s unity, the colour purple was splashed across schools, offices, and homes on August 25. Wear It Purple Day promotes a supportive, safe, empowering, and inclusive environment for rainbow young people.
Newcastle Anglican Schools are committed to providing a safe environment for all children. This strong commitment is based at the heart of the Christian faith, that teaches us that all people should be treated with dignity and equality.
“From a young age, people learn who they are and what it means to express their identity. We want this to be a safe experience and we create safety with allyship.
“Everything done in our schools is age-appropriate and respectful. We are teaching our young people about self-awareness, trust, respect, and openness.”
Take a look at how Bishop Tyrrell Manning Valley , and Lakes Grammar schools celebrated the day.
Apart from the schools, some of our people across the organisation also chose to wear purple - and a few even took selfies - to support the initiative.
Newcastle Anglican Schools proudly offer an inclusive, faith-based education. Click here to find out more.
Some highlights from our schools
Train rides, ferry trips and a water taxi adventure were part of an action-packed itinerary for five Year 10 students from Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College. The students – Eleanor, Cooper, Aleisha, Eshaal, and Angus – are participants in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) program can be a lifechanging experience that helps students make new friends, discover new interests, and find their place in the global community. It’s also a recognised mark of achievement and is respected by future employers.
On their latest adventure, the five students navigated and hiked nearly 20 kilometres of mostly steep terrain
through the majestic landscapes of the Broken Bay area, showcasing their resilience and determination.
A special thank you to Mr Eddy, Mrs Russell, and Duke of Ed Coordinator Mr Cruickshank, who accompanied the students.
Following this journey, a group of 16 Year 9 students were eagerly awaiting their opportunity to set off to Berowra Waters, Sydney, for another exciting adventure.
In 2023, Lakes Grammar - An Anglican School combined its showcase of HSC Major Works with a Year 7 to 10 Night at the Museum. The Night at the Museum was an opportunity for students to present a visual representation of their theme for the year. Year 8 focused on Shogunate Japan, Year 7 on Ancient History, Year 9 on World War 1, and Year 10 on the ‘Roaring 20s’.
There were astonishing artefacts from great grandparents and some students wore World War 1 uniforms in front of their proud parents.
At the same time, talented Year 12 music, visual arts and technology students had the opportunity to perform or display their HSC Major Works.
The music was outstanding, with a packed house of excited supporters. There was drumming, rock bands, and wonderfully entertaining ensembles. The technology and visual art students were proud to speak about their projects and there were some fabulous items that should do well in the HSC marking.
Learn
Current and new Kindergarten parents visited Lakes Grammar with their teddy bears for a special picnic. Head of Junior School, Mrs McPherson, seemed not to realise that a huge teddy was tied to her back,
while there was face painting, dancing, games, music, and, of course, lots of fun. Some senior students even made an appearance with their stuffed toys.
Scone Grammar School students and teachers recently participated in a mission/service trip to Vanuatu. These special visits provide connection, support, and direction in the Christian faith with these communities.
For the students, they have an important opportunity to gain an understanding of the challenges other communities face, learn compassion, empathy, and deepen their own faith. Students visit and support schools and attend local churches.
The students also get to enjoy some of the tourist opportunities in this beautiful part of our world. Immersed in Melanesian culture, students and staff made some wonderful new friends and learned the value of special relationships.
These annual trips have become a unique and important addition to the Scone Grammar School calendar. The school is grateful for the work and organisation that goes into each trip by Pastoral Assistant, Mr Nick Price.
Talented students from Manning Valley Anglican College (MVAC) truly let their light shine during an inaugural Arts in August event.
Varying talents were on display as the sun set, the lights came to life and the stage was illuminated by performance after performance. It was astounding to think that many of the student had never performed live in front of a large crowd before.
While the focus of the evening was Year 12’s HSC Major Works and performances, the talent throughout younger year groups was also on display. The audience was entertained by Year 9 and 10 Drama students, who stole the spotlight during their performance.
The evening would not have been complete without the hospitality provided by the Year 8 French students. They greeted guests in French and catered to their needs throughout the evening.
Arts in August was a fabulous way for the local community to come together and enjoy an evening amongst the arts.
Our Diocese marked Domestic and Family Abuse Awareness Sunday on 23 July.
Reverend Natalie Quince is the new leader of the Anglican Parish of Taree, and the first woman to hold the position in Taree.
Following the appointment of the former Taree Anglican Parish Rector, Father Peter Tinney, to the Parish of East Lake Macquarie in February 2021, the parish has carried on under a locum and local retired priests with assistance from various lay people.
In January this year, Bishop of Newcastle Dr Peter Stuart and Assistant Bishop Charlie Murry commissioned Reverend Natalie as priest in charge of the parish. Natalie and her family have settled into the rector.
The parish has had women priests in the past, but Natalie is the first woman appointed to lead the parish.
Natalie was born in Wollongong and attended primary school there before the family moved to Mudgee. She completed high school in Central West high schools, including Kinross Wolaroi at Orange.
On completion of schooling, Natalie attended Macquarie University where she obtained Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Law degrees and then worked for SBS in employment and industrial relations for 10 years. She then worked for 10 years for a large Sydney law firm, specialising in employment and safety.
Upon marriage to mathematics teacher, Jay Quince, she moved to Parkes where she spent seven years with a law firm, specialising in family law.
It was here that Natalie felt a call to full time ministry and so she studied for a Master of Ministry through
Ridley College, Melbourne and a Graduate Diploma of Theology through Charles Sturt University St Marks.
Natalie was ordained as a deacon in December 2017 in the Bathurst Diocese and as a priest in April 2019. She served in various parishes in the Central West.
In Parkes, Natalie managed Georgie’s Boutique (an op shop) as well as an emergency relief program, a food pantry and was part of the Central West Food Rescue Group.
Natalie’s parents moved to the Central Coast and she felt it was time for her to seek an opportunity to develop further in her ministry career and sought appointment to Taree.
Jay and Natalie have two children, Sam, 15, and Finlay, 14, both now attending Manning Valley Anglican College (MVAC) and playing representative hockey in junior and senior level. Jay is also now teaching at MVAC but is also a church chorister and a musician.
As priest in charge, Natalie has worship centres at Taree and Old Bar, direct responsibility for the Blue Cross Shop and the emergency relief program, as well as pastoral care responsibility for MVAC, Storm Village, and Bishop Tyrrell Place.
Initially she has been getting to know and understand the people and wishes to help the parish to flourish. Parishioners are very pleased to have her in place and look forward to supporting her in the role.
This article was written by Ian Dimmock for the Manning River Times. Republished with permission.
Domestic and family abuse can be experienced by anyone. Women, children and men of all ages, races, genders, religions, cultures, socio economic backgrounds and abilities can be, and are, subjected to domestic and family abuse.
Sadly, it’s happening in our faith communities too. Research conducted by the National Anglican Church of Australia found that the prevalence of intimate partner violence among Anglicans was the same or higher than in the wider Australian community.
Part of our Diocesan response is to hold an annual Domestic and Family Abuse Awareness Sunday.
Bishop Peter, Bishop Charlie and Bishop Sonia shared a video message within our parishes.
For more information on the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle or to find a service near you www.newcastleanglican.org.au/ministries
Gender-based violence, education and empowerment were key topics when members of the Girls World Friendly Society (GFS) met in Johannesburg, South Africa.
A triennial World Council, which was delayed because of COVID-19, brought together members from across the globe to discuss inspiring stories about the GFS ministries.
The GFS began its life in England in 1875 as a ministry to provide support, safety and friendship for girls and young women moving from the country to the city for work. That vision has since spread to more than 30 countries, and its mission has evolved over time.
Bishop Sonia Roulston was the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle’s representative at the latest gathering in August. She said it was a “wonderful, informative and happy” experience.
“The ministry of GFS may be small in Australia these days, impacted by declining church attendance,” she said. “We are not alone in this experience. However, in other parts of the world, it is thriving, extending, and doing amazing work.
“It was a privilege to hear some amazing stories and share with sisters of faith – and friends – from around the globe in fellowship and ministry.”
During the meetings, attendees were told about the ministries’ positive impacts on their communities.
In Sri Lanka, the local GFS ministry, in partnership with the Diocese of Colombo, provides English literacy lessons for teenagers and young women so they will have better employment opportunities. They combine this with interview skills and other relevant training.
The GFS in Cameroon began teaching tailoring and business skills to groups of young women, enabling them to learn a new skill and set up a business. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, they use the same model to teach bakery and cakemaking, alongside business skills. Some other countries focus on education, while England and Wales combine to provide opportunities for at risk girls.
Japan shared a moving report about their ongoing work in the Fukushima area, long after the 2014 tsunami disappeared from public consciousness. The report included the ongoing impact of radiation poisoning – a generational problem – and of social dislocation created in the aftermath of the tsunami. For those who remain, there are few playgrounds for children or places to gather, and general community breakdown.
GFS Japan is working with others in local community partnerships to address these issues.
Gender-based violence is also a big issue across the ministries. Each of the African countries, particularly, spoke about empowering girls and women, and of raising the status of women.
Anglican Communion Women’s Network representative Mandy Marshall challenged attendees on whether church culture was complicit and invited them to imagine how they might be agents for change.
Apart from working sessions, Bishop Sonia said there was also plenty of fun. “This included a visit to a nearby lion park, learning traditional drumming, and a meal at a Carnivore Restaurant – complete with its nine courses of exotic meats,” she said. “Our closing worship was held at Johannesburg Cathedral and was a festival of worship as we know it, with much singing and dancing.
“Lunch followed at Soweto and included a visit to Nelson Mandela’s house.”
It’s a vital partnership that puts food on the table, offers warm clothing, and provides a sense of belonging.
St Christopher’s Anglican Church and Newcastle Anglican service agency, Samaritans, have joined forces to make life more comfortable for people and families experiencing homelessness or financial hardship.
The organisations provide support from an Emergency Relief Centre in Rutherford.
Over the past few years, the centre has significantly increased its services to meet the needs of the local community.
It offers food, warm clothing and blankets, as well as free haircuts, coffees, and other activities.
A Samaritans support worker and financial counsellor are also available every Tuesday to provide expert advice.
Rector of the Cluster Parishes of Maitland and Telarah/ Rutherford, Reverend Sarah Dulley, says the centre is vital for people who have fallen on tough times.
She adds it has received overwhelming support from the local community.
“Our partnership with Samaritans is really important. They offer services to the community that some people are unable to tap into anywhere else,” Reverend Sarah says.
“We’ve received wonderful support from organisations like Rotary and Slow Food Hunter Valley, as well as local bakeries, Maitland City Council, the police, and local member Jenny Aitchison.
“Many of the cluster parishes ensure food comes across to us and help stock the pantry.
“Some parishes, like Gresford/Paterson, Morpeth, and St Peter’s East Maitland, contribute every Wednesday through OzHarvest [a food rescue charity] and other initiatives.”
The Emergency Relief Centre relies on weekly donations from the community to continue to deliver its services.
Donations can be made every Tuesday between 9am and 12pm.
Head volunteer Kerrie Duffey, who has worked at the Rutherford centre for more than 20 years, says the current living situation is dire for many people.
“The impossibility of housing is making life hard and there are more women and children living in cars than you want to contemplate. It’s frightening,” Kerrie says.
Apart from Rutherford, there are other emergency relief centres located at Broadmeadow, Toronto, Morisset, Cessnock, Taree, Gorokan, and Wyoming.
Op shops are more than just a place to find second-hand treasures. For Samaritans – a service agency of Newcastle Anglican – these shops play a vital role in helping to raise funds for the charity’s support services and crisis intervention.
The charity recycles clothes, books, and other items at its four stores across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
Apart from raising funds to support its services, Samaritans stores offer affordable shopping options for individuals and families.
This benefits those who may be struggling financially and also promotes sustainability by giving new life to pre-loved items.
One of the highlights is the renowned clothing rack at the front of the store. All four locations – Hamilton, Mayfield, Wallsend, and Boolaroo – offer a quality selection of men’s, women’s, and kids’ clothes for just $1.
Samaritans Retail Shop Manager Pauline Sellers says the organisation’s ongoing success relies on the generosity of volunteers.
“It’s not just about keeping the doors open. Volunteers play a crucial role, from sorting donations to serving customers with a smile,” she says.
“There are many benefits to volunteering at Samaritans shops, including developing new skills, building your resume, and making new friends.
“We have been a great local success story and our shops have a really positive impact on the community.”
Volunteer Vicki Dunn, who works at one of the stores every Monday, believes it can be a life changing experience.
“You will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping to support a worthy cause and making a positive impact on the lives of others,” she says.
If you’d like to support a Samaritans shop, you can pop in from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. The doors are also open on Saturdays from 9:30am to 1:30pm (Wallsend and Boolaroo) and 10am to 2pm (Hamilton and Mayfield).
Restoration work at St Mary’s Rectory was completed in August. The work included the installation of a new slate roof using traditional methods, in accordance with Heritage NSW requirements, and the replacement of timber flooring on both front verandas.
The Rectory Roof Replacement Project began in mid-2020 and was approved to proceed in May 2021.
Following multiple interruptions, it was revisited two years later.
St Mary’s Rectory is a perfect example of the stately homes in Maitland in the 19th century.
The first rectory was built in 1938. It was damaged by fire and repaired. In 1879, rising damp and water led to the construction of a new rectory.
Both the church and rectory present a pleasant oasis in the centre of Maitland and feature in many wedding photographs.
The church was closed during August while exciting work was undertaken to improve the internal lighting and audio-visual equipment.
All lighting was upgraded and extra lights were installed to further highlight some of the church’s beautiful features.
All wiring and switchboards were replaced and new mounted and relocatable TVs installed, as well as upgraded microphones and speakers.
It is a modern-day fit-out for an historic church.
The hall was put on the market following careful consideration and a review of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle’s property assets. A lengthy process was undertaken prior to its eventual sale.
The sale of the hall is part of the Diocese’s commitment to release further funds for mission and ministry. This includes funding redress to those who have been harmed within the life of the church.
On Aged Care Employee Day, we celebrated and recognised the dedication and sacrifice of our people. We thanked our nurses, personal care workers, lifestyle coordinators, hospitality teams, and so many others for helping our residents and families flourish every day. Pictured: Staff at CA Brown Lodge go above and beyond to celebrate special days. They joined in the fun of PJ Day by mixing and matching outfits.
For more information on Anglican Care services: Aged Care Facilities in Newcastle, NSW | Anglican Care
Jesmond Grove residents had a wonderful time celebrating a Winter Wonderland and Christmas in July. The residents enjoyed the food and festivities, as well as singing and dancing throughout the afternoon. Over at East Lake Macquarie Dementia Service, participants took the opportunity to dress up and enjoyed a beautiful roast Christmas lunch before taking part in Christmas-themed games and a concert.
Kilpatrick Court celebrated Father’s Day a little early with a special Show and Shine event.
Residents enjoyed looking at some old and new vehicles. A few old Victa lawn mowers even came in on the back of a ute.
Meanwhile, residents at ALKIRA Respite and Day Therapy Centre shared some laughs on Father’s Day with a few classic dad jokes.
Kilpatrick Court celebrated NAIDOC Week in style with the team from Midnight Dreaming.
Elders attended a smoking ceremony before Midnight Dreaming dancers performed a routine full of pride and passion. This was followed by basket, weaving and art lessons. To top it all off, there was a sausage sizzle for all.
