Celebrations at Ballarat Central - Ballarat Central Uniting Church
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Issue 75 August/September 2021
Celebrations at Ballarat Central
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 14. Special occasions, notes the next edition of BCUN in any
1: Celebrations at BCUC 15-16. Rosters way, please email me, Leanne
2. Ordination invitation,
A big thankyou to all of the Keem, at:
finances leanne.keem@gmail.com
3-4. From our Minister’s Pen contributors who provided arti-
Please note, items for the Octo-
5-6. Church Council report cles and photographs for this edi-
7. Back packs, choir notes ber/November edition of BCUN,
tion of BCUN. They are very much
8-9. Pictures to be published on Sunday, Octo-
10-12. Lifeline, Outreach, appreciated. I couldn’t do it with-
ber 3, will be due on Sunday,
Uniting Care history out your help.
September 26.
13. One stitch at a time If you would like to contribute to
1
Issue 75 August/September 2021
Invitation www.youtube.com/c/
The Chairperson of the Pres- Chaplaincy.
BallaratCentralUnitingChurch
bytery of Western Victoria, The service will be held at
If you are able to attend
Rev David Carter has extend- 2.30pm
please RSVP by August 15
ed an invitation to attend the on Saturday, August 28, 2021
Service of Ordination as a to Rev Lauleti Tu’inauvai
Minister of the Word of At Ballarat Central Uniting
M: 0413 115 711
Church.
Lyall Reid or Ballarat Central Uniting
For those unable to be pre-
and his Induction into a Church Office
sent you are invited to partic-
Presbytery Placement within ipate by watching the on-line admin@bcuc.org.au
the Ballarat Central Uniting live stream on the We look forward to sharing
Church and the Ballarat Central Uniting this special Ordination and
Ballarat Regional Healthcare Church You Tube channel Induction Service with you.
BCUC MISSION & MINISTRY
FINANCIAL DONATIONS & SUPPORT
2021 2020
DONATIONS TO 30th June 2021
Ballarat Regional Chap- $160 $319
laincy
Act for Peace Christmas $1200 $2029
Appeal
Stewardship Pledge $3127 $3125
Christmas Giving Tree $1795 $2005
Minister’s Welfare Fund $275 $972
Quarantine Support $3075 -
Uniting Ballarat Programs $13,228 $15,830
(Breezeway, Lifeline,
Meals for Change)
Donations raised through
Book Fair, Pancake
Lunch, Sausage sizzle
Thank you for your generosity and support.
2
Issue 75 August/September 2021
From our Minister’s Pen to connect the gospel of Jesus Uniting Church in Australia in a
Christ with the current contexts moving opening Service of Wor-
and challenges and also ship. In her powerful sermon,
acknowledges the gifts of all Sharon encouraged the Assem-
people and affirms what the bly with her theme for the next
apostle Paul advocates in his triennium “Dwelling in Love” to
letter to the Galatians 3:26-29: be upturned and transformed by
“26 for in Christ Jesus you are all the radically inclusive love of
children of God through God in Jesus Christ. Rev Hollis is
faith. 27 As many of you as were the third woman to be Presi-
baptized into Christ have clothed dent, and the first ordained
yourselves with Christ. 28 There is woman in the role. She will offer
no longer Jew or Greek, there is the Church spiritual leadership
no longer slave or free, there is for the next three years.
no longer male and female; for
all of you are one in Christ Je-
sus. 29 And if you belong to
THE HISTORICAL Christ, then you are Abraham’s
UCA 16th ASSEMBLY offspring, heirs according to the
promise.”
I was honoured to be a member Our Basis of Union also encour-
of the historical UCA Assembly ages the church to use the gifts
first-ever online meeting that and graces of every member re-
was held over zoom on the 17th gardless of age, gender and eth-
and 18th July 2021 because of nicity. “The Uniting Church will
the Covid-19 pandemic re- thereafter provide for the exer-
strictions. cise by men and women of the
gifts God bestows upon them,
Assembly is one of the four inter and will order its life in response
-related councils in the Uniting to God’s call to enter more fully
Church: Congregation and into mission.” (BoU para. 13)
Church Council (local council);
Presbytery (district council), Syn- Dr Deidre Palmer
od (regional council) and Assem-
bly (national council).
It was encouraging and uplifting Retiring President, Dr Deidre
to feel that as a member and a Palmer, in her report reminded
leader in Ballarat Central Uniting the assembly and the church of
Church, I (we) am part of a larger the abundant grace of God and
and greater church (Uniting) and liberating hope we have in Christ
world-wide (in Australia). - which is always more than we
could ever imagine. In conclud-
However, the online meeting of ing her report to the assembly,
about 200 members all over Aus- she reminded a continuing chal-
tralia and finished earlier than lenge for our Church to be
anticipated was not the only his- “evangelism” which I believe
torical event in the assembly. that we have lost this significant
Rev Sharon Hollis
It is great to be a member and a and relevant part of who we are
Rev Sharon Hollis was installed as a church today and need to
leader in a church that attempt
as the 16th President of the
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Issue 75 August/September 2021
recover and reclaim this unique still in her thirties. Today we Torres Strait Islander people; in-
ministry. Dr Palmer challenged move forward because of you creased amendments to legisla-
the church: “How do we share all." Rev Suli has been leading the tion which remove barriers to
the Gospel of Christ confidently UCA Tongan National Conference pursuing litigation; preparation
and authentically? How do we 2nd Gen program of one thousand for direct personal responses and
invite people into a transforming young people for many years. trauma-informed engagements
personal relationship with Christ The assembly meeting began and responses to redress appli-
and into life-giving communities with a welcome and acknowl- cants and plaintiffs in civil litiga-
of faith? Our witness to the gen- edgement of Country from inter- tion; equipping and supporting
erous love and welcome of God, im Uniting Aboriginal and Is- Uniting Church personnel who
and the shaping of our communi- lander Christian Congress (UAICC) are managing and responding to
ties of faith as inclusive prophetic
national chair Ps Mark Kickett, abuse and redress issues across
embodiment of Christ’s justice, inviting the assembly and the the Church.
healing and reconciliation are whole church to remember and Celebrating both oneness and
some of the most evangelical hold in our hearts the First Peo- difference and mounting a vision
acts in which we engage.” ples who walked on this land. Ps for unity in the Christian commu-
Mark Kickett brought a report nity where both difference and
from Congress, and shared via oneness in Christ are at once
video, stories about relationship, affirmed and celebrated was the
culture and faith from our First theme of black liberation theolo-
Peoples. gian Prof Anthony Reddie who
The assembly General Secretary, delivered the Cato Lecture to the
Colleen Geyer, placement was assembly.
extended for three years after 5 For more information about the
and a half years in the position. UCA 16th Assembly two-day
The asembly elected a new As- meeting, please go to https://
sembly Standing Committee, Ad- uniting.church/16thassembly/
vocates of Circles and Chairper- I hope and pray that we will con-
sons for Assembly Agency Boards tinue to support and encourage
and National Committees. the leadership, ministry, mission
One of the newly established as- and evangelism of all people in
sembly’s ministry is the UCA Re- our congregation and also we
dress Ltd. It was registered as a continue to serve collaboratively
company limited by guarantee in and in partnership with other
September 2018. Members of councils of the church.
Rev Charissa Suli the company are the Synod Prop- I want to conclude with the final
erty Trusts and the Assembly. blessing that was offered by the
Rev Charissa Suli, another wom- The company has its own Board Synod of Queensland Moderator,
an, was also elected by the as- with two directors appointed by Andrew Gunton, from Sunshine
sembly as the President-elect and the Property Trusts, one director Coast where the reconvened As-
is the youngest and first person appointed by the Assembly, and sembly will meet next year.
of colour to serve as President- a board appointed director. The "Bless us in our gathering and our
elect and will be leading the Assembly General Secretary is scattering. Bless us in our deci-
Uniting Church in three years the Assembly’s nominee director. sions and our discipleship. Bless
time. In her response to the an- There are future challenges for us as we anticipate taking our
nouncement, Charissa said: "This the Redress Ltd. There are possi- leave and as we are excited for
is truly an historic moment for ble increasing numbers of re- gathering together again."
the Church. This is ground- dress applications into the future, Grace and peace!
breaking that you call a Second especially with increased aware- Lauleti
Generation Tongan Australian, ness among Aboriginal and
4
Issue 75 August/September 2021
mixer, capture device, converters, ly it has been agreed the available
cables, condenser microphones and funds ($559.17) be donated to
cable for the choir) was completed. funds the Emergency Relief Centre
Control of the system has returned at Uniting Ballarat.
to the desk at the rear of the Wor-
BCUC has been the recipient of a
ship space. It has taken a little ‘trial
sizeable bequest from the estate of
and error’ to optimise the sound
Wayne Morgan Hankin. We have
and camera settings with the new
been unable to establish a connec-
equipment. I am sure all will agree
tion for Mr Hankin for Ballarat Cen-
the picture quality is very high and
tral or one of the congregations
we wait to hear our choir with the
past or present in Ballarat. From
new arrangements in place.
the internet we have been able to
We are planning to formally wel- learn that Mr Hankin was a lifelong
Church Council Report come those who have recently resident of Golden Point and a for-
joined us at BCUC at our Worship mer Ballarat Football League presi-
Rod Devenish, service to be held on Sunday Sep- dent and historian. If any of our
tember 12th. Those who would like readers can provide further infor-
Chairperson to be welcomed in this way, please mation we would be pleased to re-
let Lauleti or Miriam Peck know. ceive it.
July 2021
Stewardship and finance Uniting In Ballarat
Executive & Finance Committee of We have reviewed our financial The following is an overview pro-
Church Council met on July 14th and situation at the end of the June vided in Uniting’s most recent re-
a meeting of the full Council was quarter and made adjustments to port to Council (prepared before
held on May 28th via Zoom. our budget. Principally the revised the lifting of the most recent lock-
Worship and Covid safety budget reflects more accurate esti- down) showing the continuing im-
mates of our income to be received pact of COVID-19 as a major disrup-
As I write this report we have exit-
through planned and open plate tor in our community.
ed the fifth lockdown for Victoria.
giving. At present we will have a BreezeWay & Karrung • Due to the
Fortunately we are able to have up
deficit at year’s end and will need COVID lock down Breezeway is only
to 100 persons share in face-to-face
to look at ways we can increase our open for takeaway – providing 80 -
worship. We are again all required
income and decrease our expendi- 90 meals daily.
to use QR code registration and to
ture going into the future. Insur- • Karrung (an integrated housing
carry a mask and wear it indoors.
ance is one area where we have and support program for young
Morning tea/coffee can be served
had to deal with a substantial cost people aged 16-25 years) is busi-
as it was prior to the most recent
increase and which will continue ness as usual for consumers and
lockdown.
into the foreseeable future. staff in line with COVID-19 re-
If you have viewed our on-line Wor- strictions.
The formal transfer of the Matilda
ship on one of the last two Sundays Homelessness
Louise Thompson bequest from
you may have observed that the • Department of Housing lack of
Wendouree to Ballarat Central has
AV/IT table has ‘disappeared’ from housing supply is a great concern.
been completed by Synod. We have
the front of the Worship space. Just • COVID-19 has seen unprecedent-
use only of the income which, ac-
prior to the most recent lockdown ed demand.
cording to the terms of the be-
work to upgrade our video stream- Homelessness Entry Point
quest, must be expended on our
ing equipment (cameras, controller, • Homelessness Entry Points Initial
‘Social Work Programs’. According-
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Issue 75 August/September 2021
Assessment and Planning (IAP) un- continue to be in high demand for which the BCUC choir will lead
der funding of staff and lack of re- across the Ballarat region. the singing. We will be providing
sources needs urgent review by • Uniting have commenced a new afternoon tea/coffee after worship
Government. program focused on our older com- to share with our guests.
• Options to refer clients to crisis, munity members’ mental health
Building Development
medium and long-term housing so- through working with Hepburn
lutions are all severely limited. Health to provide an in reach ser- At present our attention is being
• Access to suitable affordable so- vice to Residential Aged Care Facili- focussed on the ‘old manse’ site
cial and community housing contin- ties that accept our service offer. which we are seeking to re-develop
ues to be the major barrier to suc- Lifeline as a shared area for use by both
cessful outcomes for consumers. • We have had our paid Sunday ser- BCUC and Uniting. A project control
Reid’s Guest House vice for Lifeline Ballarat extended group comprising representatives
• Funding from the Perpetual Percy after an expression of interest pro- from Church Council, Presbytery,
Baxter Fund of $60,000 was re- cess, this will help attract volun- Synod Property Services and
ceived. The funding will used for teers to work on Sunday’s for the Uniting has now been established
two new consulting rooms to facili- service. and which will do the work of fur-
tate visiting support services • Jodie the Lifeline Manager has ther developing the proposal. How-
meetings with consumers. resigned, however we are in the ever, before this group begins to
• A strengthened partnership with process of offering a new Centre meet formally we have had to com-
Foodbank and a partnership with Manager the position. The pre- plete a Property for Mission Work-
SecondBite is providing consumers ferred applicant comes from within book which lists all the uses of our
with fruit, vegetables and groceries. Uniting’s services and will be able buildings and prioritises our mission
• Fee structure changes have now to hit the ground running. activities, both current and future.
make it possible to provide a wel- Property and related matters The completed workbook has been
come pack to consumers. The wel- sent to Presbytery for their consid-
Thanks to all who attended and
come packs includes crockery, cut- eration as part of the next steps in
contributed to our de-cluttering
lery, toiletries and food supplies for moving things forward.
Working Bee held in June. We re-
24 hours. This initiative has re-
moved a large amount of unwanted
ceived very positive consumer feed-
materials and items, some of which Church Council Office Bearers for
back with consumers feeling wel-
could be recycled to various other 2021-22
come and settled.
‘homes’, thereby freeing up storage
• We are now providing more sup- Our Office Bearers for the forth-
space for our ongoing activities.
port not just accommodation, as- coming 12 months will be:
sisting consumers to navigate link- Joint Placement for BCUC and
Chair – Rod Devenish
ages into services such as AOD, job BRHCC / Ordination and Induction
for Lyall Reid Deputy Chair - Mary Hollick
training, etc.
Shops I am pleased to report that the spe- Secretary – Mary Hollick
• Currently closed to the public, but cial ministerial placement to be Treasurer on Council – David Pratt
still providing emergency relief for shared jointly by our Congregation
On behalf of the Council and the
pick up. and Ballarat Regional HealthCare
Congregation I would like to thank
• Looking forward to reopening as Chaplaincy has been approved by our ‘retiring’ Secretary, Anita Hin-
soon as possible for our customers Presbytery and Synod. Lyall Reid ton, who has stepped down from
and volunteers. will be ordained and inducted in a this role after 6 years of service.
AOD and Mental Health service to be held on Saturday 28th Anita will continue as a member of
• AoD and Mental Health programs August at 2:30 p.m. at Central and Council as one of our Elders.
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Issue 75 August/September 2021
Girl Guides pack back packs
On Wednesday, June 23, members of BCUC who have so the Pacific Islands where school
11th Ballarat Girl Guides were busy kindly donated so many items over supplies are difficult to obtain.
packing all the donated items into the past 12 months. The girls enjoyed being able to
the back packs which have been The girls packed a selection of these serve the community in this way
stored in Lauletti’s study. items into backpacks according to a and REALLY enjoyed being in a very
The biggest room in the Manse was list supplied by teachers from warm building on a very cold Balla-
piled with school books, pencils, schools in the Pacific Islands. These rat night.
handkerchiefs, lunch boxes, drink will be taken to Melbourne, packed — Marg Littlehales and
bottles, skipping ropes and tennis into a shipping container and even- Laura Shearer
balls. A big ‘Thank You’ to all the tually reach children in schools on
Covid-safe for a choir). If you are
Choir notes interested in singing in the choir
week by week or from time to
New members are always wel-
time or are interested in joining us
come in the choir. We continue
for special occasions, simply con-
to meet on Thursday evenings,
tact Helen Dug-
starting at 7:00pm (earlier than
gan helenmd@activ8.net.au. Ex-
usual because of the cold) and
pressions of interest are also wel-
practising for only one hour (to be
come from instrumentalists.
7
Issue 75 August/September 2021
Barry’s Birthday
celebrations
Barbara Snibson & Jayne Wilkins
and family would like to express
their grateful thanks for the sup-
port of the Ballarat Central
Uniting Church in allowing the
Church, Peart Wing and facilities
to be used for the recent
80th Birthday celebrations for Bar-
ry Wilkins. We specially thank the
wonderful BCUC Ladies for cater-
ing and providing a superb after-
noon tea.
Thank you Miriam Peck, Faye
tured, for your outstanding con- was a delightful celebration of
Withers, Judith
tribution. Thanks also to the Rev music, tributes, reminiscing and a
Wheaton, Glenice Warner, Bev
Lauleti for his tribute to Barry. It fun afternoon.
Hutchinson and Judy Stone, pic-
Part of the celebration of Mr Barry Wilkins (OAM) 80th
birthday at Ballarat Central Uniting Church on Sunday
4th July 2021. From left: Mrs Rosslyn Sutton, Rev Dr
Graeme Sutton, Mr Barry Wilkins, Mr David Pratt and
Rev Beverley Pratt.
Nikki Foy, First peo-
ple and cultural
ambassador with the
City of Ballarat
makes a point in her
NAIDOC week: heal-
ing country presen-
tation and Lauleti
plays a didgeridoo.
8
Issue 75 August/September 2021
Rod Devenish introduces Church officers during the Commis-
sioning Service.
Matt and Issac,
bottom right.
Left: Bridesmaids
Mary Deng, left,
and Nyibol Deng.
Top right: Nyaji-
ma Reath and
Nyalip Pal, one of
four bridesmaids.
Top: The hut on
top of the wed-
ding cake is simi-
lar to the house
Mary lived in
when she was a
child in Africa.
9
Issue 75 August/September 2021
THE HISTORY
Lifeline Ballarat, Outreach, Uniting Care Ballarat to Uniting
1971 to 2021 — By Bev Pratt
In 1969 the Ballarat Parish Mission, dur- pay for tea, coffee and biscuits. There In 1978 an Outreach Auxilliary was estab-
ing the ministry of the Rev John Peters, were other tasks needing volunteers – lished to provide funds for emergency
the establishing of Lifeline commenced. sheets to be washed if the over night relief and make improvements to houses
Lifeline was established by the Sydney worker had managed to catch a rest for in the Housing Program. In later years
Methodist Mission as a result of a person an hour or so, housework, gardening at when these were funded, they provided
phoning the Rev, Dr. Alan Walker, threat- the Centre etc. A great team helped es- meat for Breezeway. This small group of
ening to end their life. Alan Walker be- tablish Lifeline in those early years. hard working ladies organised specific
lieved a phone line should be established Lifeline at that time was situated in the functions, with one highlight being the
whereby those who were in distress former Manse of the Congregational hiring of the Ferry on Lake Wendouree
could ring and speak to a caring voice. church whose members had joined with and numerous coffee parties. The Auxil-
Other centres closely followed, Maughan the Ballarat Parish Mission. The gift of iary disbanded in 2004.
Methodist Mission Adelaide, then Balla- the Manse meant Lifeline had a “home” Lyn Light began as a volunteer of what
rat and Melbourne. as there was no money to have paid rent was originally called “Outreach”. She
The Rev John Peters, appointed to Balla- for a building. The Chairman had $100 to was appointed as Director, a paid posi-
rat Methodist Mission in 1968, gathered buy a chair for the part-time Director, tion in 1982. “Outreach” began in a small
a small committee to explore whether the Rev Ray Moore! room under Wesley Church in October
the Mission might be able to establish a It is worth noting that during the Rev 1981 with congregational volunteers
Lifeline in Ballarat. Tragically John did Peter Dawson’s ministry there was a de- providing emergency relief, food, cloth-
not live long enough to see the Line es- sire by a group of community people in ing and bedding. By the next year one
tablished but the works already under- Warrnambool to set up a Lifeline. A room was not sufficient and the congre-
taken continued and planning com- group of the Ballarat committee travelled gation rented a building at 205 Dana
menced. for some years to assist in establishing Street which in 1984 was purchased.
A Lifeline Committee was formed by the service. A section of the road to With what had been the Caretaker’s
some men of the congregation plus a few Warrnambool had no markings and one home no longer needed for that purpose
representatives from some other denom- very foggy night those returning home in 1983 Outreach relocated to the home.
inations. ended up in a farmer’s paddock!! It was As the Service grew additional building
In 1971 the Victorian Methodist Confer- usually 2am when the men got back to capacity was added on the site. By 2014
ence moved the Rev Alan Collins from Ballarat.In 2009 Lifeline Ballarat became a second office complex was leased from
Doncaster to the Ballarat Parish Mission. part of Lifeline National, auspiced to the Federation University SMB Campus
Alan had a difficult task and in the begin- UnitingCare Ballarat. due to further growth.
ning had to deal with professionals be- During the time of Alan Collin’s ministry By 2003 Uniting Care was managing 131
lieving that untrained volunteers would the congregation employed Len Wilson, properties, including 2 rooming houses
not be suitable. Eventually the profes- one of its members. Len was asked to and in that year Reid’s Guest House was
sionals, especially Mental Health leaders, seek ways the congregation may engage purchased providing rooms for 50-60
realised this would not be the case. Alan with the community in addressing social people per night. The Committee was
had a very challenging task to convene a needs. fortunate that a number of Charitable
group who would select Volunteers to Also during Alan’s time, Dorothy Doug- Trusts assisted with the purchase and
train as Telephone Counsellors. Alan’s las, a member of the congregation, who further finance.
guidance and energy enabled Lifeline was secretary to the then Liberal State By 2010 31 Units were established under
Ballarat to become a reality. Government member Mr Tom Evans, the Social Housing Innovations Project
Lifeline Ballarat was officially opened on MLA was concerned with the number of (SHIP) under arrangement with the Victo-
the 14th November 1971 by the Hon. people wanting to talk to Tom about rian Government. A number of these
Murray Byrne, MLC, Minister for Decen- their desperate need for housing. This Units were built on the grounds of the
tralisation, with him making the first call need led to the Parish Mission in 1976 former Mt. Pleasant church. The access
declaring the Centre officially opened. purchasing a house in Peake Street as road to the Homes was named after the
Since that date volunteers have provid- emergency accommodation for women late Dr. Albert Coates whom together
ed the service 24 hours a day, 7 days a and children seeking refuge. A second with his family were members of that
week. In that first year there were 68 house was made available by the Hous- Congregation. Later 5 Units under a sep-
trained Counsellors who “answered the ing Commission as a refuge and by 1986 arate program were located on the Mor-
call”. As the years went on the number of there were three emergency houses for a ton Street frontage.
telephone counsellors needed to be maximum stay of six weeks, Peake House
close to 100. There were never any spare had a 3-6 month stay and a caravan was
dollars in those early years with the purchased for emergency youth accom- Continued next page
workers putting in money themselves to modation.
10Issue 75 August/September 2021
THE HISTORY
Lifeline Ballarat, Outreach, Uniting Care Ballarat to Uniting
1971 to 2021 … continued
From previous page the Friendly Visiting Program to Ararat and furniture shop became the enlarged
Four of these Units have 2 bedrooms and Residents. space for Breezeway meals. There are
the fifth contains a kitchen and an educa- Transport was a difficulty many elderly also offices where various community
tion area where these young men learn and those with a disability faced. Getting services come to Breezeway to see and
how to cook, maintain their Units and to medical appointments etc. proved help clients. We acknowledge the gener-
prepare for independence and work. difficult and in 1989 the first community osity of the Oliver family and Oliver
The congregation has provided a variety car was purchased. In 2016 this commu- Foundation with the support they have
of food and other items each Sunday nity service expanded with a small bus to given to this expansion. Acknowledge-
with the grocery cart which is included in take these supported and isolated peo- ment must also be made of the support
the prayer following the offering. The ple on country outings. St John of God Hospital gives in providing
congregation also became aware of op- A major decision of the State Govern- staff and food for Sunday lunches.
portunities to respond to people’s needs ment in 1996 meant the deinstitutionali- Another area where people seek the
with Opportunity shops to help with sation of help of Uniting is where there is an
clothing, household and other goods. In Patients in Psychiatric Hospitals being emergency, disputed or changed bene-
1974 an Op Shop began with the rental returned to the areas from which they fits such as unexpected unemployment,
of a shop at Stone’s Corner (corner of had come. Many of the residents had especially with an increase in teenage
Victoria Street and Bridge Street). In lived their entire lives at Lakeside or had unemployment. Another Support for
2000 a small shop in Sheppard Street no living family in the areas to which the clients is the White Goods Loans pro-
was rented and the furniture shop Government sent them. The majority of gram with Uniting paying for fridges/
opened in Albert Street. In 2004 another those living in Ballarat lived in places washing machines, for example, and the
shop opened in the upper level of Wes- such as rooming houses with no facility client paying Uniting over a period of
ley Hall which continues to operate to to cook or even warm food. Lyn became time Interest Free.
this day. In 2015 the Sheppard Street aware of clients speaking of how unpal- For a number of years Outreach ran a
shop was vacated and the large building atable cold baked beans or cold spa- very successful Home Show. 1994 Out-
at 1323 Howitt Street was opened and re ghetti was as there were no means of reach purchased the rights to The Couri-
-branded as “Restore” With the devel- cooking or heating food. er Home Show. For a small entry fee very
opment of the Breezeway into what had In 1997 Barbara Cole was employed to large numbers of people saw businesses
been the furniture store in Albert Street, establish and commence a new (to Balla- which were invited to exhibit their prod-
a new op shop for clothing, furniture and rat) initiative; a ”365 days a year” meals ucts. The proceeds going to support
household item moved to a large shop in program for those in the community who the operation of Breezeway and Lifeline
Latrobe Street, Delacombe. All these op were homeless or without adequate and other non-government funded
shops enable donors to know their gifts cooking facilities in their accommoda- Uniting Care Ballarat programs. Difficulty
assist. tion. This became known as Breezeway in securing suitable premises led to the
In seeking to support people who were meals program. Barb ensured this meals conclusion of the Home Show in 2009.
isolated, housebound and lonely, a “Do program provided a safe, comfortable In 2012 very successful Book Fairs began
Care” program began in 1985. This environment for the clients; and no and have been held twice a year. Books
meant that volunteers were needed to matter how complex their issues, clients come from very many people and areas,
do this visiting and they needed training were made to feel welcome with a gen- they are then sorted into a variety of
in the necessary skills. In 1989 a Tele- tle, non-judgemental ear given. The pro- categories, and stored until the next Fair.
LINK contact program began with tele- gram began in what was known as the People come from well beyond Ballarat
phone conversations with Do Care recipi- lower hall kitchen and later expanded as they know they will be able to access
ents. For many on the Do Care program into the Panel Room. Under Barb’s lead- books they have been searching for.
the only contact with another person ership this location, in time, included Homelessness has been and continues to
was a Do Carer, thus many were able to access to visiting health professionals be a huge need. In these latter years
remain in their own home and were not and other specialist workers when needs there has been a huge increase in people
so isolated. were identified. seeking accommodation. Many sleep on
This support was expanded to include In 1998 “Breezeway Meals” began initial- the streets, “couch-surfing’ in relatives’
visiting to lonely people who were in ly providing up to 25 meals per day. By or friends’ homes, or sleep in their cars
residential care. Beginning with the 2015 meals served numbered 21,840 which is so difficult if there are also little
Queen Elizabeth Aged care and Kelaston per year. It was obvious that there need- children involved. UnitingCare is now the
this program has now expanded to 15 ed to be an upgrade and refurbishment entry point for Ballarat homeless ser-
Aged care centres. of Breezeway. vices working with other agencies.
In 2005 Do Care expanded to provide In 2021 what had been the furniture hut Continued next page
11Issue 75 August/September 2021
THE HISTORY
Lifeline Ballarat, Outreach, Uniting Care Ballarat to Uniting
1971 to 2021 … continued
From previous page integrated housing and support program Boards of Management, Lifeline and Out-
There are a lot of people in Ballarat who for young people aged 16-25 years. The reach, coming together to form one
struggle with alcohol and other drug is- program provides support to eligible agency – UnitingCare Ballarat.
sues. It affects not only the person who young people from the Grampians region A major change occurred for UnitingCare
has problems with alcohol or drugs but to engage in education, training and em- Ballarat when the Synod of Victoria Tas-
has terrible effects on family and sup- ployment opportunities aimed at pre- mania brought all Uniting Care activities
portive friends. In 1999 a Tender of the venting future homelessness. The expec- under the Governance of a Centralised
Government’s funding for Alcohol and tation is that young people will stay at Board. UnitingCare Ballarat ceded its
other Drugs Dual Diagnosis was success- Karrung for an average of 12 months but powers to UnitingCare Victoria Tasma-
ful and in 2001 Uniting built a youth maybe up to two years. Karrung is nia. The organisation is now known as
withdrawal unit, named Tabor House, a staffed 24 hours a day and in the years Uniting.
few kilometres to the east of Ballarat. since its foundation many young people In 2014 the then Executive Director, Mr
Those admitted to Tabor House are sup- have re-engaged with education as well Cliff Barclay said, “an agency is im-
ported with withdrawal from their addic- as learning independent living skills, portant, it is only as good as the transfor-
tion, primary drugs of concern being al- knowledge about their rights and re- mation it makes in the lives of the people
cohol, cannabis and methamphetamines. sponsibilities in the community as well as we serve. Recently I spoke at the congre-
Support is given to assist their general healthy living and career advice. gation about UnitingCare and one of the
health, find suitable housing, and give With the retirement of Lyn in 1998 the people present came up to me to tell me
assistance in establishing social contact. Board appointed Mr Cliff Barclay who what a help we had been to him. He had
In 2011 Uniting opened the first Foyer came with a history of leadership in been homeless and was attending
program in the Grampians region with Church and Community services. Cliff Breezeway. He was able to shift into a
the first young people moving in during worked hard to improve services for the house that we had built some years
February of that year. The program was homeless and in many ways it was his back, he had got his life back on track,
formed as a result of a successful sub- forsight which led to Uniting Housing regained his driver”s licence and was
mission by a consortium in which Victoria. This has now become Uniting- now volunteering in the agency. This is
UnitingCare Ballarat was the lead agen- Care Housing Victoria Limited. the sort of transformation that we are
cy. Karrung consists of 18 Units and is an In 2001 a change in the Uniting Church looking for.”
Constitution resulted in the two separate
Coin trail
The young people put the
coin trail coins into a buck-
et after very generous
donations were made for
National Tree Day on Au-
gust 1. The coin trail is to
Great Outback BBQ
happen again on Sunday, Frontier Services is encouraging people
August 8, for those who to make a difference in the lives of Aus-
hadn’t heard about it be- sie Farmers by purchasing a seat at their
cause of COVID. Virtual BBQ. For just $20 you can sup-
Also, the Social Justice port Aussie Farmers by buying a ticket to
group has contacts col- the Virtual BBQ and sharing with friends
lecting milk type bottle and family. To buy a ticket, visit
tops, teabag strings, www.greatoutbackbbq.com.au
toothpaste tubes, bread Church Council has said it will consider
tags, and of course, soft running a "physical" BBQ once we are
plastics go to Woolworths out of restrictions and lockdown.
bins. — Jan Souter
12Issue 75 August/September 2021
One Stitch at a Time – growing businesses
The origins of these businesses can into Barkly Square, as tenants, a Busi- and wanted to create something that
be traced back to 2011 when BCUC ness in Residence. would be there to support future
began ‘Women with Women’ and generations. I wanted to
Martha Chol and her daughter ten-
established a monthly lunch aiming acknowledge that all of the women
year-old Rachel make traditional,
to nurture friendships between wom- in my community have abilities and
colourful necklaces.
en in our Congregation. talents and ideas, and to encourage
them to know that - despite it being
This evolved into a sewing group with
hard to find jobs and learning English
Judith Wheaton, Lyn Rawlinson, Lor-
as a second language - they could
raine Smith and others as the tutors.
start something that could support
Sewing machines were soon ob-
themselves and their families. The
tained through generous donations
name A TUK was decided between
and a government grant obtained by
my two friends and myself as a way
Koang and the classes were under
of expressing that it is possible to
way.
start something new in life, also to
In the early days the women brought show our children that it is possible
mending, made children’s clothes or to overcome difficulty by creating
colourful carry bags. something new. A TUK also offers
Meeting each Friday for several years opportunity for women in the com-
the women gained many skills. munity to display and sell goods un-
der the A TUK umbrella, as a way to
Now with hard work and assistance empower women to develop their
from BRMC, Made by Many Hands You can find these creative ladies at business ideas. Thanks to everyone
and other organisations these busi- the Twilight Market at BMRC and the for your continued support, it means
nesses are under way. Farmers Market, Zoo Drive. a lot to me and all the women in my
community. ‘
Check out ABC TV iView, ‘Moving to Nyibol is now based at BMRC Ballarat
Mat Tetni the Country’ aired on Friday 16th July, Welcome Centre, Barkly St as a Busi-
where the two Mary’s talk about ness in Residence.
mattetni.com.au
their work and their dreams for their
Mary Top, Mary Deng and Martha children
Chol.
Currently
working
out of the
A Tuk
garage, To quote from Nyibol Deng’s A Tuk
Mary Top Facebook page:
and Mary
‘A Tuk is introducing African colour to
Deng
Australia, one cushion at the time.
make ser-
Our cushions are made from 100%
viceable
cotton with fabrics coming directly
and col-
from Malawi and Kenya. We make
ourful
floor cushions, bed cushions and sofa
aprons,
cushions in various shapes and sizes.’ Others from that Women with Wom-
using recy-
And en group have gone on to work in
cled denim
manufacturing in Ballarat, in hospital-
and beau- The story behind “ A-TUK ’’
ity, aged care, a cleaning business
tiful Anka-
‘A TUK means "Beginning" in English. and home care – all contributing to
ra fabrics.
It is a Nuer word from South Sudan our community and providing for
They have and Ethiopia. I chose it as the name their families.
now for my business because I was
— Pam Toom
moved starting a new life in a new country,
13Issue 75 August/September 2021
Two special occasions – narrowly avoid lockdowns!
On Saturday 5th of June, 2021 Rev Lauleti conducted
the service for the marriage of Jacklyn Kenny and
Salesi (Charles) Tanginoa.
Jacklyn and Salesi wore traditional dress and looked
very relaxed before the ceremony as were Jacklyn’s
children Raymond and Kailani. However, Henry, the
bearer of the rings, was a little less confident, but
rose to the occasion when needed!
Due to restricted numbers in June, they had only
the maximum permitted number of guests – 10.
This was certainly not your usual Tongan celebra-
tion! We wish them God’s Blessings for their future.
On Saturday the 10th of July Ballarat Central UC was
filled with approximately 200 family and friends of
Mary Top and James Rambang.
Their marriage service was conducted by Pastor
Shaun Hunter from Queensland, a friend of the
bride. Mary’s two daughters were in attendance as
was Nyalip, Nyibol and Mary Deng, and another
friend of Mary’s.
The ring bearer was Goy, assisted by his big brother
Bangoang. We wish them God’s Blessings for their
future.
When: the first Thursday of Septem- paste a recycled card on the front and
Relaxation and ber, October and November. paste appropriate words inside and
The first session will be on Thursday write their name and from BCUC in-
Visualisation September 2nd
Time: 10.30-11.30 a.m.
side. Some of this can be done at the
Church, some at home.
Do you like to relax? Do you like to
use your senses – sight, hearing, Bring: a light rug If you are interested in helping,
taste, touch and smell? If so, this Leader: Bron James please ring Pam 0419 884 117.
might just be for you. Bring: a light rug Initially I am suggesting the first and
This is a meditative session that be- Leader: Bron James third Mondays, 10.30 – 12 noon, in
gins with a relaxation exercise leading the old Manse.
All being well, commencing Monday
into a quiet time when participants
allow themselves to use their imagi-
Christmas Cards – 16th August. — Pam
nations and follow the instructions
given by the guide. Volunteers wanted Sammy Stamp
Each person will have a different jour-
For several years, a small group of Good News from Sammy Stamp—
ney. This experience is followed by
volunteers have made Christmas they have taken around $19,800 for
some group sharing. Participants can
Cards which are mailed to all school the first six months, with lots made
choose to share as much or as little as
aged children on our roll and to our online. They are very thankful for
they wish.
members who are in aged care or are their youthful helpers of whom we
Where: the lounge room in the old
unable to attend worship. are among their greatest!!
Manse.
We purchase or prepare blank cards,
14Ballarat Central Uniting Church Rosters AUGUST/SEPT. 2021
DATE LEADER READINGS READER PRAYERS MUSIC ELDER WELCOME MORNING
& DOOR TEA
AUGUST 1 Rev. Lauleti 2 Samuel 11:26—12:13a Trish Martin Barbara Snib- Evan Duggan Karen Coad Merriel & Geoff Suzanne & Peter
PENTECOST 10 Tu’inauvai Psalm 51:1-12 Ephe- son Communion Le Marshall Ogilvie
sians 4:1-16 Trevor Coad Margaret & Bob
John 6:24-35 Miriam Peck Morrell
AUGUST 8 Rev. Lauleti 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 Robin Giles Richard Jordan Roger Peck Koang pan Jock Judy Stone Gwenda Rogerson
PENTECOST 11 Tu’inauvai Psalm 130 Ephe- Ken Jenkin Helen Peart
sians 4:25—5:2 John Bev Hutchinson
6:35, 41-51 Alice Haley
AUGUST 15 Rev. Lauleti 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 Kim Daniel Helen Duggan Coad family Richard Jordan Rod & Eileen Anita & Alan Hinton
PENTECOST 12 Tu’inauvai Psalm 111 Devenish Fiona Lyons
Eph. 5:15-20 Jan Tozer
John 6:51-58
AUGUST 22 Rev. Lauleti 1 Kings 8:(1,6,10-11) 22-30, Glenice Barry Wilkins Ray Hodder Miriam Peck Lyn & Ron Helen & Reg Bushby
PENTECOST 13 41-43 Warner Fleming
Tu’inauvai Judy Stone Judith
Psalm 84 Wheaton
Eph. 6:10-20
John 6:56-69
AUGUST 29 Rev. Lauleti Song 2:8-13 Lois McRae Louise Wright Evan Duggan Pam Toom Nur Sisson Mary Hollick
PENTECOST 14 Tu’inauvai Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 Brown Hill UC Brown Hill UC Jan Jenkyn
Nancy
Combined Wor- James 1:17-27 Graeme Sutton
ship with Brown O’Loughlin
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Marg Littlehales
Hill UC
SEPT. 5 Rev. Lauleti Genesis 1:1-25 Richard Jor- Andrew Boat- Evan Duggan Linda Macaulay Merriel & Geoff Leanne & Graham
SEASON OF Psalm 33:1-9 Ro- dan man Communion Ju- Le Marshall Keem
Tu’inauvai
CREATION mans 1:18-23 John dith Wheaton
Issue 75 August/September 2021
Bron James
Planet Earth 1:1-14 Trish Martin
Shirley Vanderbom
15
SundayBallarat Central Uniting Church Rosters AUGUST/SEPT. 2021cont.
DATE LEADER READINGS READER PRAYERS MUSIC ELDER WELCOME MORNING
& DOOR TEA
SEPT. 12 Rev. Lauleti Genesis 1:26-28 Gault family Rod Devenish Roger Peck Anita Hinton Judy Stone Lesley Lyons
SEASON OF Tu’inauvai Psalm 8 Greta Christie
Ken Jenkin
CREATION Philippians 2:1-8 Charlotte Withers
Humanity Sunday Mark 10:41-45 Faye Withers
SEPT. 19 Social Justice Jeremiah 4:23-28 Trish Martin Lyn Fleming Coad family Geoff Le Mar- Lyn & Ron Miriam & Roger
SEASON OF Group Psalm 19:1-6 shall Fleming Peck
CREATION Philippians 2:14-18 Janice Cook
Sky Sunday Mark 15:33-39 Nur Sisson
SEPT. 26 Rev. Lauleti Isaiah 65:17-25 Karen Coad Mary Hollick Ray Hodder Judith Wheaton Rod & Eileen Betty Stewart
SEASON OF Tu’inauvai Psalm 48:1-11 Devenish Jan Souter
CREATION Romans 8:28-39 Maureen Doonan
Mountain Sunday Mark 16:14-18 Laura Shearer
OCTOBER 3 Rev. Lauleti Job 1:1, 2:1-10 Barry Wilkins Barbara Snib- Evan Duggan Eileen Nur Sisson Suzanne & Peter
SEASON OF Psalm 26 He- son Ogilvie
Tu’inauvai Devenish Com- Nancy
CREATION brews 1:1-4, 2:5-12 munion Rod Maureen Vallance
O’Loughlin
St Francis of As- Blessing of the Mark 10:2-16 Devenish Kathy Collins
sisi Day Animals Geoff Le Mar-
shall
OCTOBER 10 Rev. Lauleti Job 23:1-9, 16-17 Helen Duggan Richard Jordan Roger Peck Clark Chester Merriel & Geoff Manusia Tu’inauvai
SEASON OF Tu’inauvai Psalm 22: 1-15 Le Marshall & Adelaite & family
CREATION Hebrews 4:12-16 Glenice Warner
Mark 10:17-31 Theresa Read
Pastoral Carers: Ross Jones, Naomi James OOS/Notice Sheet Folders: Lesley Lyons, Jan Tozer, Helen Peart, Joy Hobley
Issue 75 August/September 2021
Flowers: A. Hinton / L. Fleming Communion Preparation: Win Jolly, John Schulz
16
Note: Please find a substitute if you are unable to fulfil the task for which you have been rostered. Thank you for serving in our Church.You can also read
