Winton Parish |
| This vast parish is the largest in the Diocese of Rockhampton. Winton and Corfield are
located in the N.E. corner of the parish which extends west beyond Boulia to the border and south west to Bedourie.
The Matilda Centre in Winton and the Min Min Light Centre in Boulia are both major attractions and are worth a visit. The
main opal-mining region for the district is centred on Opalton and along with Lark Quarry is increasing in
popularity for tourists. Tourism along with cattle and wool, limited mining and the necessary infrastructure provide the
economic support for the area. The parish boundary includes Kynuna which is approximately 180 kms north west of Winton. It is a small community with similar interests as Winton and is dependent on the cattle industry with some tourism. The total population is about 100. It is planned that we will be having regular monthly services in the CWA hall. Our main centres are now: Winton, Boulia, Bedourie, Corfield, Middleton and Kynuna with churches at Winton and Boulia. The Parish covers the Shires of Winton and Boulia and parts of Diamantina and McKinlay and is approximately the size of the state of Victoria, approximately 123,000 sq. kms. The population struggles to reach 3,500 people spread over three shires and has a density of less than 0.03 people per sq km, (Winton town pop. 1200). It is an area of rugged beauty watered by a vast channel system when the rains do come. The largest property is Mt Windsor, 1459.13 sq kms and Castle Hill is noted for the hottest bore water in Australia at 99 degrees, while the deepest artesian bore is on Apsley and is 1100 meters deep. The Winton congregation at present is made of mostly long term locals which is providing a basis of continuity not always possible where a significant proportion are professionals who come on a temporary basis. It is great to have a mix of children and older folk. Boulia and Corfield have very small congregations. Ministry is mostly through contacts made in the community through clubs, service groups and community events. It also includes regular visiting to the hospital and RE at Winton School. Anglicare has a crisis accommodation program in Winton. Dennis and Lois Quinn retired from ministry in Winton in early 2008 after a period of 7 years and have now returned to their home in Tasmania. Bob and Sue Witten (previously BCA Quilpie, Furneaux Islands and Midlands, Tasmania) have taken up
the ministry here in July 2008. Bob and Sue can be contacted at : PO Box 142
Phone : 07 4657 1620
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Copyright © 2008 Bush Church Aid Society of Australia |