Furneaux Islands Parish |
| Flinders Island is situated in the South Eastern end of Bass Strait. It is an island with magnificent
scenery and for the most part a very Mediterranean climate. There is a growing tourism presence. The main industries are sheep (wool, fat and milk lambs), cattle and aquaculture (which includes scale fish of all kinds plus crayfish and abalone production). Also there is vegetable and seed production mostly for local consumption. It is a very old area of settlement second only to Sydney. There is lots of misinformation about how windy the place can be and how inhospitable it can be in winter. Sure, there are days which can stretch to a week but usually the weather is very mild and clear. A great clean, fresh experience and through the winter the place is usually green and scenic. There are people making inquiries about possibly setting up a business on the island. We pray that it may become a reality and that people of faith may come. The housing boom has meant many retirees coming to the island reducing numbers at the school and putting pressure on the hospital. There is wisdom needed in planning for the future. There are two church centres on Flinders Island, at Whitemark on the West Coast where we have the Rectory and at Lady Barron 24 km south east. We also have a centre at Cape Barren, a 15 minute flight to the South, an indigenous congregation in formation. There is a great need for Bible teaching and reaching out to a population that mostly describes itself as `non-religious' but basically `good people'. The new Chaplaincy arrangement with Helen started in January and the key to this shared ministry with the Dorset Parish is access. BCA provides 48 air crossings from Tasmania each year and with BCA funding, Helen will spend 30% of her time “on island”. The 2 key focus areas are pastoral care and nurture to Islanders and development of local Christian leaders. Helen trained at Ridley College, participated in a BCA sponsored mission to Tassie, saw the ministry opportunities and on completion of her studies worked as an assistant to former BCA minister Geoff Bransgrove at Longford. Contact : Rev'd Helen Chick Email : flyingchick@bushchurchaid.com.au |
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