Paraburdoo/Tom Price Parish |
The parish is located next to the beautiful Karijini National Park. The name Paraburdoo comes from the Aboriginal name "Oeruu-Pardu" meaning `meat and feathers'. There has always been an abundance of white cockatoos in the area, many coloured dust brown, and galahs. Ratty Springs, which is 50kms from the town, is the site of Aboriginal paintings and a natural spring. The two main centres of Tom Price and Paraburdoo, both iron ore mining towns, lie 300 km south of Dampier and are reflecting the energies of the mining boom. . The huge iron ore deposit now known as Mt. Tom Price was discovered in 1962, after which Hammersley Iron was formed. Tom Price (pop. 2,800) is promoted by the Ashburton Shire Council as gateway to the beautiful Karijini National Park and is a popular tourist stop. Paraburdoo (pop. 800 or more) is a pretty little town and both towns are reliant on the Hamersley Iron, and the iron ore is railed to Dampier and shipped to Japan, Europe, China and other Asian countries. Paraburdoo is a vast area and the nearest good shopping is five hours away at Port Hedland and Karratha. The area is a place of rugged beauty. With Hamersley Iron now employing rather than using contract labour, Paraburdoo population is growing, which is as refreshing as the rain showers which have turned the countryside green and brought the wildflowers to bloom. The population of the area is expected to peak at 10,000. The congregations of Paraburdoo and Tom Price are small groups of faithful people. Being “one company” towns we are greatly affected by decisions made by the company. God is always providing us with new opportunities to reach out. In Wittenoom, the few remaining residents carry on doggedly, in the face of government decisions intent on closing the town down. The Bush Church Aid Society has been ministering to this area since 1971. The loneliness, isolation, separation from family all mean that there is a great need for the hope of Jesus. Yet materialism, apathy and self interest mean so many are blind to the message. Pray Christians will stand up for what is true. John and Carol Jenner responded to the call to minister in Paraburdoo and Tom Price having seen Bishop David Mulready’s advertisement in the Armidale Diocesan monthly paper. A position description, prepared with the Society’s assistance, outlined ministry possibilities and strategies and then after some months of prayer, interviews and meetings John and Carol were convinced that it was for them following a very fruitful time in school chaplaincy Tamworth NSW. They commenced ministry here in February 2007. In the early days it was ‘full support’ but in this most recent arrangement with the Diocese the Society has committed to find 50% of the stipend and the Society’s ancillary package of pastoral care and travel/ removals support . Young families from many different countries have come here to work and this brings diversity and energy to both congregations. Though difficult on the family, work rosters provide men with significant spare time. Learning to use this time wisely is one of the challenges facing families in these remote areas. Contact with the parish : PO Box 268
Phone: +61 8 9189 5359
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Copyright © 2008 Bush Church Aid Society of Australia |