Be a part of the first Great Outback Barbecue

Two things that typify Australians are getting together around the barbecue and lending a hand.

Frontier Services is asking people to do both this September for its first Great Outback Barbecue.

The call is for congregations, friends and families across Australia to host their own Great Outback Barbecue event and at the same time raise money to support the work of Frontier Services in the Outback.

Canberra Central Uniting Church was the first in Australia to register for the Great Outback Barbecue.

The Rev. Gregor Henderson, one of the ministers at Canberra Central, said September 18 would be declared Frontier Services Sunday with a barbecue and camp oven cookout to take place after the two morning services.

The congregation has a long history of support for Frontier Services but wanted to increase its involvement this year.

“We have a lot of knowledge and awareness of Frontier Services here and strong support for ministry in the Outback,” Mr Henderson said.

Church members Lorraine and Keith Billingham will lead a small team to plan the event. They are volunteers with the Frontier Services program Outback Links.

Meanwhile, on the same day in September in Sydney’s northwest, Wesley Castle Hill Uniting Church will host its Great Outback Barbecue.

Malcolm Squire, a member of the Wesley Castle Hill Outreach Support Team, said the event would involve all sectors of the congregation.

Youth would be involved in decorating the pre-school in a “barn-theme”, the families’ ministry would organise children’s activities, while others would be involved in planning and catering.

Malcolm said his passion for supporting those living in the Outback had stemmed from his experiences travelling to remote areas of Australia.

“We’ve been very conscious of the need for support out there,” he said.

Every Outback event will be different, as hosts can choose when, where and how they put it together. The emphasis is on having fun by bringing the Outback to your barbecue while supporting those that live in remote Australia.

Anyone who signs up to the Great Outback Barbecue will be sent a Barbecue Host Pack including posters, invitations, recipes, fundraising ideas and more.

“The Great Outback Barbecue combines a great Aussie tradition with the opportunity to show your support to those who live in remote and isolated parts of the country,” said Frontier Services National Development Manager Gabriel Lacoba.

“Every event held will help make a difference.”

Frontier Services, a national agency of the Uniting Church, needs to raise millions of dollars each year to support the provision of critical services including aged care, health and community services, short-term volunteer assistance and pastoral support. All the money raised from the Great Outback Barbecue will go towards the work of Frontier Services.

If you would like to register for the Great Outback Barbecue, call 1300 787 247 and ask for Jacqueline or go to the website and look for the Great Outback Barbecue logo to download your registration form.