Centenary celebrations reach a high note

On September 26, people will travel from all over the country to be in Melbourne to celebrate 100 years of continued support for the people of remote Australia.

Moved by John Flynn’s vision for the Church to extend “a mantle of safety” across the outback, the Australian Inland Mission was established on this day in 1912.

A century on, Frontier Services continues to provide the services and care needed to build sustainable communities in remote areas of Australia.

Up to 2000 people are expected to attend the centenary celebration service at the Dallas Brooks Centre, starting at 7 pm. All members of the church and the wider community are welcome to come along.

Songs specially written for the centenary will be sung on the night as part of a special liturgy led by Chair of the John Flynn Foundation the Rev. Gregor Henderson.

Frontier Services Patron Tim Fischer AC will formally welcome those attending and Uniting Church President Rev Andrew Dutney will deliver the message. The hall will be decorated with banners hand-made by supporters from across the country using the theme, “hope, spirit and resilience”. A choir, consisting of choristers from several local congregations, will lead the singing. A song written by David MacGregor will be performed on the night by Ted Egan.

The evening will be the high point for Centenary celebrations which have taken place throughout the year, marking the incredible achievement of 100 years of unbroken service to people in remote areas.

“Thousands of people have played a part in keeping the dream alive across the century,” said Frontier Services National Director Rosemary Young. “This year we celebrate all those people, their determination, their hard work and commitment. We also look to the challenges and opportunities ahead of us and we remain determined to continue to be there and support people, when and where they need us.”

At the 13^th Assembly of the Uniting Church in Adelaide, the Church formally renewed this century-long commitment, following a resolution passed by delegates for the church to “commit itself anew to the people of remote Australia.” Those gathered in Melbourne will give a rousing affirmation to this commitment in worship and song.

Hundreds of Frontier Services staff will travel from remote parts of the country to be there for the celebration. Staff will be joined by supporters and church members from across the nation and overseas who are expected to travel to Melbourne for the event.

The celebration is not a ticketed event, but if you plan to attend please RSVP by phoning 1300 787 247 or go to www.frontierservices.org/centenary/centenary-events