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Presbytery Updates

For presbytery contact information and links to their respective websites, please click here.

Updates are being sent through on how presbyteries are dealing with the disaster, please feel welcome to share your story here by emailing webadmin@victas.uca.org.au.

Presbytery of Gippsland

Update from Wendy McDonald

• On going pastoral ministry of congregations and ministers in directly affected areas.
• Extra community prayer services being organised on an ecumenical basis.
• UCA opportunity shops, men’s sheds and congregational groups making material aid.
• Regular phone contact is being maintained with ministers in directly affected areas.
• Participation in Victorian Council of Churches response & recovery processes.
• Community Outreach teams operating in Callignee and Devon North

Contact: Wendy McDonald, Presbytery Minister - 0437 688 477

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Presbytery of North East Victoria

Update from Rev Marg Manley

Immediate response

• Constant phone contact with those in affected areas.
• Linking victims to Synod resources such as rent assistance.
• Shepparton youth group has organised packs of toiletries to be sent to Myrtleford.
• Cutting edge will be re-establishing ‘Big Red Bus’ as a communication resource for access to phones, email etc.
• Trailer load of blankets delivered to those in tents at Yea. Compiling a list of necessities such as shoes, lip balm, colouring books and toys for children.

• Big Red Bus arriving in Kinglake on 17^th Feb to provide people with laptops, communication etc

• Material assistance required – tools, rakes, shovels etc

• Continuing efforts to link people in need with necessary materials, aides and assistance

Long-term response

• Coordinating offers of practical help – fencing, stock feed and rural chaplaincy.
• Services will be conducted in rural faith communities such as Strath Creek.

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Presbytery of Port Phillip West

Three fires affected congregation members: Coleraine, Camperdown and Horsham.

·Counsellors readily available

• strong feeling of relief that it could have been much worse in such a “massive chunk of a tinder-dry, drought-stricken state”
• some property damage experienced by UC people, but no loss of life (yet; one farmer critically injured)
• the presbytery is volunteering personnel, especially clergy, to assist presbyteries in worse-hit areas, if requested
• number of staff on stand by if the Victorian Council of Churches need them to assist
• extremely conscious that the fires are not over yet and that support needs to be ongoing

Contact: Rev Keith Kynock - 0458 727 867

Presbytery of Loddon Mallee

Two fires affected congregation members: Baynton-Redesdale and Long Gully-Eaglehawk. Fires now contained.

• fairly quiet, low-key response by the UC
• victims largely being assisted by friends and family in and around Bendigo
• different response required here from where whole communities have been devastated; engaging in “quiet listening and knowing”
• Bendigo UnitingCare Outreach actively assisting some victims
• inter-church efforts have established a roster to provide tea and coffee in an Anglican building near the southern end of the affected area at Long Gully
• the UC community willing to respond to those areas in need
• widespread community awareness of the devastation in other regions

Contact: Isabel Thomas Dobson 0418 349 896

Presbytery of Yarra Yarra

Update from Rev Yono Abadi, Healesville

Extensive damage to the region and many fatalities. Losses experienced by UC congregation members. Fires now contained however extensive heavy smoke.

• Healesville church has been open for people to pray and meditate
• many members have offered practical help, mostly in collaboration with the Salvos and others
• clergy and members available for emotional and spiritual support
• Healesville and Yarra Glen affected less than Kinglake
• UCA committed to the VCC disaster response plan; will therefore play key role in long-term recovery phase
• Healesville congregation open 11am-3pm everyday
• Bushfire appeal evening service March 1^st at 7pm

Contacts:

Rev Yono Abadi, Healesville

Phone: 5962 3621,mobile 0421 677 910

Healesville church office 5962 5164

Rev Dr Barry Brown - 0407 802 042