When members of Indigenous ministries and their supporters got together in May to celebrate and pray for the Director of Indigenous Ministry, the Rev Michael Duckett, another step forward for Indigenous congregations was in the wind.

“I’m grateful to parishes, schools and agencies as well as individual Sydney Anglicans who have partnered generously and humbly with our Indigenous ministries – by prayer, friendship, sharing in ministry, giving practical assistance in all kinds of ways, as well as financially," Archbishop Raffel told the gathering.

Within a month, that step forward was taken with the purchase of a new home for the Shoalhaven Aboriginal Community Church (ShACC). The church began as a partnership with All Saints’, Nowra in 2009. 

Following the purchase six years ago of a two-hectare property at Wedderburn in southwest Sydney as a home for the Macarthur Indigenous Church, ShACC was identified as the next congregation to have a dedicated space for local ministry.

Now, Sydney Anglican Property has confirmed it has bought a former preschool centre in Bomaderry.

The site includes an indoor gathering space, outdoor play spaces for children, an office and a large shed that opens out to green space. A four-bedroom house is also included. The site covers more than 2000 square metres and can accommodate 60 adults and children.

“It’s great news for ShACC as it’s been a vision for over 40 years in the Shoalhaven," says Brendon Garlett, the church's pastor.

"We are glad to finally have an established church we can call ours… through many prayers and support over the years as well as God’s faithfulness, that time has finally arrived.”

Behind the purchase is the generosity of Church Hill parish in Sydney, which has given $2 million of the income it earns from the office tower at Number 1, York Street, which stands on its land, towards indigenous ministry. Half of that went towards the Bomaderry purchase.

Say rector, the Rev Justin Moffatt: “There is something wonderful about Australia’s first church contributing to the joy of salvation for Australia’s first peoples. St Philip’s, Church Hill, sits in the shadow of an income-producing asset that in many ways belongs to all of us. 

“Our church is very keen to see gospel ministry funded and resourced throughout the diocese in the decades to come. But more than this, we are aware that the land we meet on was once a place where Aboriginal people worked and played. So, it is our delight to know the funds have been shared, not only with an important gospel ministry, but especially with an Indigenous ministry.”

Mr Moffatt tells the story of a local Aboriginal man who visited his city church. “He came when it was announced that we were using these resources to buy housing for an Aboriginal minister. He decided to stay as a result. He said, ‘This is the church for me’.. We are praying that happens over and over again among indigenous people at Shoalhaven Aboriginal Community Church.”

After breaking the happy news to his congregation, Brendon Garlett summed up the joyful mood.

“We are so grateful for everyone that has prayed and contributed to making this happen. It’s only going to get better from here as we serve God in the community.”

Photo caption: (from left) Pastors Rick Manton, Michael Duckett, Ray Minniecon and Archbishop Raffel in prayer for Indigenous ministry.