The region of Wollongong is working to develop several new parishes, particularly in high-growth areas of south-western Sydney.

The assistant to the Bishop of Wollongong, Mr Tony Willis, says that there are discussions being held about new parish areas to help service burgeoning suburbs such as Oran Park, Leppington and Gregory Hills. The specifics of parish boundaries have yet to be decided. Cobbitty, currently a part of the parish of Narellan, will also become a provisional parish on New Year’s Day, and the senior assistant minister at Balgowlah, the Rev Dave Barrie, is set to become its rector on January 13.

“I think God’s got good people everywhere,” Mr Barrie says. “My home church is in Nowra, and we moved around a bit through college with different student ministry roles, and one of the things God’s taught me is that wherever you go, there are Christian people. Even though I’m [going to be] the only one on staff. One of the opportunities will be to get to know people, come alongside what they’re already do, and also to provide some fresh energy and direction. I know it’ll be a learning curve, but I’m planning to be there a long time so we’re prepared for that, and excited about it.”

Mr Barrie will be priested on December 12, and will be formally inducted as the rector of Cobbitty on January 19.

Final decisions on other new parishes in the Wollongong region will not be made until later in 2014.

Feature photo: Kaptain Kobold