The suburb of Oran Park was once known only for its speedway, which disturbed the tranquility of the surrounding farmland.

Today it is one of Sydney’s newest satellite towns with housing for 25,000 people and serving a larger local area.

The Oran Park area was identified as a ministry priority 10 years ago in a strategic report of the Mission Property Committee, and so work began on planning an Anglican school and ministry centre.

Oran Park Anglican College was built first and opeed in Term 1, 2012. It currently caters for students from prep to Year 7.

Now, years of preparation has led to a ceremonial “turning of the sod” as work commenced on the New Life Anglican Church Oran Park. The first stage of the building will feature a 250-seat auditorium, associated breakout area and foyer space, children’s meeting rooms, kitchen and amenities as well as car parking.

Early planning means the church, like Oran Park Anglican College, is in the centre of the town. The church, planted two years ago, has grown to more than 80 adults and children, and it was granted provisional parish status this year.

After meeting first in the college and now in Oran Park Public School, the church will be ready to occupy its new building on schedule in March 2015.

Breaking new ground: Pictured (from left) Geoff Kyngdon, chairman, Mission Property Committee; Mark Perich, Greenfields Development Corporation; Peter Hayward, Bishop of Wollongong; Stuart Starr, senior pastor, New Life Anglican Church Oran Park; Pieter van Zwieten, Reitsma Constructions. PHOTO: Scott Lincoln