Building Community through Christ’s Love
For several years, our Chaplaincy team has been dedicated to supporting the Lismore community, and we are honoured to play a part in their recovery journey. Through our commitment to the core values of "Serve One Another" and "Build Community," we aim to share the love of Christ and bring hope to those in need.
The town of Lismore, situated along the Wilsons River, has a rich history but is also vulnerable to severe flooding. In 2022, Lismore faced a catastrophic flood that reached a record-breaking 14.4 metres, leaving many residents displaced and homes damaged. Even in 2024, countless families are still struggling to rebuild their lives. In response, since 2023, our school has sent teams of students and staff to support local organisations—Resilient Lismore and The Winsome Hotel—that work tirelessly to restore hope and stability to the area. This service is not only a practical act of love but also a powerful way to build community and share God’s compassion.
During the 2024 October school holidays, our team returned from Lismore after a week of service, carrying a renewed commitment to helping others. They engaged in various tasks to make flood-damaged homes habitable once again: painting walls, removing staples from floors, clearing debris, tidying up gardens, and restoring water tanks. At The Winsome Hotel, they served hot meals and offered a listening ear to those in need, providing kindness and compassion. Additionally, our team helped distribute furniture generously donated by Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, which Resilient Lismore will pass on to families still rebuilding their homes.
In addition to hands-on service, our school felt called to support these organisations financially. Through fundraising efforts throughout the year, our students and staff raised $1,900 for both Resilient Lismore and The Winsome Hotel, along with five $100 gift vouchers from Sanitarium Health Food Company, which were given to individuals at The Winsome Hotel facing urgent needs.
This annual service trip beautifully embodies our College’s values to "Serve One Another" and "Build Community." Through acts of service, our students and staff become the hands and feet of Jesus, actively living out His command to love our neighbours. These experiences teach our students that building community means reaching out in love, working together, and bringing hope wherever we go. Our team returned with hearts full of compassion, a deeper sense of gratitude, and a renewed understanding that when we serve others, we not only help them but also draw closer to God and strengthen our community.
