MIDLANDS GLAMORGAN TAS: Rev. Dennis Cousens
In Tasmania, the remote area served by Rev. Dennis is predominantly agricultural with an ageing population. There has been drought for all the six years that Dennis has been a bush chaplain in the area. “I socialise with farmers allowing the opportunity for conversation about their struggle with drought, growing debt, the cost of feed, stock numbers – all of these are a great worry to aging farmers.” With many members of the community being elderly, Dennis’ ministry often looks like stacking firewood, walking a dog, or cooking a meal. He provides a listening ear across four aged care homes, counsels prison inmates, and leads a support group for Syrian refugees. In the first three months of 2019 alone, Dennis officiated at three weddings and 27 funerals. Embedded in his community, Dennis is a decorated volunteer fire fighter who served at 10 bushfires this year. He also provides police and SES chaplaincy support.
