Getting to know

The Kangaroo Island Linked Congregations

The communities who all form part of the Linked Congregations of Kangaroo Island have experienced a summer that has left them traumatised and exhausted. Bushfires have destroyed more than half of the island’s habitat, burning away farms, homesteads, wildlife and livelihoods alike – but not the fierce determination and survival instinct of its inhabitants.

In the fourth week of January this year Moderator Bronte Wilson and General Secretary Rev Felicity Amery visited the Kangaroo Island Linked Congregations. During this time their ministry was one of listening and providing encouragement. “We were able to affirm them in their courage to tackle what can only be described as a horrendous scenario,” says Felicity. “We could also reassure them that the church want to be there for them for the long haul, not just in their immediate need. We will continue to listen as their needs change and provide assistance in their rebuilding efforts as required.

Moderator Bronte Wilson (left) and General Secretary Rev Felicity Amery (right) with the leadership team of Kangaroo Island Linked Congregations, Pastor Des Pratt and Pastor Louise Davis.

This map from the kangarooisland.sa.gov.au website, shows the road closures due to the Kangaroo Island bushfires as on Thursday 23 January. It also shows the area that has been burnt in the fires.

This coordinated team of trained Disaster & Relief chaplains had been hard at work on Kangaroo Island from soon after the bushfires first broke out here. They gathered briefly at the Parndana Disaster Recovery Centre. From left is Colin Beaton, a member of Coro Uniting Church, John and Carolyn Oors, Baptist Pastor Kevin Hull, Army Reservist Padre Derek Croser, Air Force chaplain Tom Killingbeck from Perth and the KI Linked Congregations’ Pastor Louise Davis. Rev Mark Dickens, the army coordinating chaplain who was instrumental in the team's operations, could not be present for the photo. Photo: Felicity Amery