Living and working in remote outback Australia requires resilience and determination. Australians who do so are geographically and logistically isolated and for years now, have been contending with unrelenting drought, financial cost and emotional strain.
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The Presbyterian Inland Mission was set up to support these isolated people by sending teams to help emotionally, spiritually and practically.
Anna Bay's Gateway Presbyterian Church, together with the Presbyterian Women's Association, is holding a bush campfire evening (weather permitting) with Mission team members Greg and Janet Cripps, who will share some of their experiences.
The evening (including meal) is free and donations received will go entirely towards the purchase of a replacement 4WD vehicle. All are welcome from 4.30pm on Saturday, September 28, at 43 Gan Gan Road.
For many people living in remote parts of Australia, the closest neighbour may be hundreds of kilometres away and the closest town hours of driving on rough dirt roads.
In the SW corner of Queensland, properties can be as large as two and a half million acres, the distances are great and the people are resilient and innovative," said Greg and Janet Cripps.
"To be able to spend time at these properties, with owners and staff, encouraging and supporting them through all that life in the bush can dish out, makes this worth driving for."
Australian Inland Mission began in 1911 after Rev John Flynn had witnessed the rigours of outback life, and had decided to provide "a mantle of support" including radio communication, bush hospitals, travelling padres, School of the Air and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
The vision for the Royal Flying Doctor's Service came from a letter John Flynn received, written by a young medical student Lieutenant Clifford Peel, who suggested the use of aviation to deliver medical care.
For information on the Anna Bay evening, contact Pastor Ross Pethybridge on 0414 876 180.