Down country roads with Sister Anne: the ‘bidgee and beyond

As we entered the refurbished foyer of St. Patrick’s school, Gundagai, I was immediately drawn to the beautiful, full-length leadlight window in the corner. It was designed and made by a former student of the school, who donated the window in gratitude for his time at St. Patrick’s. The design includes the Murrumbidgee River, surrounding hills and green pastures, and in the centre of the cross is a shamrock.

Gundagai to Sydney

Our ministry had previously given a cheque to the school to enable the Year 5 and 6 students to enjoy an excursion to Sydney at the beginning of term 4, where they would be studying the early colonisation of Australia in history. To be able to visit The Rocks, Sydney Observatory at night, Hyde Park Barracks, Elizabeth Farm, Mrs. Macquarie’s chair, the Museum of Sydney, the Justice and Police Museum – just to name a few places on the itinerary – would be mind-blowing for these children. And to finish up with fish and chips on Manly beach!

The P&F had raised money for the cost of the coach and numerous fundraisers had been held at the school to lower the cost for each student. Some families had a child in both Years 5 and 6.

For many of the children, I’m sure that Sydney was a place unvisited. We were given a copy of their itinerary and the excursion would prove to be most memorable for these children.

We were then introduced to several Year 5 and 6 students, who were chosen to accept the gifts of games, jigsaw puzzles, books, toys and sports equipment which had been donated by the kind residents of one of the apartment buildings at Darling Harbour.

Holbrook

After a friendly cuppa, fond farewells and the promise to return soon, we journeyed across the Murrumbidgee River to St. Patrick’s Primary School in Holbrook (most country schools bear the names St. Mary’s, St. Patrick’s or St. Joseph’s).

While I always carry and display ID, the staff at country schools always know who you are by name and issue the friendly “come and have a cuppa”.

It is a small school – just 28 students. We left more gifts from the residents at Darling Harbour, along with a donation to assist families in need.

Humula

We then set out into the real country, to visit Humula Public School. Humula is a small village between Tarcutta and Tumbarumba, comprised of an RSL club (open only on weekends) and the school.

Upon visiting I was keen to see the new concrete ramp that we had provided funds to install. It was built to enable a student and a staff member to access the library.

Inside I observed that the children – six in total! – were not wearing shoes during lesson times. We were informed that they shared the play area with the school chooks, hence the need to remove their shoes before walking on the carpet inside.

After a chat, we left them a gift each and completed the return journey by way of green pastures and countless baby lambs.

Tumbarumba

The next day we journeyed to Tumbarumba to meet Pastor Debbie Gadd, a wonderful woman who travels far and wide to help families who are still struggling to rebuild their lives after the bushfires of 2020. Again, we chatted over a cuppa and left Deb with boxes of gifts for children and a cheque. Deb often helps farmers out with fuel vouchers, as well as food hampers.

Recently, Deb gave money to a young student from Tumbarumba High School to attend a leadership conference in Sydney.

A distance of 1,443 kilometres over three days is a wonderful way to meet the folk of our rural towns, listen to their stories, support them in whatever way we can, enjoy their hospitality and reflect on the riches given us by God.

Note: ‘bidgee is short for the mighty Murrumbidgee River.

Community Care: Remote and Rural

Sister Anne Mayberry’s Remote and Rural ministry provides financial and practical support to country families. Sister Anne travels hundreds of kilometres on each of her trips through New South Wales, taking cheques, grocery vouchers, donated goods, clothing, toys and school supplies to primary schools, where the principal then directs them to families experiencing disadvantage.

She also visits aged care facilities, regional charities, and other community organisations in need.