St Augustine’s Church was the venue for the re-dedication ceremony for the volunteers of Operation Flinders.

Operation Flinders, set up by Pamela Murray-White in 1991, is a not for profit organisation helping today’s troubled youth to find answers to their challenges and grow as people.

The aim of Operation Flinders is to be the leading provider of quality wilderness programs for young people at risk. Their mission statement is: Operation Flinders Foundation is to provide young men and women who have been identified as being at risk, with demanding outdoor challenges and support, to help them develop their personal attitudes and values of self esteem, motivation, team work and responsibility so they may grow as valued members of the community.

Rev’d Brenton Daulby, a past Parish Priest of St Augustine’s and Operation Flinders Chaplain, spoke to the congregation of the their operation and he spoke directly to the children of the Parish of young people becoming the best they can be by way of a parable or should I say storey telling from an aboriginal elder. The kids responded by making didgeridoos.

I thought this was a great touch as European and Asian people present learning from the wisdom of the Australian Aborigine, co-incidentally at the end of national Reconciliation Week.