Stage 1: 

An initiative to the community and district of Condobolin

The Background

A familiar theme in Australia is the decline of rural communities.  Some may argue that in fact this is more about restructuring than decline.  Which ever perspective one takes it is clear that people in rural communities are experiencing great challenges.  The Uniting Church has decided to stand along side Condobolin in meeting these challenges.

The worshipping community of the Uniting Church at Condobolin is much diminished but the wider church does not believe that it should withdraw its resources.  On the contrary the wider Uniting Church has created a new initiative in Condobolin.  That initiative is called The Listening Project.

The Listening Project is an expression of the realisation that the first step in offering support is through careful listening.  So the first stage of the Church's work is to go out into the community and listen to people as they express their dreams, their fears, their struggles, and their passions.

The church has placed a priority on visiting those on properties, but also this in Condobolin.  Teams of two people will go from property to property, offering a listening ear to anyone who wishes to talk.  We strive to show sensitivity to those who are unable to talk because of other responsibilities and will offer to return at another time.