Frontier Services’ supporters and their guests came together at a Centenary Dinner at Bungaree Station in the Clare Valley of South Australia on Saturday night.

Frontier Services took the opportunity to acknowledge the support it receives from its corporate partners in NSW and South Australia, as it celebrates the centenary of the establishment of the Australian Inland Mission (AIM) in 2012.

A spirited performance by South Australian singer songwriter Danny Hooper was a highlight for guests who attended the function held inside the woolshed of historic Bungaree Station. Dating back to 1841, the Station was running 100,000 merino sheep by the 1880s. Today, the farm is still in operation by the fourth and fifth generation of the Hawker family.

Guests enjoyed a three-course meal which included Roast Bungaree Lamb and wine kindly donated by local cellar Kirrihill Wines.

An auction held on the night saw some lively bidding with all proceeds going to support the work of Frontier Services in remote Australia. Auction items included a painting donated by Indigenous artist Russell Brown. 

“We were delighted to have this opportunity to thank our corporate partners who provide invaluable support,” said Frontier Services National Director Rosemary Young.

The focus for the event was the celebration of 100 years of work with the people at the heart of remote Australia. The work grew out of the vision of Rev John Flynn to build a “mantle of safety” for the people of the outback. With the founding of the AIM in 1912, Flynn went about creating a network of support and services, including an aerial medical service, later to be known as the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Frontier Services, as the successor in the Uniting Church to the AIM, continues to walk alongside the people of the outback to provide the services and support needed to break down the disadvantage created by distance and isolation.

Today it is the largest provider of ministry and aged and community care in remote Australia and delivers a wide range of other services. Approximately 1000 staff provide more than 120 services across 85% of the continent.

On Sunday, Uniting Church congregations across South Australia celebrated ‘Frontier Services Sunday’, an annual event when worship and prayer are offered for the work of Frontier Services and the people of remote Australia.

Centenary celebrations will continue throughout the year. Find out more