Domestic and family violence is a serious issue across Australia. However, in remote areas, victims face unique challenges. Isolation, distance, and limited access to help make it harder for those in the bush to escape violence. The Challenges of Isolation For people living in remote areas, seeking help can be nearly impossible. The Australian Institute …
Domestic violence in remote Australia presents unique and often severe challenges. Isolation, limited access to services, and cultural dynamics can intensify the problem, making it harder for victims to seek help. Bush Chaplains, who live and work in these remote communities, are on the frontlines, offering crucial support to those in need. Some challenges include: …
Bush Chaplain Jill Doolan’s work in Central Australia exemplifies the power of compassion and community. Fluent in three Indigenous languages and deeply connected to her community, Jill dedicates herself to supporting people through diverse challenges and bridging generations with her care. Jill’s role as a Bush Chaplain involves much more than traditional pastoral care. She …
After a decade of service, Bush Chaplain Gary Ferguson is transitioning to a new chapter. His journey began in 2014, covering 350,000 square kilometers across South Australia’s outback. Gary’s role extended beyond spiritual guidance, offering ongoing support in times of need. Establishing trust in the remote area of Ceduna took time, but Gary’s determination to …
Therese and Clive have always loved to move around and see new places and they were no strangers to volunteer work. The couple looked for ways they could help people while traveling before discovering our volunteer program, Outback Links. So, when she and her husband Clive finished work some years ago, the couple invested in …
Offering care and support to people in need can be truly life-changing. Showing compassion in this way helps build authentic connections and provides support that goes far beyond what is expected of us. Being present and showing that we care has the power to lift spirits and enhance wellbeing for both the person giving and …
Elaine loved the country atmosphere. Her dogs and the wide-open spaces filled her with joy and energized her soul. Living and loving life with her husband of 40 years on a 200,000-acre property was like a dream come true. Elaine often says living this life was like being in a bubble floating above the world. …
When people like Elaine face immense challenges, they often do so alone. Elaine’s life was turned upside down when her husband died, and she was later diagnosed with Parkinson’s and early-stage dementia. Living on a remote property, she had no family nearby and struggled to manage her day-to-day life. Thankfully, Elaine wasn’t entirely alone. Frontier ...
In the heart of Cobargo, a small NSW town, the Community Garden stands as a testament to resilience, nurtured by the unwavering support of Outback Links volunteers and Frontier Services. Amidst the wreckage left by the Black Summer bushfires, Cobargo found strength in solidarity. The local Co-op, Cobargo Commons (“Cocos”), and the neighborhood pub rallied …
Bush Chaplain Lindsay Ginn brings a special kind of joy and connection to people – music! His music brings people together, breaks down barriers, and allows communities to connect on a deeper level. From his home in Kalgoorlie, he travels to local schools in Esperance to teach music to kids. And he has recently started …
