News
1 August, 2025
Warm welcome for workers
SEASONAL workers from across the Pacific Islands are finding spiritual support and warm community connection in Wamuran, including at their latest meeting on July 19.
Recognising the importance of church in Islander cultures, volunteers host a gathering at Wamuran Community Hall on Saturdays at 6.30pm, bringing together workers for food, faith, and friendship.
With church attendance being a key part of island culture, the Saturday night gatherings offer workers a familiar and meaningful way to stay spiritually connected.
Organisers Jill and Wayne Foale said this helps these workers remain connected in a way that feels familiar and important.
“It would be extremely difficult to leave their beautiful existence and live in a camp situation just picking fruit, and surviving the much cooler weather,” they said.
“Their wages all go home, and they have very little here to survive on.”
“As a team of Christians, we have been given the opportunity to serve these people spiritually,” they added.
The initiative responds to a call from both Pacific and Australian governments requesting improved pastoral care for visiting workers.
The evening includes supper and fellowship and has become a meaningful anchor for workers far from home.
Organisers say it’s also a way to build stronger community ties.
“If you see or meet them when you are out and about, say hello and encourage them with a friendly smile,” they said.
