International guests to the 14th Triennial Assembly a tour of local Indigenous sites, visited local enterprises, and enjoyed some local multicultural hospitality on day four of the meeting.
UnitingWorld guests and other ecumenical partners found themselves warmly welcomed at St Aidan’s Claremont Uniting Church as guests of the congregation and the Western Australia Multicultural Committee at an Assembly Multicultural Dinner.
“The most lovely food and the most lovely people!” enthused Pacific partners in particular as they tucked into traditional taro and other delicacies from their homelands. Domino’s Pizza also put in a special appearance, as did a youth choir singing grace and Rev Steve Francis, moderator of the Uniting Church in WA.
UnitingWorld guests continued to be impressed with Western Australian innovation and commitment on a morning tour of the Good Samaritan Industries warehouse in Canningvale. Donning bright fluorescent vests – some of which they were reluctant to hand back later – the team toured the floor of the factory which provides employment for people with disabilities, who sort and prepare donated goods for sale in iconic ‘Good Sammy’ stores throughout WA.
Partners were impressed by the ministry; most of their home countries have no form of social security and people with disability lack any type of support.
“Your country is too lucky,” we heard time and again. “This service is amazing!”
The afternoon continued in the hands of tour guide, Des Lawson, a member of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress WA, who took the distinguished guests to several sites of significance to Nyungar people, concluding in Kings Park where they soaked up the sun and listened with reverence to the stories of First People’s sacred regard for the land and the river. Many had questions about the way that Indigenous people are now treated and the role of Indigenous leaders both within the church and the Australian Parliament.
Cath Taylor
Image: International guests to the 14th Triennial Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia pictured at Good Samaritan Industries in Canning Vale.