New developments at Silver Wattle Quaker Centre, Australia

The urge to develop an Australian Quaker Centre began as an act of faith by a small group of concerned Friends in early 2008.

As the silver wattle trees burst into bloom and groups of kangaroos graze the lawn, the Centre is emerging from its infancy into something like a restless teenager, forging an identity entirely its own.

Over 100 individual donations have enabled the purchase of the property near Australia’s capital, Canberra.  A Quaker teaching ministry and curriculum is being developed, together with a Resident Elder program, and the practical support of visiting volunteers offering their service.  A purpose-built Healing Unit, named after Olaf Hodgkin and funded by the Australian Friends Fellowship of Healing Charitable Trust, is in the design stage. We know that SWQC will be firmly established in 20 years’ time - but the challenge is to make the Centre spiritually and financially viable in the medium-term, particularly the next 5–10 years.

While we draw inspiration from Pendle Hill and Woodbrooke, it is the Ben Lomond Quaker Centre (south of San Francisco) or the Highlander Centre in Tennessee that are closer in scale and nature to SWQC. Our vision is to grow a place of spiritual nurture, where many come for healing, and others will find their lives upended, becoming modern prophets, for themselves, for their meetings or for public witness.

A Director or Co-Directors is being sought for all or part of the three years, 2014-16.  The position has a central role in strategic leadership and day-to-day management, working with the Board and Committees: the Programs & Learning, Land & Property and Elders.  Remuneration is by way of accommodation on site and meals being provided. Other staff include a part-time administrator, bookkeeper, housekeeper and cook.

Details of the 2013 program, the Director vacancy and other opportunities to work or stay, are on the SWQC Website: www.silverwattle.org.au