From Bre to the Gunbar Gathering *

Gunbar Uniting Church stands in a paddock beside the road on the way to Hay. The church and bell tower provided a stark contrast to the dusty paddocks of the 10 year drought but life is now evident in Gunbar.

Beside the church is a small hall. In the hall each Wednesday fortnight a group of young women and their babies and children gather to play, share stories and a cuppa. Also there will be community and/or church members whose children now have children, who come along also to play, share stories and a cuppa.

Jenny and I * went along on the first day to join in and take out a boot load of books and toys.But already there was a cubby house set up outside under the tree and trucks and toys temptingly left around. Jenny added the pram she’d brought and we went inside.

 We were greeted warmly and it wasn’t just the weather! First was the cuppa and amazing biscuits made by Anna and they were just part of what was set out on the table. A simple but well planned routine began. Play, story, songs, craft and then more play.

Soon Jenny was on nappy changing duty and Sue playing at the cubby showing the little ones how to climb up the steps and down the slide. Soon they were experts and lingered at the tower to wave and survey the scene before sliding yet again. Everyone gathered outside and we played ‘roll the ball on the plastic table cloth and bounce them up and down” Some children enjoyed the bouncing and others, picking up the strewn balls. There was something for everyone.

Anna Cochrane had the idea of starting the play group; the word got around. Julie let Sue know to ask if toys were needed. (They weren’t because Goolgowi playgroup had donated the equipment they weren’t using.) Announcements in local papers and church, emails circulated,a date set and the Gunbar play group was a reality.

 

Congratulations to Anna and the mums and community at Gunbar for showing how great things can happen in small places!

* From Bre to Gunbar and further, the Rural Chaplains "outdoor office" covers a wide area.
 *Jenny and Sue (Associate Rural Chaplain) are members of Hillston Uniting Church and drove 100 km to get to play group. Most people attending often have a similar drive to get to community events.