It’s been several weeks of highs and lows for the Central West Queensland Catholic Church, with the parish community facing serious floods while at the same time celebrating 125 years of Catholic education and the arrival of a new assistant priest.
Fr Rius Salu SVD has arrived from his previous assignment in Daly River, NT, to assist parish priest Fr Peter Bang SVD as the district mops up from the record floods.
Widespread flooding across Central-West and South-West Queensland damaged properties, destroyed infrastructure and eroded land. In many places, floodwaters exceeded the 1974 level.
Fr Bang said that in the parish of Central West Queensland, the towns of Jundah and Stonehenge and surrounding lands were covered by floodwaters in late March and early April.
“In this emergency situation, I had a meeting with the financial team of St Brigid’s Parish in Longreach, and we donated $5000 to provide food and drink vouchers at FoodWorks for the people in Jundah, Stonehenge and affected communities,” he said.
“I’ve had a lot of conversations with the local people and the CEO of Blackall Council about the life of the people and the livestock after the disaster of flooding. They told me it will take a few years to recover and build it back up.”
Last week, Fr Rius and Fr Bang visited Jundah and Stonehenge and saw where the floodwaters entered St Peter’s Church in Jundah.
“Thanks to the amazing SES and RFSQ volunteers the building was quickly washed out and is once again ready for use,” the parish said in a Facebook post.
Rockhampton Bishop Michael McCarthy recorded a video message for the people who were hit by the floods and said he had asked all the people of the diocese to take part in a special collection to help those affected.
“My, dear people of the Central West,” he said. “Over these past few days, I've been watching the TV reports of the devastation that is happening amongst your properties and your livestock as your bishop, I send my greeting but also my prayers to each of you who are in this situation.
“I'm grateful to the local branch of the St Vincent de Paul and the parish community which has been helping some of you during this time.”
Meanwhile, in early March, just before the floods hit, all roads led to Longreach for the 125th anniversary celebrations of Catholic education in the town at Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School.
Ten Presentation Sisters returned for the celebration, along with many other former staff and students, for the occasion.
As part of the weekend’s events, vintage 2000 class Heritage Rail Motors owned by Aussie Outback Tours, were used to re-enact the arrival of the first Sisters to Longreach. Following this, was the official opening of the school’s memorabilia morning. Visitors were able to explore historical displays, listen to student music performances and share memories over morning tea provided by the P&F. Students, past and present, community members, the town band and guests came together to remember the historic occasion, which culminated with everyone enjoying an evening together at the anniversary Ball.
Fr Bang said that as a relative newcomer to the area, he was delighted to be able to learn more about the long history of Catholic education in Longreach.
“It was a good opportunity for me to get to know about the story of our school and welcome back the former students and especially the Presentation Sisters who established the school,” he said.
Following the busy time of the school’s festivities and then the floods, Fr Bang and the parish community were pleased to welcome Fr Rius to the local area.
Fr Rius will assist Fr Bang in providing for the pastoral and sacramental needs of the sprawling parish which covers a large portion of Central West Queensland and where it can take some hours to drive between churches to celebrate Mass.
“It is indeed good to see the arrival of the second SVD as Fr Rius joins me in this vast area of mission,” Fr Bang said.
“The parishes in the Central West used to be ministered to by four or five priests, but now, Fr Rius and I look after the mission.
“Therefore, the presence of Fr Rius is a great help for me in the mission to serve God’s people, and of course, reducing the driving.”
The parish community extended a warm welcome to Fr Rius, both in person and on social media.
“We are absolutely thrilled to finally welcome Fr Rius SVD to the Central West! Now we look forward to introducing him to all the wonderful communities in our region,” the parish said on Facebook.
PHOTOS
TOP RIGHT: Fr Rius Salu SVD (left) has arrived in the Central West Qld Cluster to assist Parish Priest, Fr Peter Bang SVD.
MIDDLE LEFT: Fr Bang is pictured inside St Peter's Church at Jundah where volunteers helped clean up after it was inundated with floodwater.
MIDDLE RIGHT: A re-enactment of the arrival of the first Presentation Sisters to Our Lady's Catholic School in Longreach was a highlight of the recent 125th anniversary celebrations.
BOTTOM LEFT: Bishop Michael McCarthy with Fr Bang and other clergy are pictured with the Presentation Sisters who came back to Longreach for the celebration.