News and Notes 2 February 2026

A Legacy of Service

A life of adventure. A legacy of service. Thank you, Mitch.

After almost two decades on the road, supporting communities across deserts, river crossings and more corrugated tracks than he can count, Bush Chaplain Rev Mitch Fialkowski has hung up his hat and retired from his post in the Murchison Remote Area of Western Australia.

A Frontier Services article.

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Uniting Generations Network News

Uniting Generations Network Meeting
The next meeting of the Uniting Generations Network will be on Wednesday 11 March at 6.30pm. This meeting will be held online via zoom. Join others in the network to share stories about working with younger generations or intergenerational practices, as well as your hopes and dreams for the Network.
Contact Julie Ridden for more information -julie.ridden@wa.uca.org.au

Uniting Generations Newsletter
The latest Uniting Generations Monthly Newsletter is out now! Find it on our newsletters page here.

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Summer Spirit Speaker Highlight - Ken Sumner

Join us for Summer Spirit 2026 on 20 & 21 February where we explore the theme 'Walking Together, Covenanting Together'.

Introducing Rev Ken Sumner
Rev Ken Sumner is a Kukabrak/Ngarrindjeri korni (man) from the Moorundi (River Murray), Mungkanbuli (Lakes), Kurangk (Coorong) & Yarluwar (Southern Ocean) in South Australia.

Ken is a Minister of the Word and is currently employed as the State Development Officer for the Uniting Aboriginal & Islander Christian Congress in South Australia (UAICC-SA). He has served the UAICC & UCA in the South Australian Synod, Vic/Tas Synod & Northern Synod. He has served as Chairperson of the National UAICC. He says that, “he continues to learn”.

On the Saturday morning of Summer Spirit Rev Ken Sumner will share with us the story of Congress, the joys and the challenges.

Registrations for Summer Spirit 2026 close on 15 February!

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SEEDS Newsletter Out Now

The January 2026 SEEDS newsletter is out now!

SEEDS is the monthly newsletter of the Uniting Centre for Education and Formation (UCEF). You can read past editions of SEEDS and other newsletters here.

If you would like to subscribe to SEEDS you can email pa.education@wa.uca.org.au

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Safe Church Awareness Workshop

The first Safe Church Awareness Workshop for 2026 is scheduled for Saturday 7 March at South Perth Uniting Church.

All ministers, pastors, church leaders, volunteers, members of congregations and those involved in community services are welcome and urged to attend. Refreshments will be provided.
For further information or to register, please contact Kerry Shields, Administrative Support Officer: Culture of Safety, on 9260 9800 or cultureofsafety@wa.uca.org.au

Date - 7 March 2026
Time - 9.00am to 2.00pm
Location - South Perth Uniting Church
Cost - $30

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The 2026-31 Strategy: First Strategic Goal explained (UCA)

As the Assembly launches its new five-year strategy, General Secretary Andrew Johnson introduces the first of the Strategic Goals – Flourishing Faith. Read Article

Update on Assembly's new Pride Circle (UCA)

The Assembly's Pride Circle has been launched, bringing LGBTIQA+ members and allies together to help the Uniting Church live out its mission of love and inclusion. Read Article

Lent and Easter Event Calendar 2026
If you would like your Lent or Easter events and services advertised on our dedicated event calendar, including Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, services please send the details to Wendy - website@wa.uca.org.au

Frontier News February 2026
The February 2026 edition of Frontier News, a magazine of Frontier Services, is out now. In this edition you’ll see how kindness travels across vast distances through small, meaningful acts of care.

Maylands-Mt Lawley UC Treasure Market
All are welcome to a Treasure Market at Maylands Mt Lawley Uniting Church which will be held on Saturday 14 February from 9.00am until 12.00pm at 165 Railway Pde. Mt Lawley. Devonshire teas, plants, books, toys, clothing and bargain items are available.

February

Saturday 7 February, 9.30am to 2.30pm. Simplicity - Stillness and Silence at Glen Forrest Uniting Church.
Wednesday 18 February. Ash Wednesday.
Friday 20 February, 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Summer Spirit 2026 - Walking on Country at Lake Gwelup.
Saturday 21 February, 9.00am to 5.00pm. Summer Spirit 2026 at All Saints Floreat Uniting Church, Floreat.

March

Monday 2 March. Labour Day Public Holiday
Saturday 7 March, 9.00am to 2.00pm. Safe Church Awareness Workshop at South Perth Uniting Church, South Perth.
Wednesday 11 March, 6.30pm. Uniting Generations Network Meeting online via Zoom.
Saturday 21 March, 9.00am to 4.00pm. Presbytery of WA Meeting at Maylands-Mt Lawley Uniting Church, Maylands.

Find more events