Church dinner welcomes council

Churches from West Gippsland joined together last month and hosted a dinner for the newly elected Baw Baw Shire councillors.

Eighty-eight people from more than 20 church organisations attended the event at The Black Tie function centre in Warragul. Special guests included current councillors and also those recently retired from the previous council.

The evening was organised to honour those who have accepted the responsibility of serving the community in the challenging task.

Pastor Danny Holmes, from the Warragul Community Church, spoke of how the churches regularly pray for the work of council, and then introduced two members of the church community,

Rev. Katie Peken from the Warragul Anglican Church and Rev. Heath Easton from the Drouin Presbyterian Church, who prayed for protection and blessing over those who have accepted roles as councillors, and over their families.

In his speech, mayor Joe Gauci thanked the church for the dinner, and spoke of how the contribution made by church organisations to the community was priceless. He expressed great appreciation for the support the shire received from the local Christian community.

Former councillor Terry Williamson, who also attended the first dinner conducted four years ago, said it was humbling to be honoured in this way.

The churches expressed the wish to stay informed of the needs facing council, so that they can pray for them and help wherever possible. They look forward to hosting another such dinner in four years’ time.