From November 23-26, 2025, the first combined Indigenous Ministries Australia and Baptist Mission Australia Emerging Leaders Gathering took place on Peramangk Country at the scenic Wirraway Campsite in Strathalbyn, South Australia.
The gathering aimed to nurture emerging Indigenous Christian leaders by providing networking, community building, and mentorship. Guests included established Indigenous Elders, Uncle Don Hayward, Uncle Paul Tanner and Aunty Maria Anderson Tanner.
Their guidance helped illuminate key topics such as sustainability and resilience in ministry, truth-telling, self-care, and vulnerability. Through storytelling, prayer, and shared experiences, the gathering not only nurtured leadership development but also celebrated the rich cultural tapestry of Indigenous communities.
Attendees spoke highly of the event’s impact, highlighting how it facilitated meaningful connections in what can often be a lonely ministry journey. Lonny Bendessi from Aboriginal Berean Community Church in South Australia highlighted the communal spirit: “… this gathering helps us to realise that we’re not alone, but we are all doing this together.”
Participants expressed a strong desire for such gatherings to become annual events, with a particular focus on mental, spiritual, and cultural well-being. Dan Riches, a participant from the Balga Evangelical Aboriginal Church in Western Australia, shared his thoughts on the event’s impact:
“This gathering has been great for me personally… It’s good to learn from [others], and we’ve had some other people come and speak to us… which has been a really good thing.”
Elder Maria Anderson-Tanner praised the event for its community focus. “The Emerging Leaders Gathering did an amazing job bringing our community together,” she said.
With a commitment to genuine partnership and community-building, the event marked a significant step toward strengthening ties between Indigenous leaders and the broader church community, paving the way for future collaboration and growth.