Recently the University of Newcastle prepared a research document estimating the likely impact of the economic downturn on Australian cities. In the report the Southern Suburbs of Wollongong (Dapto, Albion Park, Shellharbour, Port Kembla, Berkeley and Warrawong) were identified as the “Red Alert Zones”. These are the areas most likely to be adversely affected by unemployment and financial pressures.
How should we prepare?
1) This week Stephen signed an agreement with Illawarra ITeC for Dapto Anglican to be a host organisation for the Work for the Dole Program. Church members can now fulfil their responsibilities and work for God at the same time.
2) Our church will need to increase the resources devoted to alleviating financial burdens and encourage our members who are suffering financially to allow their Christian brothers and sisters to help! Please speak confidentially to Stephen should you be facing a crisis.
3) Those who stay in employment will face lower costs of living (lower interest rates etc) and need to be inspired by the way, the early Macedonian Church provided for the Jerusalem Christians. We will need to constantly ask what God wants us to do with His provision.
4) As regards the new building program, we are pressing ahead for various reasons:
(a) the $1.1 million dollar grant from the Diocese is still available to Dapto, but only for the next 3 years.
(b) The actual building costs and repayments will likely be lower until the economy recovers.
(c) The people of the community are going to need the space and programs we will be providing more than ever.
(d) Our church will provide employment opportunities for the struggling building industry.
Stephen Semenchuk