Annual Report 2023-24

Building Stronger Communities

Working together to make our communities stronger and more resilient

Welcome to the Uniting Country SA Annual Report for 2024

This year, we have made big progress in helping communities and individuals in regional South Australia.

We are dedicated to making positive changes and supporting those in need. This has led us to create new programs and grow existing ones to better meet the needs of our communities.

In this report, we share our achievements in areas such as housing support, mental health services, family support, and community development.

We deeply thank our partners, donors, volunteers, and staff members for their strong support and teamwork. With their help, we have made a real difference in the lives of many people and families.

Looking ahead, we promise to keep improving our services and meeting the changing needs of our communities. We are eager to find new ways to strengthen our impact and ensure ongoing success.

We invite you to read this report to learn more about the important work we do and the lives we have touched.

Our mission and values

The Uniting Country Group (UCG) comprises two not-for-profit organisations which operate in Yorke & Mid North, Far North and Eyre & Western regions of South Australia:

For over 120 years, we have worked alongside adults, children and families who are experiencing challenges to help build respectful and strong country communities.

We live by our values which are:

Respect and compassion for all people

Belief in the innate worth of all people

Justice for all, particularly for those less advantaged in our society

Being of service to others

Restlessness for what could be

Non-violence and peace

Celebrating our history

Uniting Country SA’s rich history began in 1873 with a small Wesleyan Methodist Church in Port Pirie. Despite its modest size, this 28-foot-square galvanised iron structure quickly became a cornerstone of the community. By 1875, the congregation had outgrown the original building, leading to the construction of a new church at the corner of Alexander and Gertrude Streets. This marked the beginning of a long-standing commitment to the spiritual and social needs of Port Pirie.

A significant transformation occurred in 1912 when the Port Pirie Methodist Church was designated as the Central Mission, aiming to counter negative influences and support those striving for better lives. Led by Rev. JC Hughes, the mission embarked on a new path, assisting the 4,000 residents of Port Pirie West, particularly during challenging times like World War I and the Great Depression.

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The mission continued to grow, providing critical services during World War II and expanding its outreach in the following decades. By the 1970s, the mission had formalised its efforts, establishing emergency housing and counselling services. In 2010, Wesley Country Housing Incorporated was formed to provide homes to those at risk of homelessness.

Today, Uniting Country SA stands as a testament to over 120 years of dedication to supporting country people. With over 320 staff and 170 volunteers, the organisation continues to enrich lives across country South Australia, upholding its mission of caring for communities and ensuring their future prosperity. We are proud of our history and thank those who have contributed to making our organisation so special.

Read about our key achievements