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Uniting Church urged to sell St Andrews Church in Buchan to community trust to protect against private sale

Darren Chester urges the Uniting Church to honour Buchan's community trust's bid for St Andrews Church, a pivotal local asset, stressing the need for preservation against private sale concerns.

By news@gippsland - 11th December 2023 - Back to News

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is pleading with the Uniting Church 'to do the decent thing' and support the Buchan community's effort to retain a disused church building for local use. The community has offered to buy the St Andrews Church in the middle of Buchan but has not been able to secure a deal from church leaders.

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has met with concerned Buchan residents (from left) Jack Free, Tim Davidson and Julie-Anne Mraz

Community fights sale

Mr Chester said, "The uncertainty surrounding the decision to sell the church is very frustrating for local residents who have formed a community trust and demonstrated a willingness to maintain and improve the facilities for the benefit of the Buchan district."

"I have been contacted by several residents who have expressed grave concerns that the church, which has been at the heart of the local community for many years, will be lost to private investment. The St Andrews Church has an interesting history. It was bequeathed by local woman, Jane Davidson upon her death in 1952."

"Jane was a pioneering woman of the district and has a mural dedicated to her in the town of Buchan. St Andrews was built and dedicated to Jane's late father, Andrew Davidson and since then, the community has maintained the building at its own cost including local government rates and maintenance. Selling the church to the highest bidder, against the community's wishes, should not be an option," Mr Chester said.

Locals seek property

Mr Chester said he had written formally to church authorities and understood there had been some conversations with local residents but the community had run out of patience. "The community has formed the Jane Davidson Community Trust and is keen to ensure that the building is retained as a community asset at a reasonable price."

"The residents want some certainty and want access to the building to upgrade before it's allowed to be damaged by neglect. The church leaders need to do the decent thing and support this effort from a community which has endured tough times in recent years and would highly value the building," Mr Chester said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Tim Bull urges Labor to halt costly brumby culling in East Gippsland, citing job losses, funding cuts, and greater threats from feral pigs, while advocating for more responsible taxpayer spending.
• Tim Bull urges Gippsland East households to apply for $100 Power Saving Bonus amid rising costs
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges locals to apply for the $100 Power Saving Bonus, helping households manage rising costs. Eligible residents can seek assistance at his Bairnsdale office.
• Labor government backs Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve upgrades with major investment in cricket, football and community facilities
  Works have begun on Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve, delivering oval upgrades, lighting, new changerooms, and improvements through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, boosting community sport, events, jobs, and local participation.
• Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland Sporting Clubs to register for Get Active Kids Voucher Program reopening on October
  Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland sporting clubs to register for the Get Active Kids Voucher Program, supporting families with up to $200 per child for sports fees, uniforms, and equipment.
• Gippsland Water appoints Sam Muir and Kellie O’Callaghan to the board, bringing experience, diversity and community focus
  Gippsland Water has appointed Sam Muir and Kellie O’Callaghan to its Board, bringing diverse experience, strong community engagement, and fresh perspectives, while outgoing directors Jo Benvenuti and Chris Badger are acknowledged.
• Danny O'Brien congratulates Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds receiving state funding to enhance community facilities
  Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds have received over $43,000 in state funding to upgrade facilities, recognising their vital role in supporting men's wellbeing and community connection.
• Melina Bath urges action on Gippsland youth crime with tougher penalties, stronger policing, and restored diversion funding
  Melina Bath has demanded urgent action on Gippsland's escalating youth crime, calling for tougher penalties, stronger police presence, and restored diversion program funding to protect communities and restore safety.
• One Gippsland urges stronger climate action and investment to build regional disaster resilience
  One Gippsland is calling for urgent government action, investment and policy reform to strengthen disaster resilience, improve planning, and protect coastal communities facing increasing climate-related risks and rising economic costs.
• Melina Bath urges parents, carers, and educators to provide submissions to improve child safety by 30 November 2025
  Victoria's Child Safety Inquiry calls for public submissions to investigate early childhood education failures, restore family confidence, and recommend reforms ensuring children receive safe, high-quality care and protection.
• Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
  The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders.
• Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to donate early to Giving Trees and help bring Christmas joy to foster children
  Gippslanders are encouraged to donate early to A Better Life for Foster Kids' Giving Trees, helping ensure every child in out-of-home care receives a Christmas gift this festive season.
• Danny O'Brien urges families to claim up to $200 for kids' sport through Get Active program by 31 December 2025
  Danny O'Brien is urging families to apply for the Get Active Kids program, offering up to $200 for children's sport and recreation costs to ease cost-of-living pressures and encourage participation.
• Bass Coast Council launches mid-term review of Climate Change Action Plan, celebrating achievements and inviting community input
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030, celebrating renewable energy achievements and inviting community feedback through surveys, pop-up sessions, engagement events, and a special film screening.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.
• Southern Rural Water urges water users to monitor, manage, and comply as Spring forecast warns above-average rainfall
  The Bureau predicts above-average spring rainfall and warmer temperatures across eastern Australia. Southern Rural Water urges monitoring usage, maintaining bores, and following regulations to ensure fair, efficient water management.
• Martin Cameron urges Energy Minister to lift outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Minister Lily D'Ambrosio for refusing to review outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon, despite studies confirming land stability for development.
• David Littleproud urges Labor to deliver interest-free loans as farmers voice urgent drought forum concerns
  Nationals leader David Littleproud says the Drought Forum reinforced urgent calls for interest-free farm loans, urging Labor to act swiftly as farmers face worsening hardship, particularly in South Australia's dairy industry.
• Melina Bath condemns Labor for blocking protest bill and failing to protect police, businesses, and public safety
  Labor, backed by the Greens and minor parties, blocked Nationals and Liberals legislation to ban protest face coverings, which Melina Bath said betrayed police, small businesses, and public safety across Victoria.