Walking together, Covenanting together – reflections on Summer Spirit 2026

In 2024 we celebrated 30 years of the Covenant between the Uniting Church in Australia and the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress. Summer Spirit 2026, which took place on the weekend of 20 and 21 February, was an opportunity to hear the story of Congress, listen to the joys and challenges of First Peoples, and renew our commitment to the Covenanting process.

Friday – Walking Together

It was a warm and still summer afternoon as people started to gather under the gum trees lining Lake Gwelup Reserve in the Perth suburb of Gwelup. A growing number of camping chairs began to form in rows of semi-circles facing the lake, ready for our event to begin. This was the Uniting Church’s annual Summer Spirit, done a little differently this year in fitting with the theme ‘Walking Together, Covenanting Together’. This year we were gifted the opportunity to listen, learn and to walk on country with the guidance of Wadjuk Nyungar elder Len Yarran.

Once we were gathered in community, Rev Andy Broadbent, on behalf of the Summer Spirit team, welcomed everyone and invited Len Yarran to begin sharing with the group. Len spoke of the cultural significance of Lake Gwelup. Lake Gwelup is situated on Mooro country, and part of a seasonal chain of lakes. The name ‘Gwelup’ is said to be derived from the Nyungar word “Gwelgannow” meaning “to shift position”. The lake contains four registered Aboriginal sites and is an important place of Nyungar cultural practices such as birthing and ceremonial dance. Len shared Nyungar stories from the area, and spoke of the First Peoples’ connection to, and care of, country. He spoke of the First Peoples being caretakers and custodians of the lands and waters across this place we call Australia.

After sharing a meal, which included lemon myrtle cake and damper with Quandong jam provided by members of Congress, those who were able, joined in a cultural walk led by Len, stopping and sharing at significant points along the way.

As the sunset glow began to fade, our time together came to a close with a sharing circle giving everyone an opportunity to reflect on the experience. Rev Mitchell Garlett was then invited to send us home with a closing prayer.

It was a special evening to begin our weekend of walking together, Covenanting together.

Saturday – Covenanting Together

Saturday began at All Saints Floreat Uniting Church with a time of worship, beautifully led by Pastor Julie Ridden and Uniting Church WA Moderator Rev David Jackson.

Following worship, Rev Andy Broadbent, Education and Resources Coordinator with UCEF, hosted a panel conversation with Rev Robbie Jetta, Rev Mitchell Garlett, and Rev Ken Sumner, exploring the meaning and purpose of “Welcome to Country.” With so much confusion in the wider community about what a Welcome to Country is, this was an invaluable chance to listen deeply and gain clarity. One insight that particularly stood out was the understanding that Welcome to Country is, at its heart, an act of care. Rev Robbie Jetta shared that when people come onto his Country, his community holds a responsibility for them. The welcome is both an acknowledgement of that responsibility and an expression of their desire that visitors remain safe and well.

Our keynote address was delivered by the Rev Ken Sumner, Co-Chair of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC). Ken traced the story of how the UAICC came into being and spoke with great clarity and conviction about the significance of the Covenant between the UAICC and the Uniting Church. His presentation was insightful, informative, and ultimately deeply challenging.

After lunch, Len Yarran—joined by the Rev Mitchell Garlett—reflected on the importance of First and Second Peoples working together to shape a better future for all who call Australia home. Their insights prepared the way for our final session, facilitated by Rev Bev Fabb on behalf of the Uniting Church WA’s Covenanting Commission, where we explored practical ways congregations can honour the Covenant in their own contexts.

Our day concluded with the Rev Robbie Jetta leading us in communion, using damper and juice—a powerful reminder of God’s reconciling love and a clear call for us to embody that same reconciling spirit in our daily lives, both as churches and as individuals.

A heartfelt thank you to All Saints Floreat Uniting Church volunteers, the Summer Spirit organising committee and UAICC WA Regional Congress, whose hard work helped make the whole weekend such a success.

Reflections by Rev Andy Broadbent and Wendy Hendry