Building Peace Together

September 29, 2026
Category: Stories & Feature Articles

What began as a simple idea has blossomed into a meaningful shared project between Rockingham Uniting Church and Tranby College. Bringing together people from the church, the college and the wider community, the initiative reflects a commitment to peace, connection and collaboration. The project has created not only a lasting symbol of hope, but also another opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the congregation and its local Uniting Church school.

Following an idea from one of Rockingham Uniting Church elders, Lois Strauss, it was agreed to change the rose garden in front of the Church into a garden in which a Peace Pole could be planted. Becoming place of tranquility for people to sit and reflect and pray.

The Peace Pole movement is a global initiative and reminds all to cultivate peace in thought word and action while also symbolizing humanity’s shared desire for World peace.

We then decided that, as part of our initiative to build closer ties with Tranby College, the Uniting Church School in Baldivis, we would invite them to be part of this project and we suggested twin poles for Church and College.

Tranby College Principal Emily Goforth enlisted the help of the College’s ground staff and the woodwork department, and garden designs and pole manufacturing for both locations began. The targeted completion dates for the Church pole dedication being Sunday 20 September (International World Day of Peace is 21st September) and Tranby’s being dedicated on 25 September (Tranby Day).

The woodwork team lead by Tranby College teacher Andy Briggs sourced a recently cut down tree and fashioned two identical hexagonal poles made of solid timber 2.8meters long. These were then cut to size so that the installed poles would be set in concrete 1.6 meters above ground.

The poles have plaques on each side with the designation “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in four languages on four of the sides, and with the other two sides acknowledging the global peace pole movement. Each pole has a unique number and acknowledges the joint cooperation between Tranby and the Church, and the contribution of the Emma Cartwright Memorial Trust which provided funds for the Tranby pole.

Both dedication services were unique and meaningful and well attended. The poles are spectacular – normal poles are made of aluminium and shorter – and they make a real statement in their respective locations.

Not only does this project highlight the desire for peace and provide a tranquil spot in our hectic lives but it also highlights the continuing and strengthening ties between Church and College. Thanks to all for their assistance.

Story and photos by Rockingham Uniting Church