Serving With Compassion: Uniting Aid reflects on a year of caring for the community.

The ministry of Uniting Aid was celebrated at its recent Annual Public Meeting, where guests heard stories of lives transformed through practical assistance, compassionate care and community connection. The gathering reflected on the organisation’s growing impact, while giving thanks for the staff, volunteers and supporters whose service embodies the mission of the Uniting Church in WA.

On Friday 30 October 2026 Uniting Aid held its Annual Public Meeting at Noranda Uniting Church, with the Moderator Rev David Jackson as guest speaker. The event was a glimpse into the vital caring outreach and its impact in the community it serves.

Uniting Aid is a community service outreach of the Uniting Church in WA, with oversight by the Nedlands Uniting Church Council, providing practical help for people in need who are receiving Centrelink payments, predominantly in the City of Stirling with outreach into some surrounding suburbs. Support includes providing food parcels, assistance with utility bills, clothing and household goods, and fuel and travel vouchers for specific circumstances.

Uniting Aid began in 1981, when the churches in the Yokine Uniting Church Parish began a phone contact service from the Dianella Uniting Church office offering to assist people in the local community with emergency food, domestic help, shopping and respite support for home carers. They now operate out of a church property in Nollamara, opening two days per week, helping a diverse range of people in the community. As well as offering emergency relief they also run an op shop selling quality second-hand clothing, household goods, books and toys. (Read more about the Uniting Aid story on our website here)

Neville Blesing, Chairperson of the Uniting Aid Board led the annual meeting, welcoming guests, acknowledging funding support through Lotterywest along with donations from church communities and individuals, and thanked staff, Board members and volunteers for their dedication and service. Rev Hollis Wilson, Minister at Uniting Church in the City, and incoming Board member, dedicated the meeting in prayer.

Bonnie Yau, Uniting Aid CEO, outlined the impact of the community caring agency through the year. During the last financial year, the number of people Uniting Aid assisted increased by 20%, helping nearly 4000 people. Of these, 1900 households received emergency food relief, and more than 2500 received broader crisis support such as assistance with utility bills. The rise in need over the year is reflective of the rising cost of living, with many people experiencing increased financial pressure, struggling to meet their families’ basic needs including paying the bills and putting food on the table.

Bonnie shared case study stories which highlighted some of the ways Uniting Aid has been able to support community members. Support that comes not only in financial or practical assistance, but in the care given by volunteers and staff in understanding and responding to need, showing compassion, and offering a listening ear. She said:

“We cannot solve every problem or meet every need. But together, we can ease people’s burdens, help them through difficult timesand let them know they do not have to face their struggles alone.
Every food parcel prepared, every bill we help with, every household item provided and every moment spent listening is part of this work.
This is what makes Uniting Aid’s mission meaningful. And it is something we achieve together – through the commitment of our volunteers, the generosity of our supporters and the contribution of our partner organisations.”

With currently only two paid staff members, Uniting Aid runs on the generosity of its 50-plus volunteers from partner churches and the wider community. The volunteers support all aspects of the operation and help create a warm, welcoming and respectful environment for people seeking assistance.

Uniting Church WA Moderator Rev David Jackson was invited as guest speaker at this year’s annual public meeting. His address recognised the important contributions of staff and volunteers whose service strengthens communities and enriches people’s lives. He shared that volunteering and community service are powerful expressions of care for others. In a world facing challenges such as loneliness, isolation, financial hardship and division, volunteers and community workers play a vital role in bringing hope, connection and dignity to those around them.

Rev Jackson expressed his deep gratitude for the work, both seen and unseen, that contributes to positive outcomes for individuals and communities. The impact of service is not only measured in statistics, but in transformed lives, renewed hope and stronger communities.

In celebrating the contribution of Uniting Aid staff and volunteers he offered these words of encouragement:

“Continue to share your gifts. Continue to invest in relationships. Continue to build bridges where others see barriers. Continue to create communities where every person is treated with dignity and respect. Never underestimate the difference your contribution makes.
You may never fully see the impact of the conversations you have, the time you give, or the care you offer. But together, your efforts are helping to build a more compassionate, connected, and resilient society.
…
On behalf of all those whose lives have been touched by your service, whether they can thank you personally or not, I offer my deepest gratitude. Thank you for your dedication, thank you for your generosity, thank you for your service.
Thank you for the difference you make every day.”

Thanks to the staff, Board and volunteers of Uniting Aid for your dedicated service to the community in the name of the Uniting Church. Thanks also to the Noranda Uniting Church congregation for hosting the event.

If you would like to know more about Uniting Aid, or are interested in volunteering or donating you can find out more on their website – https://unitingaid.ucwa.au/ or contact [email protected]

Article and photos by Wendy Hendry, Executive Officer: Communications