Australia's First National Climate Risk Assessment

Australia’s First National Climate Risk Assessment (NCRA) is a groundbreaking, science-based evaluation of the nation’s exposure to climate hazards, identifying 56 nationally significant risks and highlighting 11 priority areas requiring urgent action. Developed by the Australian Climate Service and the Department of Climate Change, the assessment covers key systems including infrastructure, health, ecosystems, supply chains, and First Nations values. It warns that climate risks will escalate under all warming scenarios—projecting, for example, that over 1.5 million Australians could be living in high-risk coastal zones by 2050—but also emphasises that early, coordinated action can significantly reduce long-term harm. You can read it HERE.

Recent Correspondance

• Letter of thanks to NSW Police 25/8/2025

• Letter of thanks to the Prime Minister 22/8/2025

• Letter regarding Morality and Australia's Treatment of Refugees 18/9/2025

NEW BOOKLET

THE WELLSPRING COMMUNITY OF AUSTRALIA:

AN INTRODUCTION

We have just published a 16 page booklet that provides lots of information about the Wellspring Community including our history, ethos and areas of concern. The booklet is free to download here.

To order a hard copy please email wellspringcommunity2023@gmail.com with your name, postal address and the number of copies you require. Then pay the correct amount to

Name of Account: Wellspring Community Inc. Bendigo Bank BSB: 633 000 Account number: 202878096

Reference: (Your name) and “Wellspring Booklet”

Cost is $10 for one copy (include postage) or $20 for three copies (includes postage)

Congratulations Joy Connor OAM

We are very proud of our Co Leader Joy Connor who was awarded an OAM at the King’s Birthday Awards 2024 for for her many years of work in social justice, driven by her passion for showing care and kindness to help the world be a better place.  

Click on the image above for more information.

Remembering our friend Neil Holm

2nd June 1945 – 15th June 2024

Wellspring Community Statements on Israel/Palestine November 2023

In view of the horrific situation unfolding in Gaza, Wellspring Council is asking all Wellspring members to consider the issues prayerfully and to take action by contacting their local members, encouraging vigorous action by Australia’s politicians towards a ceasefire and progress towards a just peace.

The first document is a response prepared for Wellspring by member Doug Hewitt, our Interfaith and Ecumenical contact person. The second document is from the World Council of Churches. We invite you to read, reflect, pray and act.

Wellspring Community Position Statement on Israel/Palestine November 2023

This statement by the Wellspring Community is a response to the extreme and accelerating urgency of the current threat to both Palestinians and Israelis, and the cry for support which has come from Palestinian Christians, calling us to continuing prayers and renewed action. Through this statement we hope to encourage Wellspring Community members to develop a deeper awareness and public activism which promotes a just future for all in Palestine and Israel. We are reminded that there is still a vibrant Christian presence in the Holy Land, despite many leaving to escape the violence.

An Appeal for Peace

The prophet Isaiah had a vision for a future of peace: “They shall not learn war anymore.” Isaiah 2: 4. Wellspring Community condemns the actions by Hamas with their use of indiscriminate violence, and we endorse the international call for the safe release of all civilian hostages. We fail to see however, the murder of innocent civilians at the hands of the State of Israel as being any less violent. For world leaders to only denounce the actions of Hamas while affirming the right of Israel to do whatever it takes to feel safe is in contravention of international law.

Current Context

This year, 2023, is the 75th anniversary of the what all Palestinians call “the Nakba” (the catastrophe). When the state of Israel was being established (1947-1949), about 750,000 Palestinians were dispossessed and displaced. Many became refugees, thousands were killed and some 500 villages razed. This process of forced surrender of land, houses and income has continued ever since. During the 2020’s the situation has been deteriorating rapidly, with increasing attacks with impunity on Palestinian women, men and children, their property and land. Many, who cannot live with violence have left the land of their ancestors, with Australia being one destination, and our cities have a growing Palestinian diaspora. Those Palestinians who remain in their homeland, exist under an occupation which is in contravention of international law, in what amounts to apartheid (see reports from Israeli Human Rights Groups B’Tselem and Yesh Din, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch) in an Israeli dominated single state from the River Jordan to the Mediterranean. The long-held promise of a two-state solution remains a dream.

We recall that Hamas was formed in 1987, with the collusion of Israel and the US, to counter the then problems they had with the Palestinian Authority, and the Western commentary often cited is that the Hamas goal is to ‘destroy Israel’. What is rarely reported is that since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Israeli leadership has repeatedly stated their intention is to remove Palestinians from the land. David Ben-Gurion, the first Prime Minister of the new State of Israel declared: “It must be clear that there is no room in the country for both peoples...the only solution is a land of Israel...without Arabs. There is no room here for compromise.” The current Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in January 2023 continued this call saying: “The Jewish people have an exclusive right and unquestionable right to all areas of the Land of Israel. The government will promote and develop settlements in all parts of the Land of Israel – in Galilee, the Negev, the Golan, Judea, and Samaria.”(Palestine). It is clear that the policies and tactics deployed these past 75 years by Israel toward Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories, attest that a land with as few Palestinians on it has always been Israel’s goal.

Regrettably, many western Christians across wide denominational and theological spectra, adopt Zionist theologies and interpretations that justify war, making them complicit in Israel’s violence and oppression. We must oppose any theology or use of Scripture to justify privilege and discrimination, as being contrary to the teaching of Jesus.

A recent letter from Christians in Palestine to International Church Leaders begins with the text:

“Learn to do right; seek justice; defend the oppressed” (Isaiah 1:17). The letter says in part:

“Time and again, we are reminded that western attitudes towards Palestine-Israel suffer from a glaring double standard that humanizes Israeli Jews while insisting on dehumanizing Palestinians and whitewashing their suffering. This is evident in general attitudes towards Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip that have killed thousands of Palestinians ... and the killing of more than 300 Palestinians including 38 children in the West Bank this year before this recent escalation.” From an Open Letter to Western Church Leaders, 20 October 2023.

In response, we must acknowledge that the terrifying violence that currently is occurring, not only in Gaza, but in Israel and throughout the West Bank, is of grave concern. We express deep horror and sadness at the human tragedy in both Palestine and in Israel, and believe that all violence is abhorrent: the deaths of Israelis, the abduction of civilians, and the merciless denial of access to basic human needs to Gazans. This includes the deplorable bombing in Gaza of medical facilities, places of worship, schools and other essential services, leaving in the wake many thousands of civilians dead, including over 3500 children, and rendering over one million people homeless.

As horrifying as this spiralling violence is, there is a primary violence that is its cause. For 75 years, Palestinians have been the victims of injustice, dispossession and dehumanising discrimination. Since 1967, they have been under aggressive military occupation, with increasing colonisation of their land and daily denial of their rights; and Palestinian Christians and churches have endured increasing restrictions, especially during their liturgical festivals. For the past 16 years, Gaza has been under a crippling air, land and sea blockade causing unbearable despair. It is incomprehensible how 2 million people could continue to live, caged in an area half the size of Canberra, with no available avenue to travel except through obtaining permits from Israel or Egypt. They are not free to develop any industry to support their economy, or to trade with the outside world, to have access to sustained safe drinking water and electricity, to be able to realise hopes and dreams of a future. Out of this oppression comes anger and despair.

The UN Rapporteur on Palestine, the Italian international law expert, Ms Francesca Albanese, appointed to the role in May 2022, said the residents of Gaza have “been living for 16 years in a cage, deprived of most goods” with shocking rates of child mortality and depression. She said young Palestinians were “fed up” because whatever form of resistance Palestinians have chosen has always been portrayed as terrorism, and had no realistic hope of achieving statehood. “Violence breeds violence, and this is what we have seen here,” she said of the October 7 attacks.

Conclusion from the Open Letter from Palestinian Christians:

“Finally, as Palestinian Christians, we also continue to find our courage and consolation in the God who dwells with those of a contrite and humble spirit (Isaiah 57:15). We find courage in the solidarity we receive from the crucified Christ, and we find hope in the empty tomb. We are also encouraged and empowered by the costly solidarity and support of many churches and grassroots faith movements around the world, challenging the dominance of ideologies of power and supremacy. We are steadfast in our hope, resilient in our witness, and continue to be committed to the Gospel of faith, hope, and love, in the face of tyranny and darkness. We believe in God, good and just. We believe that God’s goodness will finally triumph over the evil of hate and of death that still persist in our land. We will see here ‘a new land’ and ‘a new human being,’ capable of rising up in the spirit to love each one of his or her brothers and sisters” (quoted from Kairos Palestine Statement).

Recommendations to Wellspring Council re Statement on Israel and Palestine.

That the Wellspring Community:

1. Adopts the Statement on Israel and Palestine presented to its Council meeting on 15 November 2023

   and recommends it to all members for their study.

2. Notes the World Council of Churches Statement of 13 November 2023, with its list of recommendations

   for action by church members and the wider international community.

3. Calls on our Government to advocate for an immediate ceasefire and for international efforts to achieve the release of hostages and an end the current aggression by all parties. This involves protection of all residents of the Occupied Territories, and restoration of access to basic human needs for the people of Gaza.

4. Urges the Australian Government to recognise the history of primary violence causing this conflict and to work constructively with the UN and other countries for the dismantling of the underlying causes of war.

5. As Christians, we affirm the fundamental Biblical truth that every life is of intrinsic value and that there can be no peace without justice. We join with the leaders of Christian Churches in the Holy Land to pray for the UN and others who seek to broker a ceasefire and for all who work for justice and reconciliation.

Statement From the World Council of Churches on

War in Palestine and Israel

A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children;
she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more. (Jeremiah 31:15)

We look to the Holy Land with a heavy heart, for all the death, destruction and trauma being inflicted on the people of the land. We listen to the cries of innocent children, women and men, who suffer so grievously and unjustly from this brutal violence. We lament with all who suffer – Israelis bereaved, held hostage or otherwise affected by the attacks on 7 October, the people of Gaza displaced from their homes, grieving for loved ones buried under the rubble of destroyed buildings, and enduring continuous intense bombardment.

We yearn for peace and for justice, for an end to the seemingly endless cycle of violence and suffering, and for its fundamental root causes to be addressed. We lament the abject failure of the international community and of political leaders in the region who did not persist in the search for a sustainable peace founded on justice and mutual respect for the equal human dignity and rights of all, and who kept the cycle of violence turning. As we stand on this precipice of morality and faith, we pray for peace, for justice, for wisdom, for understanding, and for restoration of our humanity.

The World Council of Churches joins in the international shock and outrage at the brutal attacks on Israeli communities by Hamas militants on 7 October 2023. We condemn the attacks on civilians, the killing of so many innocent children, women and men, as well as the taking of hostages and the use of civilians as human shields.

Examining the current situation in Gaza, under attack from Israeli armed forces, the WCC together with the churches of the region are outraged by and condemn Israel’s disproportionate retaliation. We have seen the indiscriminate targeting of civilians, hospitals, churches and mosques by Israeli forces. The death toll has surpassed 11,000 - over two thirds of them children and women - and the number of injured 37,000. Attacks on churches and their institutions, including shelters for displaced civilians – especially children and women who have lost their homes due to Israeli airstrikes on residential areas since the war began – are totally unacceptable.

Additionally, in the West Bank – from where participants in WCC’s Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI) were evacuated in mid-October due to the war and the closure of the West Bank – we are witnessing unprecedented high levels of violence from the occupation, against Palestinian civilians, schools and communities by both settlers and Israeli armed forces, and closure of access to all Palestinian villages.

The executive committee of the World Council of Churches, meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, on 8-14 November 2023, lifts up before our loving and merciful God the suffering and traumatized people in the land of Jesus Christ’s birth. We highlight the lifelong and potentially inter-generational consequences of the terrible trauma that children in both Palestine and Israel are experiencing. We lament that the heads of churches in Jerusalem, due to the current circumstances of the war, concluded that they had to cancel the celebrations of Advent and Christmas. We pray for peace in the land, a sustainable and just peace founded at last on recognition and respect for the God-given human dignity and equal human rights of all people – Israelis and Palestinians, Jews, Muslims and Christians alike – rather than a false ‘peace’ imposed by occupation and force of arms which cannot and should not be sustained.

The executive committee:

Appeals for respect by all parties for the God-given life and dignity of every human being.

Further appeals for respect for the principles of international humanitarian law, especially for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure – including hospitals (such as the al-Ahli, al-Shifa, and al-Quds hospitals), places of worship and holy sites (such as the St. Porphyrios Greek Orthodox Church), and UN premises – and calls for full and impartial legal accountability for all violations of these principles by whomsoever committed.

Demands the immediate unconditional release and safe return of all hostages.

Demands an immediate ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors, and calls for guarantees of the unimpeded distribution and delivery of vital humanitarian assistance, including water, food, medical supplies and fuel, and the reinstatement of electricity and internet services in Gaza.

Urges the UN and relevant authorities to investigate all war crimes and other violations of international humanitarian law committed from 7 October 2023 until the end of the war, where truth must prevail and accountability must be ensured so that such crimes may not happen again and again.

Implores the UN Security Council to overcome the obstructive partisanship that is preventing it from fulfilling its responsibilities in relation to the current conflict in accordance with the principles of international law, including in relation to the need for a humanitarian ceasefire.

Refutes all those who seek to portray the current conflict in religious terms, misusing scripture to justify violence, killing, cruelty and oppression; we reject and denounce all such efforts to distract from the root causes of the conflict in the region.

Stresses its grave concern about the proliferation of hateful acts and expressions of antisemitism and of hatred of Arabs and Muslims in the region and the wider world, against the background of the current violence. In light of attacks on Jews all over the world who are falsely held responsible for the actions of the Israeli government we reiterate the executive committee’s acknowledgement one year ago of “the legitimate fears of Jewish people around the world of the shortness of the trajectory from antisemitic attitudes and hate speech to genocide” and its reaffirmation of “the categorical denunciation by the WCC’s founding assembly in Amsterdam of antisemitism as sin against God and humanity."

Rejects any attempts to transfer Palestinians outside Gaza, permanently or temporarily.

Urges all members of the international community to re-engage in active and sustained support of efforts for a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, based upon an end to the illegal occupation and to the siege of Gaza, recognition of the equal human rights of all, and the applicable principles of international law. Without this, peace cannot be sustained and the recurrent cycle of violence is tragically likely to continue.

Reiterates the WCC 11th Assembly’s categorical condemnation all such deadly and destructive violence whether perpetrated by Israeli forces or by Palestinian armed groups, which only perpetuates the cycle of violence, and reaffirms the Assembly’s observation that the situation in the region cannot ultimately be resolved by violence but only by peaceful means in accordance with international law.

Expresses the worldwide ecumenical movement’s profound solidarity with all the people of the region, in the midst of the current violent upheavals and uncertainty for the safety and security of their communities.

Invites all member churches and ecumenical partners, together with all people of good will, to pray for peace, and to actively support the ministries of the churches of the region and ecumenical and interfaith initiatives for justice, peace and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians.

Document source: www.oikoumene.org/resources/documents/statement-on-the-war-in-palestine-and-israel

Uluru Statement of the Heart & Wellspring Community

A comment from our members whose ancestors have been in this land for countless years and those who have come more recently.

Click here to read

CARE FOR CREATION PILGRIMAGE 2023

Listening to First Nations and Celtic voices

(a Wellspring and Iona listening Pilgrimage)

The Wellspring and Iona Listening Pilgrimage begins in Perth on the 29th September 2023 and ends on 1st November 2023 in Brisbane.

The Pilgrimage hopes to nurture peace and healing of communities and creation through providing listening spaces and places for conversations about the spiritual roots of caring for creation. These conversations will include locals, First Nations people and a travelling pilgrimage team. This team is made up of, Ruth Harvey (Iona leader and Quaker) from Scotland, Brooke Prentis (Aboriginal Christian Leader, Wellspring’s First Nations adviser), Lisa Wriley (Wellspring Co-leader and Quaker) and Nick Austin (media).

You are invited to join the members of the pilgrimage in any of the places they visit. The times and places are below. Updates will appear regularly on the website as events are developed and fine-tuned.  Registration details will be on the website in May.

Perth, Boorloo, Noongar Country: 29th - 30th September

A possible visit to Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) where we hope for a Welcome to Country and time with local First Nations people.  Lisa is currently seeking advice from Quakers in WA and Brooke is meeting with local Aboriginal leaders in June. Currently the draft plan also includes a public meeting, possibly in King’s Park..

Adelaide, Tarntanya, Kaurna Country and surrounds: 1st - 6th October

Brooke and Lynona Hawkins are working together on the Adelaide program and listening to locals. We plan to be a part of a worship service, meet on Country with Aboriginal elders and local people and be part of a public meeting. At this meeting Adnyamathanha woman, Senior Aboriginal Christian Leader, and Theologian, Aunty Rev Dr Denise Champion will be in conversation with Ruth Harvey from Iona on Celtic and First Nations spirituality of Country and Care for Creation.

Alice Springs, Mparntwe, Arrente Country and surrounds: 7th - 12th October

Our trip will be a time of listening and sharing between First Nations people, other locals and the leaders of the Iona and Wellspring communities with a view to deepen our understanding of what it means to connect with, and care for, this country. In particular we are planning time on Country with Arrente Elders to engage with their art and Country. We will also spend time with local Christian and contemplative communities who are dealing with the complexities of living in Central Australia at this time.

Melbourne, Naarm, Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung Country: 14th - 15th October

Meeting with Iona associates and a Church Service at Wesley Uniting in Central Melbourne 11am.

Gippsland, Gunaikurnai Country: October 16th -18th October

A Wellspring Iona retreat at the Eco Abbey involving First Nations Deacons, time on Country with First Nations Elders and an open day for the Gippsland community.

Canberra, Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country: 20th October

In partnership with the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture; there will be a simple lunch and an after- lunch conversation between Iona Leader Ruth Harvey and First Nations friends around Celtic and First Nations spirituality of Care for Creation.

Sydney, Warrang, Eora Nation: 21st - 26th October

Time will be spent with the First Nations fellowship Scarred Tree Ministries in Glebe. 

22nd October - Sunday church service at St Stephen’s Macquarie Street.

23rd October – recording radio time on the ABC; dinner and conversation between Iona Leader Ruth Harvey and First Nations friends in partnership with the NSW Ecumenical Council. 

25th October - time with a Sydney Iona Member and people from the Pacific Islander Community.

26th October - a gathering at Pitt Street Uniting Church for eco groups and advocates for First Nations justice from schools, universities, churches and the community. Q and A with Iona Leader Ruth Harvey and first Nations friends on Celtic and First Nations spirituality of Care for Creation

Blue Mountains, Dharug and Gundungurra Country: 24th October

In this region, ruthless displacement of people 60 years ago is still raw for many. Several Wellspring members are researching interviews with First Nations people who were affected and are preparing to publish articles in the local paper and to have a ceremony of truth telling on the site (depending on current consultation with the local First Nations group). A public forum in a local pub closer to Western Sydney is also being prepared.

Central Coast, Darkinjung Country and GuruNgai Country: 28th October

Connect to Country at the Bulgandry Aboriginal Place with Tim Selwyn (Girri Girra) and a shared lunch at Kariong Eco Garden.

Newcastle, Awabakal Country: 29th October

A service at Jesmond Park Uniting Church involving Iona Associates and Ruth Harvey (Iona leader).

Brisbane, Meanjin, Yuggera and Turrabul Country: 30th October - 1st November

A public meeting including Iona Associates will take place, as well as a yarning circle format from Aboriginal Christian Leaders, that Ruth will attend. This will include Senior Aboriginal Christian Leader, Aunty Jean Phillips . This is the final meeting with First Nations peoples before Ruth departs these lands now called Australia. Organised by Brooke and the Brisbane Wellspring group.

IDENTITY AND COUNTRY IN A FIRST NATIONS CONTEXT Wellspring Zoom Seminar 29 October 2022

Seminar video is available for viewing here

Wellspring Seminar Review

A prequel to Wellspring’s planned Dialogue on ‘Care for Creation: Celtic and First Nations Christian Perspectives’, the Zoom Seminar of 29 October on ‘Identity and Country in a First Nations Context’ yielded a great quickening of heart and mind and established a helpful basis for the ongoing Dialogue, as we listened to our Indigenous friends share how their identity is embedded in their ‘country’ origins.

It was wonderful to see around fifty people attending at different points, including several from the local and international Iona Community, some of whom had arisen very early in the morning to be with us! In the course of the seminar, it was noted that some in Britain and elsewhere have their own issues with displacement under colonialism. Iona Leader Ruth Harvey’s presence signalled what will be an invigorating new stage in the relationship between our two communities.

Brooke Prentis led us in a meaningful ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ from her own Wakka Wakka country, three hours’ drive north-west of Brisbane. Brook encouraged us to type into the Chat the First Nations country on which each of us lived and call to mind all the things that make it what it is — not only the land, sea and sky, but also the birds and animals, trees and rocks, and the people with their stories and cultures. Real acknowledgement of country is not just uttering words: it involves comprehensive awareness of and respect for all that comprises ‘country’.

Trawloolway woman Naomi Wolfe’s presentation began with articulating a question that had driven her own thinking over the years: how do I become the person I’m meant to be, truly Christian and truly Aboriginal at the same time? Naomi drew attention to two common issues: first, the implication and inference that God and knowledge of God first arrived in Australia in 1788, despite the fact that God is Alpha and Omega, eternally present everywhere; and second, the exclusion of Indigenous people from the inclusive teaching that in Christ there is no differentiation by race, gender, or social rank.

The seminar concluded with two Indigenous blessings from Naomi and a closing prayer from Diane Speed. We were left with stretched minds, moved hearts, and challenges to be more proactive in pursuit of truth, for ourselves and those around us.