The Wellspring Community is committed to work for justice and peace. We believe that prayer and politics belong together. As we pray “Your will be done on earth as it is heaven” we are affirming that social justice for all and peace on earth sit at the heart the Gospel of Christ.

Wellspring Actions 2026

The Role of Australia’s International Development Program in Preventing Conflict 2026

Wellspring has sent a submission to the current Parliamentary enquiry. It states that "peaceable co-existence between nations can only be achieved when all citizens’ material, educational and social needs are met by the society in which they live."

It recommends that our aid be generous, be given for the direct benefit of the citizens in various recipient countries (not to benefit Australian interests) and be delivered in a non-partisan way by local NGO's. For full submission click on the button.

SUBMISSION

Thanks to Justice and Peace contact person Julie Brackenreg for this thoughtful contribution to peace.

Wellspring Actions 2025

THE WELLSPRING COMMUNITY REGARDING THE ATTACK IN BONDI ON 14 DECEMBER 2025

Wellspring Community has joined a group of faith-based and community organisations, standing with Jewish Australians against the horrendous attack at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi on Sunday 14/12/25.

Violence committed against innocent people practising their faith has no place in Australia. We must all be free to gather in our communities and feel safe doing so. As multicultural Australians we stand together against violence, bigotry and racism.

We acknowledge the courage of the many paramedics and first responders, including Ahmed el Ahmed, a brave member of the public who tackled a gunman and potentially saved many lives.

As always, we caution against sharing untrusted social media content, scapegoating entire communities, and dehumanizing people of any religion or nationality.

We refuse to allow hatred to divide us. We stand together and will heal together. We need light, now more than ever, to dispel the darkness. We send our love and prayers to the Jewish community at this time.

THE WELLSPRING COMMUNITY ENDORSED THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AS WELL AS THE ENABLING INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL DOCUMENTS

August 2025

The Wellspring Council endorsed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and subsequent international and national enabling documents. We affirm that these reflect Christ's teaching of love, care and compassion for humanity and the earth.

Consequently

1.We will work to support the development and implementation of enabling legislation in Australia Initially , if possible, with the passing of a Human Rights Act.

2. We will encourage Wellspring members to become involved in advocacy and action regarding such action.

3. Wellspring will seek to raise our voice in support of people or situations where Human Rights are being abused, when actions by government or other agents contravene the recognised internationally recognised Human Rights Standards by their actions or failure to act. This may be alone or with other like- minded organisations.

4.The Council empowers the leaders together with the relevant contact people for the particular area of concern, to write, make statements or sign statements on behalf of the community. All statements and correspondence will be available to all members of Council at the following Council meeting.

STANDING UP FOR SCRUTINY OF AUSTRALIA’S DEFENCE INDUSTRY

27/08/2025

Joining a nationwide coalition led by the Quakers , Wellspring urged Parliament to scrutinise defence-industry risks and arms exports to prevent Australian equipment being used in human rights abuses.

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JOINT INTERFAITH STATEMENT MARKING 80 YEARS SINCE THE FIRST USE OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS

August 2025

“Our spiritual traditions inform our perspectives: while humanity is capable of inflicting grave, even apocalyptic harm, humanity is also capable of collaborating in solidarity for life and well-being.

Today, as unbearable violence and conflicts plague the world, we as faith communities and organizations join with the rising movement of people—awakened to the intolerable nature of violence and greed—to call for peace, nuclear abolition, and justice in all their forms.

While the challenges are immense, this is a time to affirm that another way is possible: one rooted in solidarity, human dignity, and hope. “

The Wellspring Community of Australia joined many other faith communities in signing the Joint Interfaith Community Statement calling for peace justice and an end to nuclear arms. see complete statement https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nrkG_SEVteSnjdTAJUHGTEdNOChrZ3y1rTErVBc33GE/edit?tab=t.0

Sydney Morning Herald Add Aug 2025 — Wellspring joined a group of interfaith organisations led by the Jewish Women for Peace to place a full page add in the Sydney Morning Herald calling for stronger action to halt the genocide in Gaza

Wellspring Actions 2024

MIGRATION BILL SUBMISSION

The Wellspring Community submission on the Bill: Migration Amendment Bill 2024 (CTH) and Migration Amendment (Bridging Visa Conditions) Regulations 2024 (CTH). Read HERE

WELLSPRING PARLIAMENTARY PETITION REGARDING THE ISRAEL PALESTINE CONFLICT

Petition to parliament taking action to stop the Israel, Palestine conflict. Read HERE

https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN6653

The Ministerial Response from Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, can be read HERE

SUBMISSION ON THE FUTURE OF THE NATIVE FOREST TIMBER INDUSTRY

Submission to the Independent Forestry Panel Consultation on the Future of the Native Forest Timber Industry which will contribute to the Forestry Industry Action Plan of the NSW Government. October 2024. Read HERE.

SUBMISSION TO THE JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON ABORIGINAL AND ISLANDER AFFAIRS

On the establishment of a National Truth and Justice Commission through a Parliamentary Bill. 13th October 2024. Read HERE

Wellspring Actions 2023

WELLSPRING COMMUNITY STATEMENTS ON ISRAEL/PALESTINE NOVEMBER 2023

Wellspring Council asked 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. You can read it HERE.

FAIR TRADE

As a Fair Trade Faith Group, the Wellspring Community is committed to bringing change to God’s world and the people for whom Jesus lived, died and rose again.

Fair Trade empowers disadvantaged artisans, workers and farmers, especially in developing countries to create their own sustainable livelihoods through employment, regular income, improved working conditions and more direct access to markets.

Fairtrade empower millions of farmers and workers around the world by tackling poverty and poor working conditions, as well as conserving the environment. It’s hope for a better future by making trade fair.

Many of the world’s most serious issues share a single root cause – extreme poverty. The Fairtrade Minimum Price, Premium and Standards are designed to tackle this so that farmers and workers have reliable and sustainable incomes, and the power to make their own choices.

The Wellspring Community demonstrates its commitment to Fair Trade by serving Fairtrade tea and coffee at all functions where people meet. We also encourage our members to seek and use Fair Trade products wherever possible.

We promote Fair trade through our magazine, ‘Pipeline. And through our sponsoring occasional webinars.