The members of Bolwarra Uniting Church celebrated the opening on Sunday, 8 October, 2023 after the completion of major renovations.

Reverend Graham Perry, Hunter Uniting Church Presbytery Minister performed the official opening by unveiling a plaque to commemorate the event. The opening ceremony was attended by 80 people and held after the morning church service. Following the formalities, a celebratory light lunch was enjoyed by all.

Dignitries in attendance included David Layzell, State MP, Upper Hunter; Councillor Sally Halliday representing Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold; Peree Watson represented the Hon Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads and State MP, Maitland; Rick Brownell represented Hunter Presbytery; and Rev Neil Smith and Dr Rev Rod Pattinden from Maitland Uniting Churches* were also in attendance.

The renovations were made possible from congregation fund raising, donations and a very generous State Government grant of over $140k from NSW Government Department of Enterprise and Trade, The Office of Responsible Gambling, Round 3 Grants NSW. The renovations were undertaken by Maitland construction company, Hama Constructions and included a new entry with wheelchair access, replacing the original outside toilets with new inside ambulant facilities, a vestry, and turning the church around to make it a more functionable space.

Church funding was exhausted, but Hama Constructions generously donated painting to the remainder of the interior and ceiling to complete the job. “We are very grateful to Mark Chapman from Hama Constructions for this very generous donation.

Mark was excellent to work with on this project.” said Project Manager, Louise Trist.

The church is now an invaluable community space available for hire. This is the only community facility of its kind in the Bolwarra area and this side of the Hunter River. It is now an excellent facility for emergency services to use in times of natural disasters such as bushfires and floods.

“This renovation has been made possible through the tireless efforts of the congregation and it is wonderful we have been able to bring this dream to fruition” said Steve Bentham, Church Chairman.