The move around the corner to the old St Barnabas Hall, 5B Bowra Street, opposite the Rural Fire Service, has been accomplished thanks to the sterling efforts of volunteers.

The new shop offers safer access with sealed car parking and a resurfaced ramp for customers with reduced mobility, parents with children and bulk deliveries. The space is light and airy, and improved amenities include toilets, kitchen facilities for staff and air conditioning.

The re-arrangement of St Barnabas more closely illustrates the role of the church in the community.  

The Food Pantry operates on Friday mornings (10am – noon) from the foyer of the church, providing food assistance as required.  

The Op Shop located in the adjacent hall offers good quality recycled clothing and friendly hospitality.

Training volunteers from the “Work for the Dole” program provides the opportunity for personal growth, friendship, a renewed sense of purpose and therefore increased community capacity.  

Proceeds from the shop assists with other local charitable ventures including Christmas food hampers for Urunga families.

Also we are currently investigating a support link with an orphanage in Kenya through an Australian contact who works there.

“Chomp & Chat” operates from the Op Shop kitchen each Friday 11.30am-1.00pm, and offers a free lunch and great conversation.  

All these ventures are overseen by the Anglican Parish of the Bellinger Council who meet at St Barnabas monthly.

At the centre of these activities is the spiritual heart.  This is represented by the prayer space in the middle of the building.  This space will be open daily and accessible through the Op Shop. Visitors are encouraged to take time out of their busy lives to quietly reflect, pray and meditate in this space.  Resources will also be available to take home.

The Op Shop is open Mondays and Fridays 9.00am – 1.00pm; Tuesdays-Thursdays 9.00am – 4.00pm; Saturdays 9.00am – 12.00pm.