Community Centre returns to Orange Uniting Church

A warm and welcoming community centre has reopened at the Orange Uniting Church offering a safe place for people to relax, socialise, and maybe even enjoy a little light refreshment.

The community centre, now located within the church in Anson Street, opened on Monday, May 1 with church members, local service providers and Member for Orange Phil Donato present for the occasion.

The church-run community centre is essentially a reopening of that formerly operated from the building by Fusion Central West, which closed after the Christian youth and community development organisation relocated in 2021.

Orange Uniting Church pastor Joshua Bleyerveen is passionate about building community and is happy to see the reopening of what he considered to be a vital service.

“The heart of our mission here is how can we join in with what’s happening in the community and have the community discover the life of the church,” he said.

“We’re really about community centres, and hot meals and looking after emergency needs. We’re relationship-first. It’s about deep relational engagement, getting to know people – people feeling seen and heard, and us being responsive.

“Sometimes we’re not experts,” Joshua continued, “but we’re in touch with other services that can help.”

Perhaps happiest of all is congregation member, Colin Kearle, for whom the Fusion-run community centre was a life-changing experience, giving him the opportunity to gain workplace skills, connections and, most importantly, a sense of belonging.

“I absolutely broke down when Fusion closed down,” Colin said. “Without them, I wouldn’t be able to be doing what I am today.” 

Colin had pushed for the opening of this new community centre, which hopes will see others reap the benefits he has.

“I hope that we’ll grow, we need to grow,” Colin said. “This is a family to me, it’s unreal.” 

“This is a big day for all of us… well, especially for me!” 

The Orange Uniting Church community centre is open every Monday and Thursday from 10am to 2pm. For more information about the Community Centre contact Orange Uniting Church on 63625788