05/09/2026
Across the East Kimberley, the Synod Preparation meetings and Confirmation celebrations have been a deeply moving experience of faith, community and welcome. Travelling approximately 4,000 kilometres to the Desert communities and back to Broome, then on to the north east of the Diocese and back to Broome, Bishop Tim visited the communities of Balgo, Billiluna, Ringer Soak, Halls Creek, Warmun, Wyndham and Kununurra. At every stop, he encountered people who are committed to the life of the Church and who welcomed him with great warmth and generosity. The Confirmation celebrations were particularly joyful occasions. In each community, the candidates were beautifully prepared and ready to take the next step in their journey of faith formation. Their readiness and confidence are a wonderful credit to the dedication of the catechists, the encouragement of their families and the support of the wider community. Confirmation was also held in Kalumburu on their special Feast Day, The Assumption of Mary. After the Confirmation in Kalumburu, there was traditional dancing and sharing of food.
The Synod conversations have also revealed a profound sense of faith and hope across the region. The conversations, held in a spirit of openness and prayer, have been deeply moving. There have been many suggestions and ideas of a pastoral way forward for the diocese. Amongst other ideas, younger students spoke with remarkable clarity about the need for us to continue our journey with Jesus and learning about the Gospel stories, while older members of the communities expressed a deep yearning for greater unity and peace within our families, our communities, our nation and throughout our world. These conversations remind us that, despite the distances between communities, there is a strong and shared desire to listen to the Spirit, to walk together as a Church, and to grow ever closer to Christ. The journey through the East Kimberley has been a beautiful expression of a Church that is alive, welcoming and deeply rooted in faith.
