Dubbo Anglican Church

Andrew Thornhill, along with his wife Kath and their children: Hudson (currently on a gap year) and Matilda (year 11), relocated from Perth to SMBC for his studies. The Rev’d Andrew Thornhill was joyfully welcomed to Dubbo and commissioned as Rector of Dubbo Anglican and Archdeacon of the North-West on 3 February 2024.

Dubbo Anglican is part of the Anglican Diocese of Bathurst with a mission “to know Jesus and to make him known.” The church approaches their mission by building each other in the word of God, equipping each other for service and sending people out into the community to faithfully proclaim the life-giving words of Jesus.

Country NSW is littered with churches but almost every one battles significant challenges every single day. One of the most significant is the constant departure of young people from the country for study and work. Generations are missing from the church and the aging population on the land is mirrored in the church. The average age of people living in Dubbo is 37. This means that there are of course youth and families around but the church has struggled to connect with these demographics in a way which has translated to active and committed church members and disciples of Christ.

Wonderfully though, under the current Bishop Mark Calder, there is a new vision of ‘Sharing Jesus for Life’ that is driving change and hope.

Dubbo NSW Context

• Population: 40,000

• Demographic mix: 81% of the population of Dubbo were born in Australia. There are many retired farmers that settle in Dubbo, including 14% who identify as Australian Aboriginal. 

Challenges

• Shrinking churches and increasing financial pressure has meant approximately half of the Anglican Churches in the Diocese have been without a Senior Minister. The challenge is how to engage the next generation where churches have been struggling to grow and adapt.

Opportunities

• Watch as Moore College Vice Principal Simon Gillham chats with Bishop Mark Calder (Bathurst Diocese) and regional workers James Boardman and Sally Phelps about the joys and challenges of ministry in regional NSW, as well as the exciting growth and opportunities in the area.

Andrew is in awe of God's kindness already during his first few years at Dubbo Anglican. And this sees him excited for the future, being convicted by the gospel and the power of God's Word.

There are green shoots of growth: people receiving Christ; baptisms and confirmations; more people joining Bible Studies; people professing to grasp the gospel of grace for the first time, having attended church for most of their lives.

In 2026, there are plans for a renewed focus on welcoming, integration and care; dedicated mens' and women's ministries; organising more social or 'first-step' events; continuing to regularly run evangelistic courses; and continuing to grow people in their knowledge and love of Jesus through other Word-based ministries including their weekly church gatherings.

How has Christ Church’s support made a difference?

All the funds Christ Church has provided have gone directly to hiring a new staff member, Justin. He works three days a week, focusing on young families, Kids Church, Playgroup, and SRE. Alongside this, he is studying part-time at SMBC and attending live online lectures. How exciting that our support is investing in the next generation of believers! Andrew and Kath also comment on how much the generosity, love and care from this gospel partnership mean to them, as they serve in this local mission field.

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