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Charity cattle drove delivers hope through bush chaplaincy

6:34pm Wednesday, 9th November 2011

Karen Mudge

Chaplains in regional and rural Queensland received a huge show of support and funds from charity cattle drove, Stock up for Hope.

The Charity Drove, presented by Medibank, connected kids, chaplains, cattle producers, chefs and city slicker corporates. Over 400 cattle, donated by generous cattle producers from around Queensland, went on the stock route from Bauhinia to Emerald, where the cattle were sold on 27 October to raise $300,000 for SU QLD school chaplaincy.

Geoff Parnell has been a bush chaplain for almost two years, and he understands the importance of chaplaincy in bringing hope and support to young people in the bush. Previously a chaplain on the Sunshine Coast, Geoff recognises that young people face significant challenges in the bush. “It’s very isolated out here. Students lack access to resources and better opportunities. If they want more, they need to leave the area.”

“Part of the work I do with the young people as a chaplain is to run boys programs that deal with self esteem. We do practical outdoor things, like self defence. The students need hope and direction for their lives. Most of them have families on properties, and they’re not sure what to do with their lives, so they kind of just drift along. I really want to help them reach their potential. I try to give them encouragement, and be a role model and mentor.”

Geoff says that the Stock up for Hope was a great way to raise funds for chaplaincy. “A charity stock drive relates well to the bush communities. It’s hard for cattle producers to give cash or a cheque in support, but they’re more willing to give a beast from their farm.”

“Those in the bush understand what chaplains are doing, and they are happy to have any support that their kids can get.”

Drove Director Duncan Brown said the Charity Drove was a unique way for the community in the bush to support their young people, many of whom are battling issues of isolation, family breakdown, depression and suicide.

“We recognise the incredible challenges the next generation is facing - especially out in the bush - and Stock Up for Hope is a great way for cattle producers and others to give back into their community, through school chaplains.”

Geoff was on the drove himself for a few days, and had the opportunity to meet the corporate guests and speak about bush chaplaincy. “We chaplains had the opportunity to share what we do. They were quite supportive, asking questions. We were able to make it clear that chaplains play a support role for students.”

More than 50 “city slickers” from as far as Melbourne joined the Drove. John Anderson, Former Deputy Prime Minister, participated in the drove. He said, “As a country, we were established on our Judeo-Christian values; chaplaincy leans on that heritage and what it means for us in our values today. Stock Up for Hope, through school chaplaincy, has a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of thousands and help shape the next generation.”

The $300,000 raised will support individual chaplaincies as well as fund support workers throughout regional Queensland to ensure the longevity of chaplains in the bush. SU QLD is the largest provider of state school chaplains in Australia, with more than 500 chaplains in over 600 schools.

Bush chappie Geoff says of the drove, “It was great to build awareness about the work of chaplains, and to have the chance to give positive stories about chaplaincy.”