The Power Of Unity

Sometimes dismissed as harmless banter, Tasmania's north-south divide has revealed itself to hold genuine consequences for Tasmanians. This geographical rift, dating back to the earliest years of colonisation, has also been present within the faith community.

But one faith-based partnership is challenging the status quo and breaking down the barriers of division.

First established in Devonport, Loaves & Fishes has become a stalwart of the Tasmanian community services sector, providing essential food services that extend across the North and, increasingly, down the East and West Coast. Meanwhile, in the area of Clarence Plains, 15 mins from Hobart CBD, Grace Church is a diverse community of believers who pride themselves on loving others – so much so that they purchased and refurbished the old Rokeby Tavern purely for the benefit of the wider community.

Recognising Loaves & Fishes' need for additional space as well as the growing issue of food insecurity in Greater Hobart and beyond, these two ministries seized the opportunity to join forces, creating a bridge that now spans from the North to the South of the state. 

With funding from a Tassie Christian foundation, a full-scale commercial kitchen was built in what has become known as the "Grace Centre". The Loaves & Fishes team are now using the kitchen to produce upwards of 2,000 meals a week for those doing it tough, as well as providing place-based traineeships for young people looking to get a start in the food production and hospitality industries.

Though still in its early stages, this partnership looks set to redefine what is possible when people and organisations come together across perceived boundaries and put the collective wellbeing of all Tasmanians at the forefront.

Ps. Dermot Cottuli, Senior Minister at Grace Church, believes that's exactly what Christians are supposed to do:

"We want it to be about the people. We're called to feed the hungry, give water to thirsty, invite people into homes who need it. Love isn’t transactional, it’s free. The love of God is free."