General News
18 February, 2026
Thanks For All the Good Things
We talk about Australia being the ‘Lucky Country’, and we surely know many blessings.
While there are many challenges even now, when money is tight, local businesses struggle on, seasons are uncertain, and we wait for rain, we also have a lot for which to be thankful.
Overall yields are being better than expected this season just finished, and for some, the opportunity to have a break from routine over the holidays is one of our many blessings.
For many, expressing gratitude brings joy, and the Southern Mallee Co-operative Parish Church in Hopetoun has a practice of doing just that in having a Harvest Thanksgiving Service each year.
As a gesture of gratitude, long-life produce is brought, alongside freshly made baked goods and garden produce.
While long-life goods are taken to the Horsham Christian Relief Centre, funds raised from donations for fresh produce are given to an organisation that supports people in need.
This year at Hopetoun, $325 was raised and will be donated to the funds raised at Rainbow.
The service was held on Sunday, February 8, and was followed by a shared lunch, enjoyed by all. And so the blessings flow.
– REV. SUSAN PEARSE