The Australia Southern District gathered for its annual conventions and assembly from 26-28 January 2024 at the Collaroy Centre in Northern Sydney. 

Most guests at the Collaroy Centre come to enjoy its beautiful facilities and location among the city’s northern beaches. The Australia Southern District’s delegates and participants decided to bless the facility that hosted them through a series of Love Your Neighbor projects.

District Nazarene Missions International President Erna Lobusta-Reyes was inspired by the Love Your Neighbor projects that happened worldwide in conjunction with the 30th General Assembly and Conventions in June 2023. In October, she proposed the idea of a local Love Your Neighbor campaign during the district’s 47th Conventions and Assembly in January 2024, and the idea was approved.

Early Saturday morning, the delegates and participants braved the rain wearing matching Love Your Neighbor shirts. They divided into three groups to cover three different parts of the convention center. Collectively, they cleaned around the venue and sorted general waste from recyclables into the proper bins.

Their service drew attention; the management and staff of the Collaroy Centre said, “This is the first time that people who are checked in to the facility have ever offered to clean up their surroundings.” 

The group reconvened in the dining hall for prayer and devotions when the project was finished. The assembly resumed shortly after. The district plans to do something similar at next year’s assembly in Melbourne. 

--Church of the Nazarene Australia