Foundation 1873 - 1912

The very first record of a Wesleyan Methodist Church in Port Pirie was of a small galvanised iron structure 28 feet square which was built in 1873. During 1875 a new weatherboard church was built on the corner of Alexander and Gertrude Streets in Port Pirie.

At the Annual Methodist conference in March 1912 it was unanimously agreed that the Port Pirie Methodist Church should become Central Mission. The Mission aimed to be the living centre of evangelistic effort and social service, in an endeavour to counteract the influence of the hotels, and to attempt to help people have better things in life. Rev. JC Hughes was the first Superintendent of the newly formed Mission. A group of volunteers concerned about the welfare of sailors whilst in port agreed to visit the boats on a regular weekly basis. In September 1912 Sister Annie was inducted as a Sister of the People. Her role was to work among the 4,000 inhabitants in the Port Pirie West area experiencing hardship. The existing weatherboard building was by this time inadequate for the Mission’s needs and a larger building was envisaged.

Latest

Program Brochures & Postcards
The next generation of Volunteers

We were fortunate to have some incredible volunteers join us in the past few days at Goods at Gertrude Port Pirie and Port Pirie FoodHub A big shoutout and heartfelt gratitude to the amazing team from Mid North Christian College - Port Pirie for their dedicated participation in our volunteering program. Thank you for making a difference in the community❤️ #volunteering #UnitingCountrySA
Graffiti wall project

Thank you to the Commissioner for Children and Young People SA for funding our recent graffiti wall project. This feedback will benefit KIDtober, Woodward Park Upgrade Project, Woodward Park Food Fair 2023 and Port Pirie Regional Council 👍 It is very important to include the thoughts and opinions of children in everything we do. #childrensvoice #UnitingCountrySA
Foster Carers in Port Augusta

We had a fantastic Christmas celebration in Port Augusta with our Foster & Kinship Carers together with our Department for Child Protection SA colleagues. Their incredible work never fails to inspire us! ❤️ Here's to celebrating the selfless love of our #FosterCarers and #KinshipCarers. #PortAugusta #UnitingCountrySA

Uniting Country SA 2012 - Present

Following 2012 UnitingCare Wesley Country SA continued to service the people of Country South Australia, but more change was in the future. This decade saw much discussion amongst the national UnitingCare network about a common brand across the community service organizations. These discussions coupled with a major shift in how community services are being funded and the evolution of consumer directed care encouraged the board of UCWCSA to rename the organization Uniting Country SA.
UnitingCare 2000 - 2012

At the start of 21st Century the Central Mission changed their name for the first time in their history, This marked the first of many name changes as the organisation worked to define its identity in the new millennia. This decade also saw the organisation expand rapidly across country SA leading it to changing its name UnitingCare Wesley Country SA to properly represent its purpose. In 2012 the organisation celebrated 100 years of continuous service to our communities Caring for Country People
Uniting Church 1970 - 2000

In the 1970s the Methodist, Congregational and Presbyterian denominations of Christianity amalgamated. This decade, and the ones which followed, saw the Central mission grow. Opening an "Opportunity Shop" and launching homelessness services, emergency housing, crisis counselling services, family support and foster care services.
Early Years 1912 - 1968

The Central Mission played an active role supporting Port Pirie's community during the tumultuous start of the 1900s. Including support for families whose men were overseas in the first and second world wars, support during outbreaks of disease, help for families during strikes and support for the community during natural disasters.

Careers
Providing services in regional South Australia
Domestic & Family Violence

Uniting Country SA's Domestic Violence services provide support to people in regional South Australia who are dealing with domestic and family violence in their lives.
Escaping Violence Payment

Money worries should not stop you from leaving a violent partner. The Escaping Violence Payment is available to anyone who is experiencing violence from their partners.
Uniting Country Housing (UCH)

Uniting Country Housing is a community housing provider with a number of properties across the region for eligible clients. Housing is limited to low-income families and individuals.
Homelessness Services

The Yorke and Mid North and Coober Pedy Generic Homelessness Services provides support and housing / accommodation options for homeless people and those at risk of homelessness in regional South Australia. Families, single adults, youth and couples can access support from the service
Port Augusta
Our Mission and Values

Uniting Country SA is a not-for-profit social services and community organisation operating in country South Australia. We are the local experts, trying to make a difference in your community. With over 100 years of experience servicing regional communities, Uniting Country SA is dedicated to Caring for Country People.
Whyalla
Main Office Port Pirie