When the Methodist, Congregational and Presbyterian denominations amalgamated to become the Port Pirie United Parish, the name of Central Mission was retained because of the welfare component. Rev Norman’s foresight in 1970 saw the need for an “Opportunity Shop” to be established to supply clothing and goods for people on low incomes. The store was opened Tuesdays and Thursdays by volunteers under the leadership of Edna Zubrinich and Linda Fitzgerald.

In 1976 at the Annual Methodist conference, Port Pirie Central Mission was declared an Incorporated Association, enabling greater opportunity to receive government grants and financial assistance from community sources.

After his induction as Superintendent in 1976 Rev John Mauviel advocated for emergency housing for deserted wives with children and a shelter for homeless men.

Initially one house was purchased. Soon there was a waiting list for emergency accommodation. Over the next three years eight more houses were acquired. Money was received from Morialta Trust Fund to provide hot water systems. The tenants paid a nominal rent including a component for gas and power. The demand for housing was always greater than the supply. Two caravans were purchased and used in emergencies.

Permission was sought from the Department of Community Welfare to use the former Central Mission manse for a homeless Men’s Shelter to meet the growing need of itinerants as well as local homeless men.

Tennyson House was established as a community home for single girls. A care taker/cook was employed to care for the premises and five tenants.

By mid 1977 plans were well in hand for establishing a Crisis Counselling Service in Port Pirie under the auspices of Central Mission. Interested people were trained and when qualified were rostered on a telephone counselling service from 6pm to midnight. The service was expanded to a 24 hour counselling service and became part of the Australian National Lifeline programme.

In 1980 the Wayside Lodge men’s shelter was demolished and the former Presbyterian manse was opened in October 1980 as St Andrews. Homeless men were offered individual rooms with communal lounge and dining facilities.

The Mission’s services expanded to include a coffee lounge, Good News Book Shop, marriage counsellor and the appointment of a Housing Officer to look after the tenants in the Mission’s accommodation.

A generous bequest in 1986 from the 
estate of the late Allan and Audrey Ward of Weroona Island made it possible to purchase a new Mission complex to accommodate the expanding services which included Family Support and later Alternative (Foster) Care and Tenancy Support.