Kimba - halfway across Australia

I vaguely remember passing through Kimba in the dark on the way to Ceduna in the early 70s and I knew there was a big galah. AND that it was a long way away;  how far depended on whether you consulted Google or Whereis. About 6 hours travel time for us and about 5 hours from Adelaide. (And yes, some Kimba people still do it down and back in a day.)
The tourist brochure proclaimed it to be halfway across Australia and it sure seemed isolated with the nearest town nearly an hour away - and that's where the footy was on Saturday. And a visit to the vet with a sick cat means a one and a half hour drive EACH WAY.
So we arrived in Kimba on Thursday evening and left mid afternoon on Sunday. We saw very little of the town (but I did check out the galah before we left.) So what did I do in Kimba? I met a whole heap of wonderful people!

 
On behalf of the Uniting Church I was leading a team of three (two Davids and me) to spend time with the Kimba Uniting Church reflecting on their situation and their impact on the town. It was not a troubleshooting exercise but a chance to encourage people in what they are doing and see what they might want to be involved in. So between the three of us we met with 50 or so people including members of the community. We met with church leaders and shared meals together. And before we left we gave them a draft report on what we found.
Kimba Uniting Church is a modern very visible church in the main street. It runs an Op Shop and is associated with the Shed Men. The church building provides a great venue for a Community Centre and for events such as funerals where people are cared for lovingly in their time of grief.
I think the church people were stunned when we reported back how highly they are regarded in the community as  a solid place in changing times, and as those who care and provide support.
While we were there it rained which put a smile on the faces of farmers. The community relies on a reasonable rainfall for their brad acre farms.
I discovered a whole lot of connections with other  people and places and just wished there was more time to hear all the stories. So I saw the big galah but more than that I saw not just the halfway point of Australia but its very heart - with people who live and love and care and share a message of hope in troubled time. Thank you, Kimba. I do hope to be back. And I'll bring pumpkins next time!