Austinmer Uniting minister to preach last service

By Stephen Le Bas

Many in the Northern Illawarra will be familiar with the Austinmer Uniting Church in Moore Street.

Over the years, locals have likely attended weddings, funerals as well as Sunday services at this lovely 100-year-old church. Others would have visited the Church to see ‘Classics in the Chapel’, featuring performances by local artists, and more recently, performances in conjunction with students and teachers from the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music.

Roselin Fisher has been the minister at Austinmer Uniting Church for the past 15 years and will be preaching her last service there on Sunday, 30 November 2025, 9:30am.

I first heard Roselin preach when my partner was looking for a local Uniting Church to attend. I am always happy to listen to an informative, well considered sermon.

We arrived on that first Sunday to hear Roselin’s sermon based on an interpretation of the Aramaic translation of The Lord’s Prayer. I found this fascinating and was more than happy to continue to attend with my partner if this quality of sermon was maintained!

I was never disappointed – Roselin has always delivered very intelligent, engaging and informative messages that appeal to, and resonate with, those within and without the faith. This is the sign of a great preacher.

Many traditional churches are dealing with an ageing and declining congregation. The Uniting Church is considering a significant reduction in the number of presbyteries across NSW and the ACT. Unfortunately, this may mean the demise of Austinmer Uniting Church, a huge loss to the community.

The irony: against the odds, Austi Uniting Church is financially viable.

I wish to thank Roselin for her service to the Austi Uniting Church, and for the great sermons I have enjoyed over the past few years.