LinC Alstonville: Interfaith collaboration supports elderly

During Pope Francis’ General Audience on 15 June 2022, he mentioned communities needing to support the elderly, particularly when they face health challenges. 

“A society truly welcomes life when it recognises that it is also precious in old age, in disability, in serious illness and even when it is fading,” the Pope said. 

Supporting the community

LinC (Love in the name of Christ) Alstonville is a not-for-profit organisation that’s providing a lifeline to older residents on the plateau and the surrounding areas. As part of a national network of LinC groups, the Alstonville branch is a partnership between Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, St Bartholemew’s Anglican Church, Alstonville Baptist Church, Seventh Day Adventist Church, Uniting Church, and Seacoast Church, Ballina.  

For over 20 years the organisation’s 45 trained volunteers have assisted elderly people with social interaction, shopping, transport to appointments, support after being in hospital, and emergency assistance. 

Therese Crollick, Chair of the Pastoral Council at Our Lady of the Rosary and the LinC coordinator for the Parish, shared her experience of the program’s success. 

“This week we completed our 264th job for the year, so there is a significant need in our community, particularly given the limited number of transport options that are available in the region,” Therese explained. 

A lifeline for many

Therese recounted the story of one LinC client, an elderly man with several medical issues. After his wife passed away, he became estranged from his family and found himself without the immediate support he needed. Therese said his situation is typical of many other people LinC supports. 

“Unfortunately, he had been in and out of hospital, and he didn’t have any immediate family who could help him, so we went around to his house and cleaned out his unit. He was very appreciative,” she said. 

Judy Dunkley, LinC Coordinator for the Baptist Church, has been involved with the LinC program for the past five years, during which time over 1,000 jobs have been completed for locals. 

“I’ve lost count the number of jobs I’ve taken on myself, and I’m in my eighties,” Judy shared.  

“The volunteers at LinC are wonderful people and it’s a privilege to be a part of. There is one lady I take to an art class, who has had a stroke and has very limited communication skills, so it feels good to assist someone like that who otherwise may not be able to leave the house.” Judy said. 

Interfaith activities

Therese added that regular interfaith activity across the different churches has given parishioners the opportunity to learn about distinct perspectives regarding their faith. 

“We have a Thanksgiving service at a different church each year, and we hold regular morning teas together, so LinC has certainly fostered a greater openness and acceptance of other people’s faiths, which has been really positive – it is a lovely organisation to be a part of.”