Resourcing Future Directions: Bold projects, shared hope

The Uniting Church Synod of NSW & ACT has taken big steps to make sure its vision for Future Directions isn’t just talk, but something that’s built into bricks, budgets, and local communities. Luke Doo Hwan Lee, General Manager of Treasury and Investment Services (TIS) and Jim Katehos, Head of Property Program Delivery presented about the major developments that are supporting the Churches resource work.

This work hasn’t happened overnight. As Luke Doo Hwan Lee put it: “Resourcing Future Directions is a journey that must be travelled together… We are a Pilgrim People, NOT a Pilgrim person.”

That journey now shows up in three major projects across Burwood, Parramatta and Coffs Harbour. Each one aims to be faithful to local mission, serve the wider community, and help fund the Church’s work for years to come.

The Spire Burwood: a community precinct with heart

At Burwood, the plan is to create “a dynamic and welcoming destination”. It will have a 49-level housing tower, affordable apartments, an early learning centre, commercial spaces, and a refreshed Uniting Church.

The Burwood-Croydon Uniting Church led the vision, focused on “discipleship, worship, witness, and service for future generations.” Alongside new spaces for worship and community, the project guarantees an ongoing annual annuity to fund local ministry and help the Synod invest in our Future Directions commitments.

inSpire Parramatta links heritage and new mission

In Parramatta’s CBD, the inSpire project keeps the historic Leigh Memorial Church at its centre, while adding new spaces like the Gathering Place and the Epworth building. The Epworth will include co-living spaces for people such as essential workers and those fleeing domestic violence, as well as room for income-generating uses.

Importantly, it means “debt free delivery” of new buildings to the congregation, plus annuity income to support ministry and Synod-wide work.

As the presentation explains, this location is at “the intersection of hard rail, light rail and the new Metro development,” making it highly visible and well-connected.

Project Ecclesia: a new ministry centre in Coffs Harbour

At Coffs Harbour, Project Ecclesia plans to build a new worship space, chapel, soup kitchen, offices, and retail spaces — all debt free to the congregation. It will also include affordable housing, aiming for “up to 100%” in partnership with Wesley and Uniting.

This project hopes to carry forward more than three years of local vision, making sure ministry and service remain central, while also supporting Synod-wide goals through ongoing income.

Working together for what’s next

Luke Lee summed up what ties these projects together: “Your bold and unwavering vision and leadership to see your communities not only being Great, but most importantly Good”.

And as Jim Katehos, Head of Property Program Delivery, said: “We are committed… to ensure that Future Directions is resourced onwards for future generations.”

These projects are more than construction plans. They’re signs that the Church is willing to plan big, act together, and stay faithful to its call — so that worship, witness and service can continue to grow.

Luke Doo Hwan Lee, General Manager of Treasury and Investment Services

Jim Katehos, Head of Property Program Delivery