The following report was made in the UC News 12 November 2008

The UAICC manse in Port Augusta has been badly damaged by fire. The manse was the home of Rev Hohaia and Dawn Matthews and family.

No one was harmed in the fire, which is thought to have started from an electrical fault. Indications are that insurance will cover the cost of rebuilding the large manse which was named Villa Costa Lotta by the previous owner and builder.

The family has lost a significant proportion of their possessions which were not insured. However some Indigenous artefacts, artwork and teddy bears have survived.
Covenanting officer Peter Russell said the best practical help the wider church can provide at this stage is by donating money.
Donations may be sent to the Uniting Church SA office and marked for the Matthews Family. Cheques should be made payable to "Hohaia Matthews".

Messages of support for the Matthews family may be left with Covenanting coordinator Peter Russell. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Matthews Family Update - 3 December 2008
Di and I visited the Matthews family this week. Hohaia has hurt his back, is having difficulty walking and is using a walking stick. The family are sick of living in the motel.

Cleaning up the site of the burnt out manse is well under way and it will be rebuilt. The family are looking forward to moving into accommodation in Stirling North, a four bedroom home with a large family room, which although cramped for 14 people, will be their own space. The boys will bunk down in the shed and the girls in the house. When asked if the shed will be OK the boy's response was, "We'll be together". The move is happening today and tomorrow. The family has most of its immediate requirements, including furniture for the house. They still need to be able to buy things as the need arises.

Please do not send household items up as these are being be sourced locally as required. Financial support is still very welcome. Cheques may be made out to Hohaia Matthews and lodged through the Synod Office. See Peter Battersby.

Despite all of this normal Congress programs are still running: After School Activities; Basketball Teams; other Youth programs; Work for the Dole Programs; Correctional Services programs and Tjinatjunanyi. Dawn and Hohaia were involved in running a Crime Prevention and Community Safety Camp at Melrose for the Tjinatjunanyi students and their families, just last week for two days. It was a welcome break from the motel !

Please keep these people in your prayers.

Palya,

Peter Russell
Covenanting Officer
Uniting Church SA

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