The Ministers Fraternal organised the gathering and was thrilled to have Archbishop Francis Carroll as its guest speaker, a suggestion made by John McInnes given that he was present at the opening of Coleambally in June 1968.

The Archbishop reflected on that opening day: “I do recall a universal air of excitement for they were heady days for the many new arrivals looking forward with high hopes to a bright future in the recently established irrigation area and I remember being impressed with the graceful outline among the pine trees of the wine glass water tower.”

Speaking about the early settlers he stated: “In the pioneering environment of the new community and a new town you learned to be innovative and adaptive – creating a new home, perhaps adopting new farming methods, building new structures and relationships in a new community.

“And yet you brought so many of your old treasures that you would never dream of leaving behind – your family traditions, values and treasured heirlooms, perhaps furniture from your previous home and equipment from earlier farm or working experiences.

“You brought your trust in God and your Christian faith which led you to build new churches and provide Christian service adapted to a new environment.”

Regarding the importance of faith the Archbishop said: “Our country and our hard pressed local community are even more in need of that (Christian) witness than ever before and we must not lose heart. Certainly we must first be disciples before we can make disciples, we must live our faith if we are to share that faith, and we must be people of prayer before we can teach others to pray.

“Nonetheless the command of Jesus to go out (and make disciples) has lost none of its relevance or necessity.

A historical presentation was given by the Anglican Church, the Catholic Church and the Uniting Church and the four hymns, including the Coleambally Anniversary song , were sung with great enthusiasm. Whilst gathering outside the church for the traditional “catch up”, people of all Christian denominations hailed the gathering a very uplifting spiritual experience.