‘Mormons Part of the Australian Landscape, Want to Make a Difference,’ Church Leader Says

“Recent community service efforts supported by Australian Mormons show how much we love our communities and how we see our faith in Jesus Christ as being something we put into action by helping others,” according to senior Latter-day Saint leader, Elder Jeffrey Cummings.

“Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have lived in Australia since the 1840’s,” he says. “We’re part of the furniture, which we just love. And because we love our country and our communities, we want to do our part to help those in need, and take good care of our environment.”

Three recent examples demonstrate this, Elder Cummings says.

Mormons in the Brisbane suburb of Cleveland and surrounding areas supported Redland City Council recently by hand-delivering over 3,000 fire disaster management booklets and staffing 21 information booths throughout the area.

Mormon volunteers gathered at the Church’s Cleveland Stake Centre (church building) where government and Red Cross officials met with them.  Guests included: Redland City Council Deputy Mayor, Alan Beard; State Member of Parliament, Steve Davies; Red Cross Emergency Services Regional Coordinator of South Queensland, Eleanor Carter; and Redland City Council disaster management planner Mike Lollback.

Mr Lollback said he was impressed with the willingness of so many members of the Church, “who have worked so hard in this important community initiative.”

Adelaide Mormons recently donated 520 personal care kits to Foodbank South Australia for distribution to individuals in need.  The Adelaide Latter-day Saints collected bars of soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, face-washers and other toiletries. 

The donations were collated and packed by young members of the Church from the Firle area before the packs were handed over to Foodbank South Australia, which works directly with 750 welfare groups across the state.

Back on Australia’s east coast on a recent blue sky Saturday, Latter-day Saints from Tuggerah and surrounding areas came together to pull weeds as part of Wyong Council’s land care efforts.   Aims include the re-generation of native vegetation, the creation of a habitat for wildlife, and the development of a coastal bushland for the community to enjoy.

Over the last 18 months local Latter-day Saints have donated hundreds of hours beautifying and improving the area.

Often Latter-day Saints engaged in community efforts such as these can be spotted by their yellow “Mormon Helping Hands” shirts. 

The Mormon Helping Hands program brings together members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their neighbours to provide community service. These volunteers help people whose lives have been affected by natural disasters and other emergencies. Mormon Helping Hands volunteers also partner with government and nonprofit organizations to support and improve the communities where they live.  

The Helping Hands program reflects the desire of Mormons to follow the example of Jesus Christ by serving others. The effort receives resources from Church humanitarian services, and the projects are coordinated by local Church leaders.