NAMBUCCA Baptist Church marked a significant milestone last Sunday as members, visitors and community supporters gathered to celebrate the church’s first anniversary and reflect on a remarkable year of renewal and growth.
For more than 60 years, Nambucca Baptist Church has served the people of the Nambucca Valley.
Although the church closed for a period at the beginning of 2025, a partnership with Coffs Harbour Baptist Church led to the relaunch of services and the reopening of the church’s doors in August 2025.
The reopening came after months of preparation, making the facility available to local believers and the wider community.
Coffs Harbour Baptist Church elder, Ray Budge said the timing of events surrounding the church’s relaunch seemed providential.
“It was a divine appointment,” Mr Budge said, referring to the arrival of Fijian pastor Eroni Cakakaka and his family.
“Visa approvals, travel arrangements and the family’s arrival coincided with the week church leaders received the keys to both the church building and the manse.
“There was much celebration, but still a lot of work to do.”
The church was a modest building on the corner of Liston Street and Hallidise Street, and extensive improvements were needed.
The renovations began immediately, including painting and refurbishment projects, the construction of a new entrance, a large rear deck, and upgrades to the children’s area.
A local leadership structure was established to support the church’s future ministry.
The anniversary celebration also recognised the contribution of Pastor Eroni Cakakaka, who has served as lead pastor since the reopening, alongside his wife Lavenia and son Scott.
Over the past year, the family has worked to build relationships throughout Nambucca Heads, Bowraville and Kempsey.
Looking ahead after this first encouraging year Pastor Eroni told NOTA, “As we look into the future, we want Nambucca Baptist Church to be a community of believers that help to heal the broken-hearted and set the captives free and bring hope, joy and peace to our community, and glory to our God.”
The celebratory service drew a diverse gathering, including representatives from the Boambee Baptist Indigenous community, congregation members from Coffs Harbour to Kempsey, and the local Fijian community, who live and work in the Nambucca Valley.
The Fijian worshipers took to the small stage to deliver beautiful, harmonious songs.
Church leaders said the anniversary was a testament to the impact one person’s commitment can have on a community, noting the rich heritage the new church is building upon.
Throughout the year, Pastor Eroni has shared the Christian message through a variety of ministries, including teaching in local schools, participating in community events, supporting weekly barbecues for people experiencing homelessness, and preaching in churches across the region.
As the congregation celebrated the first anniversary since the church’s reopening, there was a strong sense of optimism about the future.
“With renewed energy and a growing community presence, members of Nambucca Baptist Church believe the past year is only the beginning of what lies ahead for the church and its ministry in the Nambucca Valley,” Mr Budge said.
By Andrea FERRARI
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