Australian History

It was in 1981 that the Walk to Emmaus became established in the USA as a separate entity from its parent body Cursillo. Three years later Australia became the first country outside the USA in which the Emmaus movement was organised. The Walk to Emmaus grew rapidly in Australia and there were 23 communities nationwide including at least one in every state and territory. 


1984

August 1984

First Walks run in Australia.

In August 1984, the Reverend Robert Wood, at the invitation of The Upper Room (Australia), brought a team of 32 Americans (most of whom paid their own fares and used their annual leave) to run the first Emmaus Walks in Australia. Team members came from all over the USA, from both Emmaus Walks and Cursillo movements and included two Australians who had made their initial walks in the the US. The first Emmaus Walks in Australia were held in Otford, NSW. Twenty men and thirty-three women attended.

August 1984

Sydney Emmaus Community Established

Current Status: Closed

1985

1985

Uniting Church becomes Australian sponsor.

In 1985, the Uniting Church in Australia became the official sponsor of the Australian Walk to Emmaus movement. However the commitment to make the Emmaus movement an ecumenical tool of spiritual renewal for church leadership in Australia has constantly been emphasised.

1986

September 1986

Far North Coast Emmaus Community Established

Current Status: Closed

September 1986

Mid North Coast Emmaus Community Established

Current Status: Active

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1989

August 1989

Queensland Emmaus Community Established

Originally called Queensland, later changed to South Coast and currently called Gold Coast Emmaus Community.

Current Status: Active

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1990

July 1990

Northern Inland Emmaus Community Established

Current Status: Closed

August 1990

Chrysalis Established

Currently 5 communities running in several states.

November 1990

Western Sydney Emmaus Community Established

Current Status: Active

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November 1990

Newcastle Central Coast Emmaus Community Established

Current Status: Active

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November 1990

Canberra/Monaro Emmaus Community Established

Current Status: Active

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1991

September 1991

Alarga Australia Established

Current Status: Unknown

1992

August 1992

Adelaide Emmaus Community Established

Current Status: Active

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1993

May 1993

Brisbane North Coast Emmaus Community Established

Current Status: Active

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July 1993

Riverina Emmaus Community Established

Current Status: Active

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November 1993

Melbourne Emmaus Community Established

Current Status: Closed

1994

August 1994

Central Queensland Emmaus Community Established

Current Status: Active
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September 1994

Darling Downs Emmaus Community Established

Current Status: Active

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1995

1995

Kairos Prison Ministries Established

July 1995

South Sydney/Illawarra Emmaus Community Established

Current Status: Closed

1996

March 1996

Brisbane South Emmaus Community Established

Current Status: Active

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April 1995

Perth Emmaus Community Established

Current Status: Active

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May 1996

Brisbane West Emmaus Community Established

Current Status: Active
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September 1996

North Queensland Emmaus Community Established

Current Status: Closed

1999

July 1999

Maribyrnong North West Emmaus Community Established

Current Status: Closed

July 1999

Topend Emmaus Community Established

Current Status: Closed

2001

May 2001

Central West Emmaus Community Established

Current Status: Active

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2003

September 2003

Great Southern Emmaus Community Established

Current Status: Closed

February 2004

Tasmania Emmaus Community Established

Current Status: closed