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.
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
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.
September 1986
Far North Coast Emmaus Community Established
Current Status: Closed
September 1986
August 1989
Queensland Emmaus Community Established
Originally called Queensland, later changed to South Coast and currently called Gold Coast Emmaus Community.
Current Status: Active
July 1990
Northern Inland Emmaus Community Established
Current Status: Closed
August 1990
Chrysalis Established
Currently 5 communities running in several states.
November 1990
November 1990
Newcastle Central Coast Emmaus Community Established
Current Status: Active
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November 1990
September 1991
Alarga Australia Established
Current Status: Unknown
May 1993
July 1993
Riverina Emmaus Community Established
Current Status: Active
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November 1993
Melbourne Emmaus Community Established
Current Status: Closed
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
Kairos Prison Ministries Established
July 1995
South Sydney/Illawarra Emmaus Community Established
Current Status: Closed
March 1996
Brisbane South Emmaus Community Established
Current Status: Active
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September 1996
North Queensland Emmaus Community Established
Current Status: Closed
July 1999
Maribyrnong North West Emmaus Community Established
Current Status: Closed
July 1999
Topend Emmaus Community Established
Current Status: Closed
May 2001
Central West Emmaus Community Established
Current Status: Active
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September 2003
Great Southern Emmaus Community Established
Current Status: Closed
February 2004
Tasmania Emmaus Community Established
Current Status: closed