burrabadine mission community

our story

Dubbo is a major service town (think doctors, dentists, retail, schools, and university) for a very large region in the central west of New South Wales. Out of the sheep paddocks has grown a busy city of 40,000 people that is the centre of gravity for the many smaller towns around, as well as a popular stop-over point for north-south travellers along the Newell Highway.

About 10km west of town, our 'Burrabadine' mission community was established on the banks of the beautiful Macquarie River in 1993 as the main campus of the Bill Vincent Memorial School of Christian Leadership. Previously operating in Bourke since 1989, the BVMSCL was established to provide more advanced training in Christian leadership and mission for those wishing to work with Cornerstone and similar ministries long-term.

Those preparing for service in our teams, centres, businesses, schools and overseas ministries as missioners, leaders, teachers, administrators and managers will usually spend one or two years at Burrabadine. They will complete the Advanced Diploma of Christian Studies (91118NSW) and other relevant training before being commissioned for roles in our various communities.

Men and women from many nations have passed through Burrabadine and headed into leadership and mission lifestyles in many countries, communities ;and organisations.  In the rugged but often beautiful context of the Australian bush, in the rhythm of biblical input, action and reflection, many have found themselves starting out on an exciting road of fruitful service for the Kingdom of God.

Cornerstone has operated missional communities and teams in Dubbo since the 1990s.  We currently have a network of families around town who share life, work in various businesses and workplaces, and are reaching out to many individuals and families.

This regional city is a commercial centre for a huge area of western NSW, and a prominent tourist destination, particularly with the Western Plains Zoo.  It is also becoming an educational centre, with a number of innovative public and private schools, as well as TAFE and the growing Dubbo campus of Charles Sturt University.  Along with the many positive aspects of the city, there are also on-going community issues, particularly with youth and crime.