Mayor calls for action to protect Hughenden Anglican Church
Published on 10 July 2026
Flinders Shire Mayor Kate Peddle is calling for urgent action to protect Hughenden’s Anglican Church precinct from being lost to private ownership as part of the Anglican Church property sales process under the National Redress Scheme.
Mayor Peddle is calling on the Queensland Government and all stakeholders involved in the sales process to work collaboratively with the community to protect Hughenden’s Anglican precinct.
The proposed sale of the Hughenden Anglican Church, parish residence, and recreation building has raised significant concerns across the Flinders Shire, with community leaders warning the loss of these facilities would have a profound impact on the town’s social fabric, liveability, and community services.
While acknowledging the importance of the National Redress Scheme, which supports institutional child sexual abuse survivors, Mayor Peddle is urging governments and decision makers to prevent the loss of critical regional community infrastructure during the property sales process, and want the Anglican church to remain available for community use into the future.
“Survivors deserve justice and recognition, but we also need to ensure that regional communities are not further disadvantaged through the loss of facilities that provide essential support, connection, and services,” Mayor Peddle said.
“These buildings are not just bricks and mortar. They are places where people gather, support each other and maintain the strength of our communities.
“Too much has already been taken from rural and regional Queensland. Losing another important community asset would be another blow to our way of life.”
Following the demolition of Hughenden’s Catholic Church several years ago, the Anglican Church has become the last remaining physical place of worship in town and has opened its doors to other denominations, creating a shared community church operating in harmony.
Mayor Peddle said the church represented the very best of regional Queensland.
“The Hughenden Anglican Church has become a home for the wider community, welcoming different denominations and providing a place where people come together,” said Mayor Peddle.
“At a time when communities are facing cost-of-living pressures, mental health challenges, and increasing social isolation, these spaces are more important than ever.”
The church is supported by a non-stipendiary priest who volunteers his time servicing Hughenden, Richmond, and Mount Isa. His role extends beyond church services, providing baptisms, funerals, pastoral care, and support to local schools, the RSL and community groups.
The adjoining recreation building is currently leased by the Play and Grow Hub, providing playgroups and support for local families. The facility has been improved through Flinders Shire Council grant funding and the dedication of volunteers who have worked hard to maintain and enhance the building.
The parish residence also provides an important income stream that supports the financial sustainability of the church.
Mayor Peddle said the preferred outcome is for the church precinct to remain under Anglican ownership, allowing the parish to continue its ministry and community role.
If that cannot be achieved, they believe every effort must be made to retain the buildings for community use.
Council is not seeking to purchase the property; however, it is willing to engage with the receivers, prospective purchasers, and community stakeholders to explore opportunities that minimise disruption and maximise ongoing community benefit.
“We do not want to see ownership change because the impacts on the church’s ability to operate and generate income would be significant,” said Mayor Peddle.
“However, if that is unavoidable, we need to find a way for these buildings to remain a community asset and continue serving Hughenden into the future.
“We need to make our voices heard and support the Anglican Church and its parishioners. This is about protecting what makes Hughenden a strong and connected community.”