BULLI’S 160-year-old chapel on the hill, part of the Northern Illawarra Uniting Church (NIUC), urgently needs renovation. It gravely needs repairs to the western wall and its bell tower to prevent irreparable damage.

The sandstone church, on the highway at Bulli, is a landmark in the Illawarra, marking important life events for many families in the surrounding district – weddings, baptisms, funerals, joy and, sometimes, sadness.

Over the last decade, the Northern Illawarra Uniting Church has stabilised the foundation to prevent further movement, but now the walls must be tied together, the bricks re-pointed, and the stained glass windows reinstalled, as well as repairs to major cracks in the front facade, while it is still feasible.

The community has banded together to raise funds to undertake the restoration.

Church member and chair of the restoration committee, Will Tibben said the chapel has been a major part of the community since its completion as a Methodist Church in 1859.

“It’s of major historical significance to the Illawarra, and to Australia generally,” he said.

“The bell tower was used to broadcast the end of WW1 in 1918, and the stained-glass windows by themselves are of major historical significance. One of them marks the 1912 drowning of Thomas Danks, who drowned while swimming in the ocean.”

Northern Illawarra minister, Rev. Josh McPaul is urging the community to support the work.

“Now we have the chance to pass a legacy on to generations to come,” he said.

“Inside, the church is a great space, and we have plans to use the church as a cultural venue for the community at large. A part of the project is making the chapel more inviting for events such as art/craft shows, musical performances and so on.”

A substantial part of the funding has already been committed by State and Federal governments, and NIUC is now seeking support from local business, the church congregation and the surrounding community.

Building works are expected to commence in February 2025.

A formal launch for the campaign will take place at 11am on Thursday September 5, at the church, located on the corner of the Princes Highway and Point Street.

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