Merredin Church Becomes Wellness Hub

In the Central Wheatbelt, Merredin Seventh-day Adventist Church - one of only two ELIA Wellness Hubs in Western Australia - is showing how even small church communities can champion whole-person health.

In partnering with ELIA Wellness, Merredin Church runs accessible, community-focused programs that promote plant-based living, movement, social connection, and preventative health. This simple, effective model has been led by lay members since late 2023.

Each week, locals join the Walking Group, enjoying exercise and friendship outdoors. Quarterly, our Supper Club brings people together over plant-based meals, health talks, and live cooking demonstrations. In 2024, participants explored natural remedies and fermented foods, including hands-on demonstrations for sourdough, kefir, and kombucha. This year features a “Focus on Fibre” talk, sweet treat alternatives, and a vegetarian cooking demo to inspire practical change.

A highlight has been the 7-week “Enhance Your Gut Health” course, piloted in 2024 and returning in May 2025 with an open invitation to the wider community.

Coinciding with Mother’s Day, a special Women’s Health event with Dr Purity Carr addressed peri-menopause, menopause, and general wellbeing - topics relevant across all walks of life. The church also hosted wellness screenings at the Merredin Show, including a Wellness Snapshot in 2024 and a Health Age Assessment with the Adventist Health team in 2025. After reassessing how we approach the Health Ministry, we’ve taken small steps over two years and are seeing how effective and meaningful this model is. It’s easy to run and deeply engaging. You don’t need to be a health expert—just have a willing heart to bless your community with hope and health, one step, meal, and conversation at a time.