Sharing a cup of cold water on a hot election day

The 2,800 people who chose to vote at Merthyr Road Uniting Church were welcomed by members of the Church with free gift of a cup of water and a freshly cooked pikelet with jam and cream. It was a hot day and the queue was long for all but the last hour of the day.

Voters were invited to queue in the shade of the church courtyard and were offered a cup of cold water during the 30 to 45 minute wait in line.

Minister of the Church, Rev Chris Holden, was one of the cooks with a team of volunteers in the kitchen making the batter and others serving the public.

Mr Holden said: "Merthyr Road Uniting Church is a diverse community, learning to live the gospel. We enjoy offering simple hospitality to members of the community as they vote in our centre, a safe place of faith, love, healing, and purpose."

Photo : Merthyr Road Uniting Church minister Rev Chris Holden and team cooking piklets for voters