Established in 2009, Silver Wattle Quaker Centre is located on a 1,000-hectare (2,500-acre) property in Bungendore, Australia. Grounded in Quaker tradition, the center offers social and religious education in addition to support and preparation for witness and service.
The property is home to many species, including wombats, wedge tail eagles, black swans, shingleback lizards, and kangaroos. Hundreds of trees are planted each year. The focus this year is on sheoaks to provide habitat for black cockatoos. Chickens have been reintroduced to the orchard, which includes quince, nectarine, peach, plum, and fig trees.
New center coordinators Emily Chapman-Searle and Yarrow Goodley, both hired in early 2023, offer hospitality to all who stay at Silver Wattle, whether on personal retreats, group venue hires, or attending courses.
Founding member David Johnson retired as clerk of the board, but continues to offer courses on early Friends and contemplative practice. The first cohort of a year-long spiritual formation course, Food for the Soul, completed their program last June; it will run again in 2025.
The Quaker Basics online course was offered again in March. Further course offerings are listed on the website.
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