In Queensland, the Education Act allows Ministers of Religion to enter state schools for a maximum of 1 hour per week for Religious Education. Due to the obvious time commitments of the Ministers, they are allowed to authorise suitable members of their congregation to teach on their behalf.

In the Bundaberg area at present, Religious Education takes place in 21 state primary schools. It is organised in a co-operative with the agreement of the following Christian Churches:-

• Ann St Gospel Chapel
• Apostolic Church of Queensland
• Avenell Heights Churches of Christ
• Bundaberg Baptist Church
• Bundaberg Bible Chapel
• Bundaberg Wesleyan Methodist Church
• Bundaberg West Baptist
• Catholic Parish of Bundaberg
• Christ Church Anglican
• Christian Life
• Christian Outreach Centre
• Church of Christ (Twyford St)
• Coral Coast Baptist Church
• Crofton St Gospel Hall
• Good Shepherd Anglican
• Heritage Christian Centre
• Living Word Fellowship
• Lutheran Church
• Oakwood Christian Fellowship
• Presbyterian Church
• Salvation Army
• Uniting Church in Australia

The Aims of the Co-operative are:-

• To present through learning experiences, the beliefs and practices of Christianity.
• To encourage the students to understand these beliefs and practices in terms of their daily lives.
• To encourage the students to reflect on how the Gospel values of love of God and neighbour can be expressed and experienced in their daily living.
• To provide networks of support for religious education teachers from among their peers.

Accreditation

Teachers need to be accredited and approved by the Minister of their denomination and the Principals of the schools where they teach. All teachers need to hold a current Working with Children Suitability card ("Blue Card").
All RE teachers must agree to abide by the Co-operative's Code of Conduct.

The Religious Education lessons last for half an hour and follow an educationally sound program developed by "Religion In Life". These programs contain well prepared lesson plans in a teacher's manual and accompanying children's book. This material is purchased with money from the member churches offset by donations from the parents of the children in the RE classes. Classes operate Tuesday to Friday mainly in the mornings.

In-services are provided at least once a year and arranged by the Co-operative management committee.

How to get involved

There are always vacancies across all the primary school age groups and if you would like to know more about this evangelising and ecumenical ministry please contact the parish office.