Arabic version: مزارع في كوينزلاند يبني كنيسة لعمال الموز التونغيين

In a significant development for the Tongan community in Queensland, farmer Francis Inderbitzin has realized her decade-long dream by constructing a chapel dedicated to Tongan workers at her banana farm. The St Mary Queen of Peace Chapel, located in the remote town of Lakeland on Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula, serves as a spiritual haven for the 130 Tongan farm workers who have become integral to the family’s agricultural operations. According to ABC News, the chapel addresses the need for a dedicated space for worship, which was previously held in a packing shed and later in the town hall.

The chapel, which opened last year, is the only church in the small town of 300 residents. Its construction was largely funded by the Inderbitzin family, who contributed 95% of the costs. A local couple and a construction company also played vital roles in bringing the project to fruition. The chapel features stained-glass windows that reflect the family’s Swiss heritage, enhancing its serene atmosphere.

Stewart Tautuaa, a long-time worker for the Inderbitzin family, expressed gratitude for the new place of worship, highlighting its uplifting impact on the community. The chapel allows the Tongan workers to gather every Sunday, fostering a sense of community and spiritual connection.

The Tongan workers arrived in Australia through the federal government’s PALM scheme, which aims to fill labor shortages in various sectors. While the program has faced criticism regarding the potential for worker exploitation, the Inderbitzin family emphasizes their commitment to caring for their workers. Peter Inderbitzin junior noted that the Tongan workforce has been crucial to the farm’s success since they started in Lakeland in 2010.

The chapel not only serves as a place for Sunday services but has also become a site for personal reflection and prayer. Mrs. Inderbitzin attends services regularly and has expressed her emotional connection to the community through their music and singing. The chapel stands as a testament to her dedication and the strong ties between the Inderbitzin family and their Tongan workers.