Australia Sydney Mission

Australia Sydney Mission


Here are free resources about the Australia Sydney Mission:

*Other Mission Pages: Australia LDS Missions.

Australia Sydney Mission Address

Here’s a recent address for the Sydney Mission. We try to keep this information up to date, but it’s a good idea to check the mission address with several sources, including your mission packet or the mission office.

Australia Sydney Mission
756 Pennant Hills Rd
Carlingford NSW 2118
Australia

61-2-9841-5430

Australia Sydney Mission Map

Here’s a link to the mission map for the Sydney Mission (LDS). Coming soon..

Australia Sydney Missionary Blogs

Here’s a list of LDS missionary blogs for the Sydney Mission. This blog list includes the missionary’s name, URL and when their mission blog was updated.

*Send your missionary a gift (mission-specific shirts, ties, Christmas stockings/ornaments, pillowcases, etc.)

Elder & Sister Larkin maryannlarkin.wordpress.com 2016
Elder Shae Densley mymission.com/eldershaedensley 2016
Sister Tessara Rollins mymission.com/sistertessararollins 2016
Elder Matthew Whitlock mymission.com/eldertylerwhitlock 2016
Elder & Sister Feil feildownunder.blogspot.com 2014
Sister Brighton Ketts missionsite.net/sisterbrightonketts 2014
Sister Carly Raitt sisterraitt.blogspot.com 2014
Elder Kyle Shafer elderkyleshafer.blogspot.com 2014
Elder Michael Richardson eldermichaelrichardson.blogspot.com 2013
Elder Joshua Robinson missionsite.net/elderjoshuarobinson 2013
The Jorgensens jorgensensaustralia.blogspot.com 2013
Elder & Sister Crawford onthegowiththecrawfords.blogspot.com 2013
Elder Ryan Faulkner elderfaulkner.wordpress.com 2013
Mission Alumni mission.net/australia/sydney 2012
Elder Michael Nelson eldernelsondownunder.blogspot.com 2011
Elder David Monson elderdavidmonson.blogspot.com 2011

Australia Sydney Mission Groups

Here are Australia Sydney Mission Groups- for LDS missionary moms, returned missionaries, mission presidents and other alumni of the Sydney Mission.

  1. Australia Sydney Mission (2010-Eternity) Group (191 members)
  2. Australia Sydney Mission (1980-1982) Group (138 members)
  3. Sydney Mission Burton Tingey 1985-1988 Group (25 members)
  4. Sydney Mission Moms and Friends (LDS) Group (18 members)
  5. Sydney Mission – Maurice L. Watts 1982-1985 Group (16 members)
  6. Australia Sydney Mission – Earl Tingey Group (10 members)
  7. Australia Sydney Mission Facebook Group (10 members)
  8. Australia Sydney Mission 1985-1990 Facebook Group (6 members)
  9. Australia Sydney Mission 1990-1992 Facebook Group (6 members)

Australia Sydney Mission T-Shirts

Here are T-shirts for the Australia Sydney Mission!

Shirt designs include Australia Sydney Mission logo/emblem shirts and Called to Serve shirts. The shirts make great gifts for pre-missionaries, returned missionaries and missionaries currently serving. LDS Mission shirts come in all sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, up to 4XL.  The mission designs are printed on white shirts and are shipped to you.

*Simply click on a shirt design to view the details and submit an order. The designs on mission t-shirts may also be printed on other LDS mission gifts, including: Australia Sydney missionary aprons, Christmas stockings, ties, pillow cases, teddy bears and Christmas ornaments.

*Click here to browse Sydney Mission gifts

Australia Sydney Mission Presidents

Here’s a list of current and past Mission Presidents of the Sydney LDS Mission.

  1. 2006-2009, Brent Watkins McMaster
  2. 2003-2006, John Golden Elmer
  3. 2000-2003, David Steele Hansen
  4. 1997-2000, Boyden E. Lee
  5. 1994-1997, Leo P. Talbot
  6. 1991-1994, Keith C. Nielsen
  7. 1988-1991, Brent I. Nash
  8. 1985-1988, Burton S. Tingey
  9. 1982-1985, Maurice Watts
  10. 1980-1982, Joseph M. McPhie
  11. 1980-1980, Joseph B. Wirthlin
  12. 1978-1980, Orson D. Wright
  13. 1976-1978, Loren C. Dunn
  14. 1973-1976, Earl C. Tingey
  15. 1970-1973, J. Martell Bird
  16. 1967-1970, R. Don Smith
  17. 1965-1967, Horace D. Ensign
  18. 1962-1965, Morgan S. Coombs
  19. 1959-1962, Weldon V. Moore
  20. 1955-1959, Zelph Y. Erekson
  21. 1952-1955, Charles Lillinquist
  22. 1952-1952, William E. Waters
  23. 1950-1952, George A. Christensen
  24. 1947-1950, Charles Richmond
  25. 1945-1947, Thomas D. Reese
  26. 1941-1945, Elvon E. Orme
  27. 1938-1941, James Judd
  28. 1935-1938,, Thomas D. Reese
  29. 1932-1935, Clarence H. Tingey

Australia LDS Statistics (2015)

  • Church Membership: 143,891
  • Missions: 6
  • Temples: 5
  • Congregations: 303
  • Family History Centers: 145

Helpful Articles about Australia

Coming soon..

Australia Sydney Missionary Survey

Here are survey responses from Sydney RMs, to give you a snapshot into what it’s like to live in the mission.

*Click here to take a survey to help pre-missionaries going to your mission.

When did you serve?

  • 1990-1992 (Ferdinand)
  • 1986-1988 (Shawn)
  • 1980-1981 (Charlynn)
  • 1979-1980 (Karen)

What areas did you serve in?

  • Fairfield-all part of NSW. (Ferdinand)
  • Sydney, Narrabri, Kempsey, Shoalhaven, Newton, and Crows Nest. (Shawn)
  • Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Cronulla, Mortdale, North Curl Curl, Harboard, Canberra. (Charlynn)
  • Canberra, Lismore, Southerland. (Karen)

What were some favorite foods?

  • Kebabs, Burger Kings, a lot more. (Ferdinand)
  • Pavlova, Meat Pies, Vegemite, and anything served at a Hangi feast. (Shawn)
  • Tim Tams, Pavlova, BBQ lamb, lumpia, baklava, Lupulu, Anzac biscuits. (Charlynn)
  • Pavlova. (Karen)

What was a funny experience?

  • My companion went temporarily blind. As we traveled to live in the mission home during his recovery, he took the blindness in stride, and drew portraits of people on the train – for free. He couldn’t draw well to begin – and his blind drawings were worse, but the people laughed, and we were able to meet new people, and perhaps break down some barriers. My companion and I weren’t getting along so well. When we were able to mend our differences, his blindness left him. No explanation, and the doctors were baffled. The Lord does work in mysterious ways, so his servants can be effective. Sure glad we didn’t need to enter a Lions’ Den, or be swallowed by a fish to become humble servants though! (Shawn)

What was a crazy experience?

  • Using a bike for the first time and got rashes causing me not to work well the next day. (Ferdinand)
  • Mountain pass, and the speed limit sign and hairpin turn sign had been destroyed by a previous accident. We were traveling over 30km, and the turn was 5km. When we saw it was such, it was too late… When crashing was inevitable, I aimed for the fence, to avoid hitting a pole, and wrecking the car, but hit the pole anyway. I truly was steering away, but the car kept going to the pole. Very good thing, as the fence was not secure, and the only concreted post was the one we hit. any alternative would have put us over a cliff. and dead. Its also a spiritual experience – The Lord will protect his servants. (Shawn)
  • One morning while showering in the bathroom which was out in the backyard, a very large, black spider was crawling on my clothes and towel. I yelled and screamed for my companion to come kill it, but she couldn’t hear since I was outside. Finally, the landlady heard me and came out with my companion. My companion opened the door, took one look at the spider and said, “I’m not touching that thing!” I begged and pleaded and convinced them to get rid of it. The landlady caught it in a jar and emptied a can of bug spray in it. ALL spiders in Australia are poisonous! I’ve never been the same since. (Charlynn)

What was a spiritual experience?

  • Praying to the Lord for guidance and which streets to tract. When the answer came, by the Spirit, we obeyed. As we stepped off the Redfern train platform, and looked down the street that the Lord desired for us to tract, it wasn’t looking good. Slums of Sydney, and their had been civil unrest the night before with at least two cars still burning. As we started to walk that way, a local man warned us that we would be dead if we continued. We hesitated long enough to ask the Lord to protect us, and redirect us if we should not do what we had been told previous. It was confirmed that we were to continue. As we knocked on the first door, we were welcomed in. At every door, we were welcomed. Most were Aborigine, and as they explained – Whites were not welcome, but Men of God were. We left each home/flat with prayer, and we had a few return appointments. We were able to meet with almost 100% of the residents in that area. Even our Ward Mission Leader was astonished to hear we had tracted the area. I’m not sure what the Lord had in store for the long term, but our obedience taught us great things, and allowed us to serve those who might usually never hear from missionaries. (Shawn)
  • Receiving a priesthood blessing from the Mission President and a distinct overwhelming feeling of peace, love and warmth washed over me from my head to my feet and I knew that Jesus Christ was aware of the trial I was experiencing and that he was ahead of me, leading me and cheering me on to get through it safely. (Charlynn)

What are some interesting facts about the Sydney Mission?

  • Wonderful tracting the houses on a long road. (Ferdinand)
  • Diverse. From urban metro, to suburban, and even remote townships. My mission president made it clear that he valued those with scouting skills, as he could place them in challenging circumstances, especially in remote outback communities, and know they would get along just fine. (Shawn)
  • So many interesting and unique animals, snakes, bugs, all with amazing facts. How did all those animals end up in Australia and nowhere else? (Charlynn)

What was the weather like?

  • December is Hot. (Ferdinand)
  • Outback was blistering Hot. Hotter than Arizona by the way. Coastal regions in NSW are very similiar to Eastern US. (Shawn)
  • Hot and humid and rainy. My last area was Canberra and it got cold in the winter. I remember snow flurries and the temperature was about 30 F. (Charlynn)

Any things you really like about the area/people?

  • Clean place and disciplined people. (Ferdinand)
  • Loved them! (Shawn)
  • Australia is the perfect mission experience. Exotic, English speaking, beautiful weather, beautiful country, friendly, generous people. Beautiful beaches, amazing animals!! Hearing the Kookaburras was unlike anything I have ever heard. (Charlynn)

Any packing/clothing advice?

  • Need to bring enough trousers…it’s expensive there (clothing is really expensive) *bring international driver’s license in case you are assigned to a special program. (Ferdinand)
  • Pants and shirts. Avoid cotton. Poly blend works well for ironing, staying dry, and easy laundering. (Shawn)
  • Lightweight, comfortable and cool clothing. Inexpensive clothing. Most likely, the clothes you take with you will either be so worn out or you’ll be so tired of them, you’ll leave them behind! (Charlynn)

What blessings did you receive from serving a mission?

  • Priceless experiences personally, spiritually, socially and increased testimony of the Gospel. (Ferdinand)
  • So many…the experiences I gained have changed me for the better forever. I will never regret serving the Lord for 18 months in the best mission in the world! My husband and I returned to Australia for a vacation in 2014 and we visited all the areas where I had served. We were blessed to meet some of the people who were there when I was! It was a wonderful reunion! (Charlynn)

What are some skills you gained?

  • Teaching skills. (Ferdinand)
  • Confidence, gospel and scripture knowledge. I overcame being timid and nervous to speak up for my beliefs. I gained a strong testimony of priesthood power and the concept of faith. Most importantly, I learned and gained a strong witness and testimony that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and that He knows and loves each of us. Our Heavenly Father is aware and involved in our lives and gives us challenges to strengthen us. (Charlynn)

What do you wish you knew/did at the beginning of your mission?

  • Take more of an interest in the country and culture. I wish I knew the Book of Mormon better. (Charlynn)

Any advice/testimony for pre-missionaries going to Sydney?

  • Be prayerful at all times, stay away from temptations, especially if you are assigned at Bondi Beach. Read your scriptures with your companion-companion study. Work with the ward members to find people to teach. (Ferdinand)
  • Breathable clothing! Don’t compare the country or state where you come from with the mission where you are serving. Embrace the people and the country and understand that serving a mission may be your only opportunity to share the gospel with those people. They are all God’s children! (Charlynn)

What was a funny language mistake?

  • While getting into a car, I told my companion to move her fanny. One of the Aussie members shrieked in horror at my use of the word “fanny.” Apparently fanny is a terrible, vulgar word! (Charlynn)

Benjamin (Australia Sydney Mission)

–Paraphrased from Benjamin’s mission interview–

Australia

The opera house is very interesting. They separated the mission into north and south. I visited there five or six times because new missionaries always wanted to see it. Australians really speak differently than Americans. They speak Aussie and they have a different vocabulary. They say sweets instead of candies. When American missionaries arrive it is very confusing because they don’t know what they’re trying to say. They have differnt holidays. They have the Queen’s birthday. They have a memorial day for the servicemen in WWII. They have a lot of different cultural backgrounds. A lot of them have British ancestry.

The Climate

It usually rains during the winter time and when the summer comes it is dry and really hot. Some times it got so hot that we were advised to stay in our apartments. One time it got to 40 degrees celsius or 100 degrees farenheit and we stepped outside and we felt like our faces were burning so we ran inside.

Scary Animals

I spent most of my mission in the city area. They have very different animals. They have wallabies, wombats, and they have a lot of spiders. Most of them are poisonous. I remember seeing a huge spider on the traffic light button that we were trying to push. We found spiders in the backyard all the time. They get really big. When we go tracting we have to walk through bushes sometimes and it can be scary.

 

Joshua (Australia Sydney Mission)

–Paraphrased from Joshua’s mission interview–

Mission Split

A year before I got there the north and south mission merged into the single Sydney mission. It split again right when I left the mission though. It was a big deal for missionaries. I didn’t really mind, but it was a big deal for some people.

Church Layout

There were 13 stakes when I served there. Each stake had a zone generally. In our mission it was fairly uncommon for there to be more than one missionary companionship in each ward. Each ward and branch had one set of missionaries. You didn’t have to worry about covering multiple wards.

Religious Culture

The religious culture in Australia has moved towards the side of apathy. Most people aren’t too concerned with religion. The younger crowd is moving towards evangelical churches because they’re fun and have music. Most of the parent’s generation might say that they’re Catholic but haven’t gone in 20 years. Working with such a variety of backgrounds was really interesting and their were a lot of different views on religion. The Polynesians were usually really passionate about religion. There are a lot of students that come from Asia and they see religion as part of the experience and they really enjoyed getting taught by us. We got to be there for the very first time that they learned about prayer or Jesus. It was a really great experience.

Languages Spoken 

Sydney had the most languages spoken within the mission. I think it was about 20 or so. All of the Polynesian languages, Korean, Japanese, Cantonese, Spanish, almost every language you could think of was spoken there.

Church Attendance

Church attendance was lower than in Utah. The wards are good sizes. You do have that ward feel that you get in Utah. I might have focused more on church attendance, because getting them baptized and to keep coming to church after is very important. Testimony is a huge deal. They have to have that before they get baptized, and if they can’t get out to church, they need to.

The Work 

There was a big shift away from tracting towards working with the members. The feed my sheep program was a big program from the church and we were really encouraged to really stop tracting and to work with members. It was a big change from the beginning of my mission because in the beginning we were supposed to spend two hours a day tracting.

Sometimes people just don’t get answers to prayers right away. You don’t want to just baptize people, but you want them to gain an understanding of the gospel. Sometimes addictions, family problems, or other things can get in the way and they have to work through it to get there. Sometimes that doesn’t happen on your timeline, but that’s something that they have to go through with the Lord. You don’t want to rush that process.