Around 10% of all Christian congregations in Australia are located in Western Sydney, making the region a significant hub of faith and community life.
The Western Sydney Faith Communities Project (WSFCP), running from 2025 to 2028, aims to explore how these congregations—and those from other faith traditions—enrich their neighbourhoods culturally, spiritually, and socially.
Led by NCLS Research, the project aims to provide a comprehensive map and audit of local congregations and their services. Its goal is to deepen understanding of the role faith communities play in fostering social cohesion and wellbeing in one of Australia’s most diverse regions.
The first phase of the project focuses on mapping the presence of all faith communities. Initial findings suggest that Western Sydney is home to nearly 1,100 Christian congregations and over 100 congregations from other religions, including mosques, synagogues, and temples. Among Christian denominations, the largest groups are Anglican, ACC (Australian Christian Churches), Catholic, Baptist, and Uniting churches.
Western Sydney’s religious landscape reflects the nation’s multicultural character, with vibrant expressions of Christianity alongside other faith traditions. While decades of research have documented Christian congregations through the National Church Life Survey, this project will extend that work to include independent and migrant-linked churches, Orthodox communities, and non-Christian faith groups.
By highlighting the contributions of these communities, this project aims to inform policy and practice, ensuring that the cultural and spiritual assets of Western Sydney continue to strengthen the social fabric of Australia’s cities.
To extend the scope of the project, we are now seeking partnership with universities, government, and community groups. Contact info@ncls.org.au to express interest.
