In the heat of January 1970, one hundred and twenty youth gathered in tents on the Warrambui property for the first major camp. They were continuing a trend that began on the rivers of the Riverina back in the 1940's. This time it was on their own property, purchased in 1969 with money the youth had raised themselves.

The Lutheran Youth of NSW had a long tradition of camping. It was a highlight of the year for the youth from small scattered rural communities to gather together each January to worship by the water in a larger community, catch up on old friendships, and of course live in the hope of meeting a nice boy or girl.

After many work camps throughout the 1970’s to clear and improve the 300 acre Warrambui property, a multipurpose building was designed to sleep 100 people. The round steel and glass structure was erected with the help of hundreds of volunteers, and became a well known landmark.

In 1982 Garry Watson, a youth worker from Melbourne was appointed as the first manager. By 1989 catering for thousands of schoolchildren and community group members each year, Warrambui was supporting three full-time staff and was ready for expansion. When Garry left, Fred and Inta Gollasch were appointed as managers. Prayer and co-operation between the staff, management committee and NSW church leaders saw three ministry strategies emerge.

Warrambui was to become:

• A centre of ministry and support to the NSW Lutheran church;
• A place of retreat for people of all denominations free of charge;
• A safe place that focused on maturing and discipling young people for a life of service in Christ Jesus.

Throughout the 90's, Warrambui continued its important role in catering for church, school and community groups, but step by step, God led the Warrambui leadership to refine their new strategies. The heart of Warrambui became clear. It became a place of peace, a place of healing and a place where kids grow.

• It’s role as a place of worship, renewal and education for Lutherans of all ages as well as people from other denominations and Christian organizations continues to expand.
• Many teenagers are attracted to Christian youth camps at Warrambui where there has been significant renewal and discipling.
• The internship program that began in small ways in 1993 has seen more than 50 young adults from across the nation spend a minimum of one year living and working in the Warrambui community. For many interns this has been a vital year of submission, renewal and empowerment for God's call on their lives. Some have gone on to outstanding service in the church and the community. Some play vital leadership roles today in God's ongoing work at Warrambui.
• The retreat hut has been in almost constant use since 1994 by hundreds of Christians who have taken time out to be still and allow God to draw close to them.

Nevin Nitschke served as Warrambui Director from 2005 to 2007 during which time plans were finalised and construction of our new conference facilities commenced. The new facilities were officially opened in 2008 and coincided with the appointment of Russell Veerhuis as the new Warrambui Director.