The Religious Education Association of Lismore Inc. (REAL) was established in 1989 as a combined churches initiative of the Ministers Fellowship of Lismore.  Its sole aim is to provide a positive Christian presence in our local high schools through full time Special Religious Education (SRE) teachers.

Our first staff member, Barry Brooks, commenced at Lismore High School in term 1, 1990.  Since then, REAL has expanded to meet the needs of secondary students by providing SRE teachers in Lismore, Kadina and Richmond River high schools.  It also supports Woodenbong and Nimbin Central Schools with chaplaincy services.

The contribution of our REAL teachers to the life of the schools in which they are placed has been highly praised by students, parents and staff.  This has been particularly evident during times of challenge and tragedy.

Historically, the vital ministry of REAL has been funded solely by the generous contributions of people throughout the church body, regardless of tradition or denomination. We also acknowledge the support of the Australian Government Department of Education , Science and Training under the National School Chaplaincy Programme to augment this public subscription.