That’s according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which says Buddhists make up 0.9 per cent of the region’s population. Muslims are 0.2 per cent, as are Hindus, with followers of Judaism making just up 0.1 per cent of residents.

The dominant religion – by far – is Christianity, with 58.6 per cent of people identifying themselves as Christian in the 2016 Census. 

Reverend Geoff Thompson said he wasn’t surprised by the results – but that his church’s demographics were shifting.

“Anglicans and Catholics are fairly traditional, and rural (areas) usually represent tradition,” he said.

“We want to move away from the stereotype of church on Sunday and that’s it – we certainly meet on Sundays, but we’re a community, and a vibrant community.

“We’ve been doing English as a second language, and some Chinese participants have asked for services. So we’ve had Chinese pastors from Sydney come down, it’s lovely.

“Personally, we’re a very traditional  church, so we have a lot of seniors, but our contemporary services (for young adults) are our fastest growing services.

Next came “secular, other spiritual or no religious affiliation” at 29.5 per cent.

Religion “inadequately described or not stated” came in third, at 10.1 per cent.

There are more than 30 churches of various flavours of Christianity in the Shoalhaven – from Anglican to Wesleyan Methodist, and everything in between, although some operate out of shared spaces.

The only other traditional places of worship in the region are Manjushri Buddhist Centre, in Milton, and a group for those describing themselves as “other spiritual” – Huskisson Spiritual Gathering.

The group meets once a month, and counts psychic mediums among their guest speakers.

Anyone wishing to attend a temple, mosque or synagogue must travel to the Illawarra or Southern Highlands. 

Despite being part of the smallest recorded religion in the area, Kevin Sekel said there were plenty of opportunities to practice and celebrate the Judaic faith.

“It’s important because it’s the way I was brought up, and the same applies to my wife,” he said.

“We moved down here from Sydney nine years ago – we already had a Jewish friend in the area.

“In the Shoalhaven area we have an informal group of Jewish families, with about 50 names on the mailing list. We get together for the occasional shabbat (Friday night dinner) and Jewish festivals and holidays.

“I think those who miss it go to Sydney for services, but my wife and I usually do a typical Friday night service with candles, bread and prayers, and sometimes together with two or four other Jewish people in the area who we are friendly with.”

He said Jewish families had been active in the region for generations, in particular, the Hyam and Moss families.

“We haven’t found any – not one – example of anti-Semitism at all,” he said.

“In fact I would have to say quite the opposite, it’s been a very positive level of interest. Many people in the area would never knowingly have been in contact with Jews. Once they know we are, they’re very positive and curious.

“A great part of the Jewish religion is involved in tikkun olam, or making the world good. And so my wife and some of our friends are involved in organisations such as Meals on Wheels.”

Mr Sekel encouraged any Jewish people seeking community in the Shoalhaven to contact Deanne at JOSH (Jews of the Shoalhaven): derose802@gmail.com.