Earlier this month, during an otherwise unremarkable meeting at one of the fastest-growing councils in the state, a decision was made that positions the many suburbs of Casey as Melbourne's new bible belt.

The City of Casey – known for its firebrand politics which often veers to the far-right – voted in favour of trying to extend chaplaincy, or Christian teaching, into shopping malls, sporting clubs and community groups.

Casey councillor and mayor Sam Aziz is a devout Coptic Christian. Credit:James Taylor

It used to be that Melbourne's bible belt had its buckle – or centre - in the east, around Blackburn, Box Hill and Nunawading. But that is changing. The belt now runs like a fault line through the south-east from Narre Warren to Cranbourne, taking in Berwick, Pakenham, Endeavour Hills, Hampton Park and Hallam.

There are 90 Christian churches in Casey, perhaps as many as 100. Some – the megachurches – have congregations of 2000. The Faith Christian Church has two 'campuses' in Casey. The huge Berwick Church of Christ, according to corporate records, earned nearly $1 million last year with $760,000 of that from donations, or 'tithes.'