Encounter Magazine | Our People | Newcastle Anglican
Housing Older People Project
Q&A with Christian Ford
Winter Appeal 2024
National Volunteer Week
Marilyn
Parishes
National
Manning
Bishop
Lakes Grammar
Scone Grammar
Stronger Together Roundtable
“LET
BISHOP PETER’S MESSAGE
Be a Blessing for Others. Bishop Peter reflects on how others shape us, inspiring lifelong positive change and deeper connections.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
WINTER APPEAL 2024
Winter Appeal Changing Lives. Samaritans’ Winter Appeal seeks funds for its vital, donorfunded youth service supporting homeless students.
Showing our Appreciation to Generous Volunteers. Spending the week recognising the time and effort that our incredible volunteers dedicate to improving the lives of people in our community.
STRONGER TOGETHER ROUNDTABLE
Working Together to Prevent Violence Against Women. Planning begins to strengthen local responses to domestic, family and sexual violence.
Bishop Peter
Being a blessing
for others
I like the musical Wicked. In one very moving song, the witch Glinda sings: “that people come into our lives for a reason bringing something we must learn. And we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them.”
Towards the end of her song, she and Elphaba sing: “because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”
Almost all of us know of the positive impact another person has on us. The bonds between us have been overwhelmingly helpful. Through them we have found more meaning, purpose, and connection in our lives. Our connection has helped us both for good – meaning both positively and for the long haul.
The lyricist for Wicked is practicing the ancient art of reflection. He is contemplating the human condition, recognising the potential for evil, and imagining the path to hope.
I describe reflection as an ancient art. It is something that people have done and improved over centuries. Reflection is an innate human desire. With practice we can become very skilled at it. We can experience things and endeavour to make meaning from them. Our insights can occur both in an instance and across a lifetime.
The Old and New Testaments are a collection of reflections gathered over centuries.
We know that after the verses were written,
later generations reviewed and edited them. The authors and editors had a profound sense of God acting in creation. Their words reflect their perception of what God has done. In our generation, if we choose, these writings can influence our understanding of God and humanity.
One of the most beautiful poems in the bible is Genesis chapter 1. The poet reflects on God and tells us that human beings bear the image of God (Gen 1:27). We are told that after God creates people, God ‘steps back’ and surveys his work. God declares that “it was very good” (Gen 1:31). The poet believes that God wants human beings to know that they are a blessing to others and creation.
As the story of Genesis unfolds, the poet quickly takes us to the real world he experiences. People are not always a blessing to each other. They are cunning and conniving. They use their abilities for self-interest. They engage in politics and violence. People can be unthinking or just plain awful. Much of the Christian scriptures address wrongdoing which harms people and offends God.
Many forms of art and reflection remind us that it may take a lifetime to realise that there is good around us. It takes just as long for people to see wrongdoing and evil addressed. Part of the human condition is to know we are called to good but can do harm. As can everyone around us.
As Christians undertake this reflection they ask: ‘what sort of person do you want to be?’ And then, closer to home, they ask: ‘what sort of person do I want to be?’.
We reflect on the good we have done and address our sin. We want to positively contribute to the world around us. We want to make it a better place.
Another part of the Christian way is to tell stories about people who have done this well. We have poems, hymns and narratives which describe the lives of holy men and women. The stories of the saints inspire us to make positive choices: to live for good.
St Francis of Assisi cared for the poor and helped people to see the world as beautiful. St Teresa of Avila was a wise teacher who had a beautiful insight into the wonder of God. St John XXIII inspired renewal in Christian churches around the globe … and the stories go on.
What sort of person do I want to be? Do I want to be known as a person who helps people change for good?
In this Encounter, people give us the privilege of hearing their story, their desire to make a positive difference.
May their insights help us change for good.
+Peter
Leading the way
with work-life balance
Nicole Klasen will often spend weekends attending junior soccer games and getting her hands dirty as her young family’s forever home begins to take shape.
During the week, she juggles motherhood with a high-powered position as Newcastle Anglican’s Executive Director of People and Culture.
Nicole says she is grateful to Newcastle Anglican for helping her balance raising a young family while developing and growing her career.
“I’ve recently come back from maternity leave. Ivy is eight months old now and I have two other children – Ava, eight, and Aiden, six,” she says.
“The transition back to work was fabulous with being able to bring Ivy along with me initially and having support from a number of different people and my team was happy to help out if I had to jump into a meeting.
“Juggling three kids at home, a new baby, full-time work and building a house at the same time is a lot.
“Newcastle Anglican provides a true sense of flexibility - it’s not a tick and flick.
“We value people’s work-life balance and understand that family is important and needs to come first. I’m really able to do that and ‘do it all’.
Nicole Klasen with her three children Ivy, Ava, and Aiden.
“I can drop my kids off at school and pick them up as well as attend important school events while also meeting the needs of my role and providing to the services and stakeholders.”
Nicole is responsible for the leadership of People and Culture functions.
This includes driving strategic initiatives across the organisation, seeking opportunities to improve and develop coordinated people programs and resources, and leading organisational development and change management.
Nicole started her career in Belmont where she discovered a passion for recruitment and administration.
She completed her degree in human resources while working full time, before joining Newcastle Anglican as Manager, People and Culture in 2021. She moved into different roles before landing her current position as Executive Director, People and Culture.
“I didn’t settle in previous jobs when I haven’t enjoyed it or didn’t find a sense of being valued,” she says.
We value people’s work-life balance and understand that family is important.
“Since joining this organisation, I feel valued as an employee, I’m settled and comfortable in what I’m doing, and my growth since I started has evolved.”
When she’s not working, playing sport or busily preparing for her new house, Nicole finds peace and comfort in nature.
“We are very much a sporting family. My husband plays basketball and I’ve started back at hockey this year,” she says.
“Saturday is full of sports, as well as building the house. It keeps us occupied.
“When we aren’t doing that, I love going to the beach.
“We try and get there when it’s been a big week at work or the kids have had a tough week. It’s our release.”
Executive Director of People and Culture, Nicole Klasen, at Booragul.
support homeless group Anglican Care partnership to
NSW Senior Australian of the Year, Dr John Ward.
A partnership with Anglican Care may help reduce one of the most rapidly growing groups of homeless people in the state.
In 2022, a parliamentary inquiry found the face of homelessness in NSW is a woman over 55.
This was largely due to rising rents, domestic violence and cost of living spikes, together with lower savings and superannuation.
A report, released by Anglicare Australia last year, also showed older, single women aged over 55 were eight times more likely to be homeless.
An initiative called the Housing for Older Persons Project (HOPP) – formed by the Hunter Ageing Alliance – aims to address homelessness amongst the mature-aged population without relying on government intervention.
Dr John Ward, a Hunter-based geriatrician, was named 2024 NSW Senior Australian of the Year for his work to create age-friendly communities and reduce social isolation for older people.
He says HOPP has several goals, including increasing the range of housing options in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
“One of our projects involves Anglican Care,” Dr Ward says.
“We just recently got approval to start looking at the vacant Greenmount Gardens residential aged care facility and some other places to support the most rapidly growing group of homeless people, which is women over 55.
“A couple of churches have also offered land to develop and we’re trying to establish Hunter Homeshare.
“Older people who have a home and spare bedroom can offer it to someone who needs accommodation, and, in exchange, they provide support and some security and assistance.
“A generous benefactor has given us enough
The face of homelessness in NSW is a woman over 55.
money to get going for a year. At the moment, we’re trying to determine a suitable NGO [NonGovernmental Organisation] to assist with this project.”
Dr Ward, who co-founded the Hunter Ageing Alliance, currently serves on the Care Governance Committee for Anglican Care.
He says the role came about almost by accident.
“The then manager of Anglican Community Services asked me to chair their new committee. I was a big fan of hers. She’s one of those ladies who whatever she asks you to do, you do,” Dr Ward says.
“I still do a lot of my work with Anglican Care facilities, and I know them fairly well.”
Apart from HOPP, the Hunter Ageing Alliance is working on eight key strategies to help transform the region into age-friendly cities.
They include accessible information, housing, healthcare, social isolation, environment, elder abuse, support towards end of life, and end of life care.
Dr Ward is proof we all have a part to play in catering for the changing needs of our population.
Q&A with
Christian Ford
Reverend Christian Ford is the Rector at Gosford Anglican Parish and also the new Chair of Anglican EcoCare Newcastle. In this Q&A, he discusses his work at the parish, life growing up in North Queensland, and the importance of combating climate change.
AQHow long have you been at Gosford Anglican Parish? What are some of the highlights from your time there so far?
I have now been at Gosford Parish for about 15 months. It has been a great transition made very easy by the people here. During that first year, I spent a bit of time guiding the parish through a strategic planning process.
One of the great outcomes of that process is the commitment of the parish to social justice. This parish is deeply concerned with questions of justice and how we live out our faith in this world.
The parish is committed to addressing the issues of our times, not shying away from addressing difficult issues that might cause division. There was a wonderful spirit of discussion and openness when we invited people to come and address the congregation about the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. I think it is safe to say we all grieved with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters at the defeat of the Voice referendum.
Reverend Christian Ford at Gosford Anglican Church.
AQWhere else have you lived and worked prior to joining the Newcastle Anglican diocese?
My Dad is a priest, and that took us all over North Queensland. I was very involved in youth ministry both as a young person and then growing in to ministry roles through parish and diocesan youth ministries in North Queensland.
I studied for the priesthood at the Brisbane College of Theology through St Francis College in Brisbane. I was ordained in the North Queensland diocese and spent much of my ministry there.
I did a curacy and was Diocesan Youth Officer for a time before taking up my first Parish of Mossman and Port Douglas.
AQWhile in Mossman, I married Brenda. She began working as a Civil Engineer in local government.
We moved to Mundingburra, a suburb of Townsville, and we were there for just over nine years. After Mundingburra, we moved to Lismore. I was the Rector and Brenda got a job in flood mitigation and bulk water supply. We look back fondly on our six years in Lismore, though sometimes that was quite a trying time as the city went through three major flooding events in our time there. We then moved to Gosford, where I am the Rector and Brenda works for Central Coast Council.
You’re the new Chair of Anglican EcoCare Newcastle. What do you hope to achieve in this role?
As a newcomer to the diocese, it is wonderful to see how seriously questions around climate change and the environment are taken in Newcastle Anglican.
As I’m sure many would understand having lived on the front line of the effects of climate change, both in Lismore with flooding that was exacerbated by climate change and coming from North Queensland where the first climate change extinction of a mammal happened, tackling this issue is close to my heart. I am passionate about making
a difference to combat climate change.
I would hope that during my time as Chair of Anglican EcoCare Newcastle we can help develop resources or point people to resources that would help parishes and individuals to do something to become part of the solution to climate change and protect the environment.
I would love to see the group continue to develop the resources for the gumtree services, look at the Communion Forest initiatives that we might undertake, and any other ideas we can generate.
Reverend Christian Ford hopes to make a positive difference in his new role as Chair of Anglican EcoCare Newcastle.
Help Change lives us
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Milestones
Samaritans has supported students at Wickham since 2012.
200 students have continued their education journey at Samaritans Student Accommodation. Almost 90% have completed their education or apprenticeship during their stay.
Winter Appeal is
changing lives
Samaritans has launched its annual Winter Appeal to raise money for a vital and unique youth service.
Samaritans Student Accommodation supports youth at risk of homelessness who have fled traumatic family situations. This service does not receive any government funding and is completely reliant on the generosity of donors.
Current student Tate felt unsafe at home after their parents refused to accept their sexuality.
Tate is now flourishing in a safe environment, studying at university, and working two casual jobs.
“It has helped me so much to be the person I am,” Tate said.
“If I didn’t have this opportunity, if I didn’t reach out and get all these amazing opportunities, I don’t think I would be alive.”
This year, Samaritans marks four decades of supporting the local community.
“For 40 years, Samaritans has been in the community trying to find new projects and programs which make a difference,” Samaritans President Bishop Peter Stuart said.
“Twelve years ago, we decided to start the Student Accommodation at Wickham and it’s one of the services that we’re really proud of. It makes a difference in people’s lives and the difference is humbling every time we hear it.”
The service is more than just accommodation. It provides holistic support for students aged 16 to 25 as they continue their education journey.
“They all have their own unique stories and they’re all wanting to have that engagement in education, so we’re here to support that goal,” Samaritans Student Coordinator Matthew Anderson said.
“It fits the needs of the community, and the kids are absolutely grateful for it. We’re not funded by the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), it’s purely from the community.”
Samaritans is asking the community to support its local charity. Unlike some of the larger national charities, all monies raised go into supporting our local diocesan region.
“One of the most moving things is it’s the people of this community who are providing this support. It’s local money, raised locally for a local charity. It’s making a huge difference,” Bishop Peter said.
The Winter Appeal is open until 31 July.
appreciation generous volunteers
National Volunteer Week
is a reminder that every act of volunteering, no matter how small, is helping to create a better world.
It was about recognising the time and effort that our incredible volunteers dedicate to improving the lives of people in our community.
Here at Newcastle Anglican, we have 1,800 volunteers who generously donate their time to help in a variety of ways.
Within our parishes, 1,550 volunteers are currently supporting us across Newcastle, the Hunter Valley, Mid North Coast, and Central Coast.
A further 125 volunteers assist Samaritans with services and programs, including Retail, Emergency Relief, Disaster Relief, Recovery Point, and Student Accommodation.
Our four schools are also boosted by 60 volunteers who help out in areas such as canteen, sports coaching and committees, while 36 currently support Anglican Care with activities like bingo calling, reading, singing, bus trips, companionship, and even computer tutoring.
National Volunteer Week was not just a celebration but testament to the strength and generosity of volunteers across all areas of Newcastle Anglican.
It was an opportunity for us to say ‘thank you’ to all our volunteers and also encourage others to get involved.
By celebrating our volunteers and encouraging them to tell their stories, we hope this will inspire others, and raise awareness of how everyone can contribute, regardless of age, gender, ability, or cultural background.
On behalf of Newcastle Anglican, thank you. To show our gratefulness, we sent certificates of appreciation to all volunteers within our organisation.
Marilyn’s happy to
lend a hand
For more than 20 years, Marilyn Webster has put her hand up to help.
“Once you’re in the church family, you seem to get involved in everything,” she says.
“Many of us have been volunteering for a long time.”
Marilyn has supported Samaritans with food donations and other services in the past, while she continues to assist with Anglican Care programs.
“I started off about 25 years ago when we had an auxiliary here,” she says.
“We used to raise money for the nursing homes for things like televisions. Then the government was able to provide those things, so we disbanded it.
“With Samaritans, we helped them out and did some of the things that they’re doing now but it was just in a different concept.”
These days, Marilyn helps to organise a Biggest Morning Tea and is also involved in a craft group at CA Brown in Booragul.
Residents and other participants are able to join art classes to do their own paintings; make cards, diamond art, and jewellery for Christmas and the Cancer Council; and create bookmarks and scrap books.
Apart from Marilyn, more than 30 other volunteers support Anglican Care’s services and programs. They help with activities like bingo calling, reading, singing, bus trips, companionship, and computer tutoring.
Many of us have been volunteering for a long time ... I started off about 25 years ago.
Newcastle Anglican is grateful to have nearly 1,800 volunteers who generously donate their time to help in a variety of ways.
This includes 1,550 within our parishes, 125 with Samaritans, and another 60 who support our four schools in areas like canteen, sports coaching, and on committees.
Thank you to all of our volunteers.
CA Brown resident and volunteer Marilyn Webster.
Narelle finds meaning
in volunteering
Narelle Kaiser’s work has special meaning.
This dedicated volunteer donates her time once a week to support a Samaritans service close to her heart.
Recovery Point is a program that helps people who are leaving correctional facilities or alcohol and drug rehabilitation centres.
It enables participants to re-engage with the community and gain access to other services and programs.
Narelle said Recovery Point was doing important work in the community.
She believed the program could have saved a loved one.
“My nephew was a drug addict. He passed away. He’d been in jail, used, and overdosed,” she said.
“I needed some closure and I knew what I always wanted to do, came in here, explained my story and said: ‘I want to volunteer.’
“I think if this had been around when my nephew was still alive, we could’ve saved him.
“That’s why I’m here, and I love it.”
I get so much satisfaction here, it’s my happy place.
National Volunteer Week takes place from 2026 May.
It recognises the diverse passions and talents people bring to the act of volunteering.
This year’s theme, ‘Something for Everyone’, aimed to showcase the possibilities and impact that emerges when everyone finds their meaningful role in making a difference.
Narelle said she had found real purpose in her role as a volunteer at Recovery Point.
“I do the work development orders and the data entry. If there’s anything else they need me to do, then I do it,” she said.
“I get so much satisfaction here, it’s my happy place.”
Samaritans volunteer Narelle Kaiser at Recovery Point in Broadmeadow.
Highlighting
our volunteers
We celebrated National Volunteer Week 2024.
Here are three examples of the work our generous volunteers do to support Newcastle Anglican and the wider community.
Chris Thomas
Chris (pictured above) has helped with a number of different roles, including doing the newsletter and reading sheet, putting together liturgy booklets for worship, and also serving as parish secretary and on the parish council. She diligently prepares the worship space and liturgy material under the guidance of The Reverend Melanie Whalley.
Chris holds a Lay Readers Licence and assists with Home Communions in the parish while also occasionally providing extended Communion when Reverend Melanie is unable to present for the two monthly Eucharists that serve the less mobile members of the parish.
She also serves and is Crucifer for any Requiem Eucharists held in the parish.
Chris is on the parish roster in the positions of serving in the sanctuary, morning tea, and
welcoming. She is a person with deep faith and willingly volunteers where needed while also stepping back to let others take up roles. Apart from the parish, Chris also volunteered at Samaritans Emergency Relief for a number of years.
Linda Carter
Linda Carter first started worshipping at Christ the King Anglican Church Toronto in 1961.
Six years later, she became an altar assistant and then taught Sunday School.
From 2004 to the present, she has volunteered as a Reader of Bible Readings and Intercessions.
Linda also took on a number of other roles with the parish after retiring in 2010.
These include becoming parish guild secretary and treasurer and being elected to the parish council.
She spent eight years as parish council secretary and currently serves as parish council treasurer.
Linda also volunteered to be coordinator of the Tots ‘n’ Tunes musical program, which was a community outreach program for preschool children, and is church warden, an incumbency
board member, and assists in the care of gardens and shrubs around the church. She also helps with administrative tasks in relation to R3.
Wallsend Community Garden
St Luke’s Wallsend is blessed with a vibrant and enthusiastic group of volunteers.
Over the past few years, they started an Op Shop and UpCycling ministry, as well as a Domestic and Family Abuse ministry which supports the local women’s and children’s shelter.
In 2023, the parish applied for and won a grant to start a community garden – something it felt Wallsend was calling out for.
Led by Parish Secretary Sarah Scott and Professor John Holdsworth, the team began clearing land, moving garden sheds, and laying
concrete slabs for water tanks (which are thankfully now full). Then, the all-important work of building wicking garden beds was led by engineer David Scott, ably supported by some of the younger parishioners, Njeri and Shiku Eaton.
The great thing about the community garden is there are jobs for young and old, green thumbs or novices, those who are restricted in movement, and those who literally do the heavy lifting.
People have already offered to volunteer in the garden to make cups of tea for those doing the weeding and harvesting.
Volunteers are the key to so many ministries in the parish, from an Anglican women catering team, to children’s and family ministry, to the community morning tea, to the op shop and upcycling.
The community garden is another outward, community-focused part of St Luke’s mission – welcoming the community onto its land and seeking to meet a need.
Aunty Jill Jessop and Aunty Di Langham at Booragul.
A reminder of the fight for
justice and rights
We recognised National Reconciliation Week with a morning tea at Booragul.
Guest speaker Aunty Jill Jessop, a Wailwan woman from Central Western NSW, was joined by our Director of Reconciliation Aunty Di Langham, a proud Boandik woman from South Australia.
This year’s theme for National Reconciliation Week (27 May - 3 June) was ‘Now More Than Ever’.
It’s a reminder to all of us that the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will, and must, continue.
Aunty Jill spoke about the importance of the week and highlighted the work of a Lake Macquarie group that is painting beautiful gum leaves to help families mourn the unexpected or unexplained death of someone close.
The Nikinpa Art Group, made up of First Nations women, gather to paint, share stories and food, and support each other.
You can read more about it at pathology.health.nsw.gov.au/articles/using-art-to-connect-sorry-businesswith-healing-at-forensic-medicine/
Take a look at this video to learn more about the group’s work.
Karen’s love of learning
If there’s one person who has worn many hats at Manning Valley Anglican College (MVAC), it would be Mrs Karen Brown.
Karen has dedicated almost 20 years of service to the college, beginning her journey in a casual teaching position in 2004.
She has always been at the forefront of shaping the educational learning experiences for the students.
Her passion for lifelong learning has taken her across a broad spectrum of roles within the college from classroom teacher, K - 2 Coordinator and Head of Primary School.
It was in her executive role that Karen rediscovered her calling and passion for classroom teaching.
“My passion has always been working with the kids,” she said.
Karen’s love of learning led to her current role as she closes in on the finish line of her third degree – a Masters of Inclusive Education.
Now, Karen leads the Prep - 12 Learning Support department.
Over the years, Karen has seen student enrolments, colleagues, and school facilities grow.
With the growth of the college, the need to expand the support unit was born.
With such a vast wealth of knowledge stemming from early childhood to vocational education, Karen is the perfect person to lead a Prep - 12 Learning Support Unit, and she’s excited to take on the challenge.
“Throughout my teaching career, I have always had a passion for working with more vulnerable students, whether they be our young learners, or those with disability or learning differences,” she said.
Working within a Christian environment has been a source of comfort, creating a nurturing environment where students not only feel supported academically, but also emotionally and spiritually.
I have always had a passion for working with more vulnerable students.
“It is immensely rewarding to watch a child flourish after a learning breakthrough or as they realise that they are unique and just as God intended them to be,” she added.
Karen is not just an advocate for all things Inclusive Learning.
There’s another super skill Karen holds –collecting and accessorising quirky broaches and earrings, which brings a smile to everyone.
It happens every day and is done to perfection. Cats, strawberries, rainbows – you never know what the theme will be.
“It brightens me up, hopefully it brightens up the students too.” Karen said.
It certainly does.
In fact, Karen’s warmth, kindness, inclusive activism, and all-round genuine love of learning is infectious.
It is easy to let your light shine around people like Mrs Karen Brown.
Q&A with national champion
Amaya Shaw
Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College (BTAC) student Amaya Shaw was recently interviewed about her success in becoming the 2024 National Cross Country Mountain Bike Series Under 17s Women’s Champion.
Congratulations! How does it feel to achieve such a significant accomplishment in your sport?
I feel extremely proud of my achievements, especially in a sport that is relatively new to me. I have always loved riding mountain bikes with my family, but never dreamed I would be an Australian champion! This achievement has developed over the last 9 months where I realised I could be very competitive in the sport.
Can you walk us through your journey to becoming the National Series Champion? What were some of the challenges you faced along the way and how did you overcome them?
This time last year, I was racing in the All Schools Mountain Bike Series here in Newcastle and at various tracks on the North Coast of NSW and as far west as Tamworth. My parents asked me if I wanted to compete in the NSW state titles in Nowra. It was a very successful weekend where I found myself on the podium both days of racing in the XCC (short course) and XCO (long course) disciplines with two silver medals. After this, I travelled to the ACT state titles in Majura, Canberra. Again I found myself wearing gold and bronze medals for two days of racing. After the Australian Championships in March, I then started the National Points Series Championship in February. This series involved five tough rounds of XCC and XCO racing at different trails interstate.
AQI received gold and silver medals at each of the rounds I raced and was coming equal first place with another rider, going into the final round of racing. Round 5 was my last chance to take the win. I managed to put over a minute time over my opponent after the first lap of the extremely challenging wet course. I held my lead over her for the rest of the race and that’s how I won gold on the National Series.
During the races, what strategies did you employ to stay ahead of the competition and ultimately secure the title?
I love this question because, in the sport of Cross Country Mountain Bike, you have to very quickly work out what the strengths and weaknesses of your opponents are and use these to your advantage. For example, I discovered my biggest rival doesn’t ride well in wet, slippery conditions, isn’t a technical rider and really doesn’t like when I sit on her wheel. She likes to chase and not be chased. This forces her to make mistakes on the course so I can then ride away from her. This is ultimately how I took the series win. The final round was wet, brutally hilly and extremely technical. The start is very important too. The race can be won or lost if you enter the single track in a position that doesn’t match your original strategy.
AQHow do you maintain focus and mental resilience during high-pressure races like the National Series?
The National Series trails were extremely technical and I needed to stay focused, calm and maintain a strong and positive mindset. I enjoy overcoming my fears, and I have realised that I can get my body to do whatever my brain tells it to do. I use my adrenaline to work for me, and try to not overthink anything when I am completing technical obstacles – don’t think, just do. You can’t hesitate and you also can’t let your rivals see any weaknesses you have, especially on race day.
Q Q Q
What advice would you give to aspiring mountain bikers who want to compete at a national level?
The best advice I can give is, just give it a go! Start with local races, ride as much as you can, and don’t let yourself get worried about not succeeding the first time. You can’t always have a race that goes all your way. In this sport there are so many factors that affect your results. You just have to be willing to give it a go and ride to your own capabilities.
Outside of training and racing, how do you balance your athletic career with other aspects of your life?
I am fortunate to be part of the Gifted and High Potential Athlete Program at Bishop Tyrrell. This really helps support playing, training and racing in two sports at an elite level. I have a teacher mentor to help me manage my school life and sport commitments. All my teachers are understanding of what I am managing as a Year 9 student and are always supportive in every area of my schooling. This year I am also playing football for the Central Coast Mariners reserve grade under-20s squad, so I train three early mornings a week on the Central Coast before school. My games are in Sydney or on the Central Coast. The Mariners have been very supportive of my mountain bike racing, which is wonderful as well. A A
Lastly, what does being the National Series Mountain Bike Cross Country Champion mean to you personally and how do you hope to inspire others through your achievement?
AI’m still getting used to the idea I’m a national champion but I do know that I feel so grateful for the opportunities I have been given along the way. There is nothing now I won’t give a go. Amazing things can happen when you are doing things you love to do.
A longer version of this Q&A featured in BTAC’s Kalabara publication.
Leaders of learning at Lakes Grammar
Alison MacLarty Head of Senior School
Alison is privileged to lead a passionate team of educators in providing learning opportunities for Years 9 to 12 at Lakes Grammar – An Anglican School.
As Head of Senior School, she oversees the learning both in and out of the classroom, the wellbeing programs and the planning of dayto-day life in the upper campus of the school.
Alison works closely with the Directors of Academic Care, Diversity and Challenge and the two Deans of students across Year 9 to 12 to support them to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
Lakes Grammar – An Anglican School is highlighting two of its leaders – Head of Senior School Alison MacLarty and TAS and PDHPE Coordinator Greg Sewell.
The focus is on building skills in students to flourish by becoming lifelong learners who are effective citizens in their communities locally and globally.
This is a constantly evolving space as the school gathers data from the students and responds to their needs.
This involves looking at academic results and social-emotional surveys, whilst other data is gathered by listening to student advocacy groups such as the Mental Health Advocacy Program (MHAP) team (Year 9 and 10), Student Representative Council (Year 7 to 12) and school student leaders in Year 11 and 12 (college leaders and school captains and prefects).
Greg Sewell TAS and PDHPE Coordinator
Greg Sewell has been a cornerstone of the school community since 2009, initially joining as a technology teacher.
Over the years, he’s taken on additional roles including supporting student wellbeing as a year coordinator and leading the TAS (Technological and Applied Studies) and PDHPE (Personal Development, Health and Physical Education) faculties.
In 2022, Greg briefly led the junior school, broadening his leadership skills and deepening his understanding of education across different age groups.
The following year, he expanded his responsibilities to include overseeing the PDHPE faculty alongside TAS, enriching his expertise in diverse learning areas.
Greg is deeply passionate about STEM education and is currently pursuing a Master
of Education with a specialisation in STEM at Queensland University of Technology.
This endeavour reflects his commitment to continuous learning and his desire to enhance his leadership skills in implementing innovation and change across all levels of schooling.
His involvement in various STEM programs from Year 3 to 8 aims to make these subjects engaging and accessible, inspiring students to explore the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Beyond the classroom, Greg’s interests in triathlons and hydrofoiling add a unique dimension to his teaching, integrating realworld experiences seamlessly into his lessons.
Greg Sewell is not just a teacher. He is a leader, driving educational innovation and inspiring both students and colleagues to excel.
The joy of giving
How
Danette Wallace and her family bring charity to life.
In 2015, during Danette Wallace’s first Variety Bash, she made a poignant comment: “giving people are happy people and you sure are a happy bunch of people”.
This statement resonated deeply with Danette, an impassioned educator at The Yellow Cottage, Scone Grammar School’s Preschool.
For Danette, this perfectly captured the essence of the Variety Bash.
Danette’s involvement in the Variety Bash allowed her to merge two of her greatest passions: educating children and giving to others.
This year’s Bash was particularly special as her entire family participated.
Initially, Danette and her husband Will joined the Bash as ‘The Simpsons’.
After completing five Bashes, Will chose to contribute differently, becoming part of the Mobile Workshop team.
The Mobile Workshops (MW) are crucial to the Bash, staffed by skilled mechanics who
maintain the fleet of old cars involved in the event.
Joining Will in the MW crew was their eldest son, Liam, a former student of Scone Grammar School.
Their younger son, Braeden, currently in Year 12 and a student leader at the school, took on driving and photography duties for his first Bash. Together, the Wallace family worked tirelessly for this remarkable charity event.
Danette incorporated the Variety Bash into the preschool curriculum, turning it into a valuable educational experience.
She explained to the children what Variety – the Children’s Charity, does and its impact.
With the help of Braeden, she illustrated the concept of charity as a group effort to help others, especially children in need.
The Variety Bash began when entrepreneur and adventurer Dick Smith organised a journey from Bourke, NSW, to Bourketown, Queensland, in old cars, raising $250,000 for charity.
Smith’s friends from diverse backgrounds participated, making the event a great equaliser.
The tradition continues today, with all cars required to be over 30 years old and nonperformance modified.
The preschoolers were thrilled to explore the actual Hot Wheels Bash Car when Danette drove it to work.
Weekly, they learned more about the Bash through videos of past events, featuring various characters, cars and rugged outback roads.
Danette emphasised the Bash’s primary mission: raising funds for disadvantaged, sick and disabled children in the community.
The children at the school eagerly prepared for a real-life charity event, helping to plan and organise for 16 Bash cars to visit on the last day of the Bash.
Farewell Maria, and thank you
Maria English started at Scone Grammar School in 1991.
She has held many roles in that time, including Director of Welfare, Head of English and Drama, and Head of Ledger House.
At the end of this year, she will be retiring. She will be missed by students and staff alike.
Her biggest contributions to the school have always been with the students.
The genuine connections that Maria forges with her students are long lasting and she is held in the highest regard by past students of Scone Grammar.
They demonstrated remarkable understanding of the Variety charity and showed genuine enthusiasm to be part of the project alongside Danette and her family.
This experience fostered empathy, kindness, and respect among the preschoolers while strengthening community bonds. The joy and excitement on the day the cars all arrived in the carpark was simply magic.
The Wallace family’s involvement in the Variety Bash has made them a cherished part of the school community. Their journey serves as a powerful reminder of the values of service and giving, illustrating how charitable efforts can enrich lives and create lasting impacts.
At Scone Grammar School, the lesson is clear: giving people truly are happy people.
Maria has always been one to offer advice and guidance to colleagues, ensuring that her faculty ran seamlessly.
The legacy that Maria leaves is that of professionalism and camaraderie.
Scone Grammar School wishes Maria all the absolute best in retirement and thanks her for her wonderful service. It’s hoped she will make some special visits back to things like the public speaking competition.
“I found that kindness is the key to their success”
Home for Good – Recovery Point community chaplain David Hesketh in his office at Broadmeadow.
Stability and support
on path to recovery
David Hesketh has always enjoyed hands on work.
A bricklayer by trade, the English-born chaplain arrived in Australia more than 30 years ago with a goal to work in ministry.
After serving in various parishes across the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle, David became community chaplain at Home for Good –Recovery Point.
The Samaritans-led program offers the chance for recently released prisoners to work with a case worker and volunteers to gain the stability and community connection to remain out of the correctional system.
It provides initial support with finding accommodation, clothing and identification, as well as setting up Centrelink and a bank account.
David says his role as a post-release prison chaplain has been “eye opening”.
“It’s challenging at times and frustrating seeing the men we serve struggle with the normality of life on the outside, just applying for Centrelink, housing, even to open a bank account can be a major challenge of having to jump through hoop after hoop just to get ahead,” he says.
“That’s not forgetting the ongoing difficulty of addiction and stigma of being in jail that our clients have to cope with.
“Trust plays a huge role in connecting with these fellas as it’s very hard for them to trust anyone. To gain their trust is my number one priority.
“It does takes time, but is well worth the effort. Once they trust you, then comes the deep conversations.
“I support them in many ways by
accompanying them to court when needed, as well as hospital and doctors appointments. I feel privileged to be allowed into their space.
“Some of them have great anxiety and aggression problems, so you need to be with them to try and be a calming presence so they don’t kick off, as they say.
“I also didn’t realise how bad the drug problem was in Newcastle. It’s very real and out there in our communities.
“I’ve been called out to help lads who’ve known me and seen some very confronting sights and situations.”
Born in Lancashire, near Liverpool, David was ordained in 2003 and also worked as an assistant chaplain at Mission to Seafarers and in chaplaincy at Anglican Care.
It’s now been almost five years since he joined the Home for Good program.
While there are success stories, David says many participants struggle to break the prison mentality or the “code”, which he describes as very real and destructive.
Despite the many challenges, David adds Home for Good is doing valuable work in the community.
“I work with a great team and it is a privilege to serve these men,” he says.
“I’ve found that kindness is the key to help them succeed because they very rarely receive it.
“We have three houses – one in Adamstown, Friendship House at Maryville, and Wyong House.
“We really need more because about 800 prisoners get released into the Hunter every year, and there’s nothing for them.”
Working together
to prevent violence against women
Newcastle Anglican representatives attended a roundtable to brainstorm ways sector, religious and community leaders can work with services to strengthen local responses to domestic, family and sexual violence.
The Stronger Together roundtable, an initiative of the NSW Government’s Office of Women’s Safety Commissioner, Dr Hannah Tonkin, took place in Newcastle and created meaningful engagement and thought-provoking presentations and discussions.
Bishop Peter Stuart spoke about how the religious self-perception of superiority was being challenged.
The Child Abuse Royal Commission showed 14.7% of survivors sharing their abuse indicated it occurred in Anglican institutions and 58.6% overall from religious institutions.
Anglican research on domestic and family abuse also revealed the prevalence among Anglicans was as high or higher than the wider community.
Bishop Peter further highlighted gendered drivers of violence against women and male
stereotypes, such as acting tough, rigid gender roles, hypersexuality, aggression and control.
He then showcased Newcastle Anglican’s ongoing response to domestic and family abuse.
Newcastle Anglican is working on a strategy based on ‘Our Watch’, which includes 12 actions to help prevent violence against women by working together.
It needs to be implemented at every level of society.
Newcastle Anglican’s response features a strong commitment to women in leadership with one out of two assistant bishops, three of five organisation leaders, equal board members and no role closed to women.
There is an emphasis on inclusion, consent education and codes of conduct that address bullying and harassment.
As an organisation Newcastle Anglican has committed to speaking with men about violence, aggression and control, gender roles and seeking support.
A key action from the Stronger Together roundtable included the establishment of a 12-month work plan.
Planning began with an online meeting on Thursday 13 June.
The Solution
Violence against women is preventable if we all work together.
Essential actions to address the gendered drivers
Challenge the condoning of violence against women.
Promote women’s independence and decision-making in public life and relationships.
Build new social norms that foster personal identities not constrained by rigid gender stereotypes.
Essential actions to address the underlying social context
Promote and normalise gender equality in public and private life.
Address the intersections between gender inequality and other forms of systematic oppression and discrimination, and promote broader social justice.
Build safe, fair and equitable organisations and institutions by focusing on policy and systems change.
Supporting actions to address the reinforcing factors
Challenge the normalisation of violence and aggression as an expression of masculinity.
Reduce the longterm impacts of exposure to violence and prevent further exposure.
Strengthen prosocial behaviour.
Support men and boys in developing healthy masculinities and positive, supportive male peer relationships.
Strengthen positive, equal and respectful relations among women and men, girls and boys, in public and private spheres.
Plan for and actively address backlash and resistance.
These 12 actions are needed at every level of society: Using legislation, institutional, policy and program responses; by governments, organisations and individuals; in settings where people live, work, learn and socialise; in ways that are tailored to the context and needs of different groups.
Program creates between generations friendships
It’s a heartwarming scene.
For five weeks, Anglican Care residents swapped stories, sang songs and completed activities with local preschoolers.
The intergenerational program brought together participants from Scenic Lodge Merewether and Montessori Academy for a morning of play and learning at Marketown Shopping Centre.
Residents who attended the weekly session were aged between 84 and 95.
Anglican Care Lifestyle, Wellbeing and Diversity Manager Jane Meldrum said the program was the highlight of the residents’ week.
“The social, emotional and physical benefits of spending time together are so special and valued and cannot be understated,” she said.
“The program creates opportunities for engagement with mutually beneficial outcomes.
“It has been shown to improve health outcomes for older adults and children, including improvements in physical and mental health, cognitive abilities and communication skills.”
Marketown Marketing Manager Penny Price said the shopping centre was proud to be a part of the program.
“You can definitely see the benefits of both generations coming together each week,” she said.
“There have been days when a couple of the older residents have been feeling a bit flat when they arrive but the minute the children join in their mood improves significantly.”
The intergenerational program was an initial five-week trial.
Many of the Scenic Lodge residents have expressed interest in this program becoming a regular occurrence.
Scenic Lodge residents meeting preschoolers from the Montessori Academy at Marketown Shopping Centre.
Alkira’s
Biggest Morning Tea
Alkira Respite and Day Therapy Centre hosted its annual Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser recently, raising money for the Cancer Council. It was a huge success in terms of funds raised and was enjoyable for all involved.
Family, friends and food were in abundance, along with singing, dancing, games and craft.
Participants had been busy all year creating beautiful crafts that were available to purchase by donation at the event.
Everyone was delighted with the results!
ANZAC Day
lest we forget
Kilpatrick Court is lucky to have such wonderful, talented people.
Resident Marilyn (right) busily crocheted more than 100 poppies for an upcoming Anzac Day service.
Well done, Marilyn.
Resident Lucy and her husband Jim Moore (above) are also pictured during the service at Kilpatrick Court.
Meanwhile, CA Brown took time to remember the Anzacs at a beautiful service led by the bag pipes playing and readings from Reverend Jenny, residents, staff and volunteers.
You can watch a video from the service here.
Over at Warnervale Gardens, everyone enjoyed tasty food and each other’s company as residents and staff listened to music and reminisced.
Doyalson Wyee RSL Sub Branch also visited the facility to do a service, which was appreciated by all.
Movin’ and groovin’
for falls prevention
Some CA Brown and McIntosh Court residents and staff had fun while raising awareness of the need to improve balance to help prevent falls.
They were movin’ and groovin’ to promote April Falls Month.
The annual campaign raises awareness about the impact of falls and promotes the latest best practice fall prevention strategies.
Alkira Respite and Day Therapy Centre also participated in a number of fun activities outside and received advice on how to stay fit and active.
You can watch the video here
Reminiscing
about
a bygone era
East Lake Macquarie Dementia Service participants recently enjoyed an outing to the Newcastle Museum.
The main exhibition led to much conversation and reminiscing about life in the 1950s and 60s.
Celebrating
International Nurses Day
International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world on May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.
Kilpatrick Court is so lucky to have some amazing care staff and nurses.
Pictured are just a few.
CA Brown celebrated the day with a colourful show of appreciation.
Staff dressed up in pink and were treated to a beautiful breakfast spread, while Scenic Lodge also enjoyed some food and each other’s company.
Thank you for all that you do!
Murrurundi’s
milestone
Parishioners celebrated a milestone with a special service at Murrurundi this month.
The community recognised the 150th anniversary of St Paul’s Church on Sunday 23 June.
Bishop Sonia officiated the Holy Communion service from 9am.
The first St Paul’s Church was a wooden structure built by A and WJ Mackay for 230 pounds.
In 1872, the parish council decided to build a new church to cater for the increase in parishioners.
The new church was formally opened on 24 June 1874, and was consecrated on 12 October 1877 by the Bishop of Sydney.
