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Grafton Diocese's First ‘Governance Conference’
By Archdeacon Tiffany Sparks
Overthe course of the weekend of the 4th and 5th of November, Grafton Diocese held its first ‘Diocesan Governance Conference’ at Opal Cove in Coffs Harbour. This Conference had been in the works for over 2 years but due to COVID had been delayed. The aim of the Conference was to help resource & empower parish leadership as part of a Diocesan commitment to good governance.
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It was really heartening to see most parishes represented over the course of the weekend. The Right Reverend Brad Billings who is an Associate Bishop in Melbourne Diocese was our key note speaker for the event. His content was focused on the role, function and purview of the parish council and other key leadership positions. Additional training was offered over the weekend for Grievance Officers, Finance,
There are so many untold stories that need to be told about what has happened to Aboriginal people and their families. Acknowledging country is a small step that we take towards a wider truth telling process that needs to happen across Australia in order to achieve reconciliation for all.
For people that feel uncomfortable about the church acknowledging country, ask yourself why this makes you feel uncomfortable. I invite you to come and have a conversation with me, Rev'd Aunty Lenore Parker, so we can learn together.
New Thinking in Safe Ministry, Risk Management and more. Conferences like this have been designed to be able to professionally develop and support the lay people of the diocese as well as assist clergy in parish governance. We have some extraordinary people in our parishes, and it is our role to ensure that we have appropriate training opportunities in order for people to flourish in the positions that they feel called to. Our hope is that Conferences like this can occur every two to three years to ensure that we are providing consistent and regular education opportunities for new people stepping into key leadership positions.
Thank you to everyone who supported, participated in, organised and lead this Conference. I think as a Diocese we can be proud of the culture that we are continuing to grow.
