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From the CFO
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Nadelle Manners
From the beginning, God instilled in each one of us the role of stewardship. For Adam, God placed him in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over or guard it (Genesis 2:16).
For the team here at the office, that tending and guarding over “it” is multi-faceted. Here’s a few areas we've focused on over the past couple of months.
Our administration team recently met with the owners and developers of 2-4 Cambridge Road, Epping. This meeting was the first time that the current officers of the Greater Sydney Conference have met with the developers, and we were encouraged to hear the plans and timeline of this development and seeing the plans for the commercial space in which we have an option to purchase.
This development has been a 9-year journey so far and we look forward to working more closely with developer over the next year or two as the project inches closer to the finished line. Please continue to pray for the developers.
The finance team and real estate committee have commenced a review of the properties owned by the Conference, ensuring due diligence continues to take place regarding strategic maintenance, upkeep and use of these properties.
While on the topic of real estate stewardship, two of our schools are amid building projects. Sydney Adventist Schools Auburn is currently building additional general learning (classrooms) areas as well as a library. This project includes much-needed upgrades such as accessibility mod- ifications and renovations to assist with the wellbeing of staff and students. It is exciting to see the construction work on the new middle school building at Hills Adventist College - Kellyville campus. This will include new classrooms and a staff room, which will assist with the enhancement of the school’s learning spaces.
The finance team have finalised their financial statements for all our church and school companies and the audits on these financial statements have ended with unqualified audits (clear audits). The team is feeling very thankful that their focus can now rest on the current 2023 finances and team projects.
News from the Federal budget that additional funding to assist with the increase in salaries for direct residential care staff will be provided is a relief for the current 2023/24 budget. However, there are still significant challenges that the Aged Care sector nation-wide and the Aged Care Board continues to work with our Adventist Aged Care management team as strengthen the facilities under its stewardship.
Amongst the intricacies of contracts, details in plans and the many meetings that have been held, the following Bible verse has been central to us as an office team:
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.”
1 Chronicles 16:24
Wherever you are today, whatever you do, declare God's glory. Include Him in the details. Share His love.
