Our members - their stories and their ministries
This page is a work in progress, please check back here again as we will be adding more information when we receive it.
The Reverend Gloria Shipp - Life member
I was born and raised in Nyngan and moved to Dubbo in the 1980's. I am of the Kamilaroi nation. I studied theology at Nungalinya College in Darwin and was ordained Deacon in 1995 and became the first female Aboriginal Priest in 1996. My ministry involves Chaplaincy to the Orana Juvenile Justice Centre in Dubbo where I hold weekly bible talks and monthly church services as well as holding services on other significant days. I am a Honorary Priest Assistant in the Dubbo Parish. Each year I organise a Christian rally in Dubbo, a Reconciliation Luncheon, Women of the Bible studies and camps for men, women and families and outreach trips to other communities. An Elders outreach group is held weekly in Holy Trinity hall, the Elders come to do craft, share in fellowship and also have guest speaker etc. Another part of the ministry is a bread run, delivering to families in need. My ministry is financially supported by Anglican Board of Missions (ABM), for which I am thankful. I am a member of Anglicare Western NSW.
I was born and raised in Nyngan and moved to Dubbo in the 1980's. I am of the Kamilaroi nation. I studied theology at Nungalinya College in Darwin and was ordained Deacon in 1995 and became the first female Aboriginal Priest in 1996. My ministry involves Chaplaincy to the Orana Juvenile Justice Centre in Dubbo where I hold weekly bible talks and monthly church services as well as holding services on other significant days. I am a Honorary Priest Assistant in the Dubbo Parish. Each year I organise a Christian rally in Dubbo, a Reconciliation Luncheon, Women of the Bible studies and camps for men, women and families and outreach trips to other communities. An Elders outreach group is held weekly in Holy Trinity hall, the Elders come to do craft, share in fellowship and also have guest speaker etc. Another part of the ministry is a bread run, delivering to families in need. My ministry is financially supported by Anglican Board of Missions (ABM), for which I am thankful. I am a member of Anglicare Western NSW.
Archdeacon Brian Kirk - Chairperson
Archdeacon for Barwon, Vicar of Uralla Anglican Parish, Diocese of Armidale, NSW. I am married to Sharon and we have 5 boys - Jonathan (married to Natalie), Tim (married to Emma), James (engaged to Stephanie), Daniel and Andrew. I am of the Kamilaroi tribe. I have pastored 4 parishes and been CEO of the Anglican Counselling Service for the Diocese. I have been associated with NATSIAC since 2004. I was Chair from 2008-2012. I have been co-Chair with the General Synod Standing Committee on a Working Party on Indigenous Matters from 2008-2010 and co-Chair with a General Synod Standing Committee on an Indigenous Ministry Taskforce from 2010-2014. I currently oversee the Armidale Diocese’ Indigenous Ministry Sub-committee. I currently represent NATSIAC on Anglican Alliance.
The Reverend Yulki Nunggumajbarr
I was born at Wuyagiba in the Northern Territory and in 1952 we moved to our Nunggubuyu tribal country at Numbulwar. It was there I accepted Jesus and was baptised in the nearby creek. I studied at Nungalinya College in Darwin and I was one the first people to do the Certificate in Translation course with Wycliffe AuSIL to
help translate the Bible into the Wubuy language. After years of outreach work to other homelands and communities in the Top End I did further studies at Nungalinya College in Theology. In 2009 I was ordained as a Priest and worked for more than three years on Groote Eylandt ministering at Angurugu, Umbakumba and Bickerton Island until three other sisters were ordained as Priests and took over from me. When I returned to
Numbulwar my brother said he was passing on the baton for me to lead the church as he was going now. In two weeks he had gone to be with Jesus. I am 76 years old and still doing baptisms, funerals, praying for the sick, and ministering God’s Word to the people. There are younger church members who are in training at Nungalinya now and I am helping them to lead in all of these areas of the Church.
I was born at Wuyagiba in the Northern Territory and in 1952 we moved to our Nunggubuyu tribal country at Numbulwar. It was there I accepted Jesus and was baptised in the nearby creek. I studied at Nungalinya College in Darwin and I was one the first people to do the Certificate in Translation course with Wycliffe AuSIL to
help translate the Bible into the Wubuy language. After years of outreach work to other homelands and communities in the Top End I did further studies at Nungalinya College in Theology. In 2009 I was ordained as a Priest and worked for more than three years on Groote Eylandt ministering at Angurugu, Umbakumba and Bickerton Island until three other sisters were ordained as Priests and took over from me. When I returned to
Numbulwar my brother said he was passing on the baton for me to lead the church as he was going now. In two weeks he had gone to be with Jesus. I am 76 years old and still doing baptisms, funerals, praying for the sick, and ministering God’s Word to the people. There are younger church members who are in training at Nungalinya now and I am helping them to lead in all of these areas of the Church.
The Reverend Daryl McCullough
My name is Daryl. I am the parish priest of St Barnabas West Wyalong in NSW. I am married to Dianne and we have three children - Katie, Will and Tom.
I am a Wiradjuri man who is passionate about combatting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disadvantage, and spent 6 years working in the field of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education policy and programme management with the Commonwealth Department of Education prior to studying for ordination.
An adult convert to Christianity, I found faith at the age of 21, after feeling a sudden compulsion to buy a bible while browsing in a book store. I then sought the counsel of a local priest, and was truly introduced to Jesus for the first time. In 2012 I resigned from my position with Department of Education and began full time study in answer to God's call on my life to ordained ministry.
My name is Daryl. I am the parish priest of St Barnabas West Wyalong in NSW. I am married to Dianne and we have three children - Katie, Will and Tom.
I am a Wiradjuri man who is passionate about combatting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disadvantage, and spent 6 years working in the field of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education policy and programme management with the Commonwealth Department of Education prior to studying for ordination.
An adult convert to Christianity, I found faith at the age of 21, after feeling a sudden compulsion to buy a bible while browsing in a book store. I then sought the counsel of a local priest, and was truly introduced to Jesus for the first time. In 2012 I resigned from my position with Department of Education and began full time study in answer to God's call on my life to ordained ministry.
The Reverend Victor Blanco - Vice Chair
Fr Victor is the priest in charge of St George's Ministry Unit in Bamaga
Fr Victor is the priest in charge of St George's Ministry Unit in Bamaga
The Venerable Karen Kime, Archdeacon of Indigenous Ministries
Diocese Canberra and Goulburn
Karen Kime is a Birripi woman whose extended family comes from the Dingo Creek region of Kempsey on the north coast of New South Wales. Karen is the General Manager of Indigenous Services and Education for the Anglicare Regional Alliance and has worked with Indigenous Australians, for many years. Her passion surrounds issues of social justice for all people and a love of the environment.
Karen has the position of Indigenous Academic Fellow at Charles Sturt University and is presently undertaking a PhD on `Aboriginal Spirituality,Wellbeing and Wise Practice’. Prior to this, Karen held the position of Rector in a number of parishes in both the Riverina and Canberra Goulburn Dioceses. In addition, she holds a place on the Research and Ethics Committee of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies and is a Board Member of the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture.
Karen is a member of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglican Council and the Chair of the National Reconciliation Network for Anglicare Australia. She was the first Indigenous woman to be collated as Archdeacon in the Anglican Church of Australia; was a delegate on the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (2013) and is also a member of the World Council of Churches (2013)
Diocese Canberra and Goulburn
Karen Kime is a Birripi woman whose extended family comes from the Dingo Creek region of Kempsey on the north coast of New South Wales. Karen is the General Manager of Indigenous Services and Education for the Anglicare Regional Alliance and has worked with Indigenous Australians, for many years. Her passion surrounds issues of social justice for all people and a love of the environment.
Karen has the position of Indigenous Academic Fellow at Charles Sturt University and is presently undertaking a PhD on `Aboriginal Spirituality,Wellbeing and Wise Practice’. Prior to this, Karen held the position of Rector in a number of parishes in both the Riverina and Canberra Goulburn Dioceses. In addition, she holds a place on the Research and Ethics Committee of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies and is a Board Member of the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture.
Karen is a member of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglican Council and the Chair of the National Reconciliation Network for Anglicare Australia. She was the first Indigenous woman to be collated as Archdeacon in the Anglican Church of Australia; was a delegate on the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (2013) and is also a member of the World Council of Churches (2013)
The Reverend Graeme Weaver
I am an Anglican Priest in the Diocese of Bunbury, Western Australia. I serve in parish ministry as Priest with Pastoral Oversight, Priest-in-charge, in the eastern part of the Bunbury Diocese. I have worked as Teacher in Holy Orders within the Anglican Schools Commission. I was appointed Chaplain to the Bunbury Mission to Seafarers and the appointed as Port Chaplain to the Port of Bunbury in Western Australia.
I grew up in the North West of Western Australia and was educated at the Guildford Grammar School (Anglican boys' school). I trained as a teacher and taught both primary and secondary. I am a late or deferred call to ordained life. I was ordained Deacon in the Parish church in Pingelly (St Luke and St Paul), ordained Priest in the Cathedral Church of St Boniface in Bunbury.
In 2018 my diocese asked me to take up the NATSIAC representative position - following leave and concluding my ministry as Chaplain to the Port of Bunbury. My diocese is committed now to NATSIAC, with opportunities for me to share objectives and outcomes of NATSIAC, which is tremendous, and I intend to take up the opportunities to promote NATSIAC and to gain support fully within the Diocese. (2019)
I am an Anglican Priest in the Diocese of Bunbury, Western Australia. I serve in parish ministry as Priest with Pastoral Oversight, Priest-in-charge, in the eastern part of the Bunbury Diocese. I have worked as Teacher in Holy Orders within the Anglican Schools Commission. I was appointed Chaplain to the Bunbury Mission to Seafarers and the appointed as Port Chaplain to the Port of Bunbury in Western Australia.
I grew up in the North West of Western Australia and was educated at the Guildford Grammar School (Anglican boys' school). I trained as a teacher and taught both primary and secondary. I am a late or deferred call to ordained life. I was ordained Deacon in the Parish church in Pingelly (St Luke and St Paul), ordained Priest in the Cathedral Church of St Boniface in Bunbury.
In 2018 my diocese asked me to take up the NATSIAC representative position - following leave and concluding my ministry as Chaplain to the Port of Bunbury. My diocese is committed now to NATSIAC, with opportunities for me to share objectives and outcomes of NATSIAC, which is tremendous, and I intend to take up the opportunities to promote NATSIAC and to gain support fully within the Diocese. (2019)
Mr Lindsay Murgha - Diocese of North Queensland
Greetings to everyone in the name of Jesus Christ. My name is Lindsay Murgha, 21 years old, single, living with my family and I'm from Yarrabah QLD. My favourite food is a nice steak. I was appointed on the 7th October 2018 as Lay Minister at St Alban's Yarrabah, helping our Priest with services and Holy Communion, pastoral care ministries, outreach fellowships, bible studies, home cell groups and other studies.
My hobbies are long walks, yarning with old/new friends, I enjoy listening to stories around the fire the fire or around the circle, love travelling and love attending church, praying and sharing about Jesus.
(2019)
Greetings to everyone in the name of Jesus Christ. My name is Lindsay Murgha, 21 years old, single, living with my family and I'm from Yarrabah QLD. My favourite food is a nice steak. I was appointed on the 7th October 2018 as Lay Minister at St Alban's Yarrabah, helping our Priest with services and Holy Communion, pastoral care ministries, outreach fellowships, bible studies, home cell groups and other studies.
My hobbies are long walks, yarning with old/new friends, I enjoy listening to stories around the fire the fire or around the circle, love travelling and love attending church, praying and sharing about Jesus.
(2019)
William Oates - Rockhampton Diocese
I am married to Suzanne with six children and a growing number of grandchildren. Born 1952 at Warren, a small country town on the banks of the Macquarie River central western New South Wales. My family at the time lived on the Beemunnel, an Aboriginal reserve, just north of the town. My father was then a stockman who met mum at the station.
I spent most of my youth in southern Sydney, finished high school, attended teachers College in Goulburn, taught in ACT, NSW and Qld. I was a School Principal in two schools, a lecturer, senior lecturer and Associate Professor in three universities teaching Aboriginal History & Education and promoting Reconciliation and Peace Studies. I have been involved in AECG in NSW, an Aboriginal Legal Service, spoken at various conferences, been a keynote speaker at a few and run professional development on Education, Reconciliation and Aboriginal issues and concerns for various staff. I am now a retired teacher with 44 years of teaching experience.
I was Baptised in the Anglican Church at Warren, confirmed in 1972 at the Anglican Church in Goulburn NSW and since 2001 attend the Anglican Keppel Parish’s Christ Church at Emu Park Central Queensland. I have been on various Parish Councils, licensed in the 1980s by the Sydney Anglican to preach and am currently a Lay Minister in the Keppel Parish. I see my myself as being called to a ministry of reconciliation. (2019)
I am married to Suzanne with six children and a growing number of grandchildren. Born 1952 at Warren, a small country town on the banks of the Macquarie River central western New South Wales. My family at the time lived on the Beemunnel, an Aboriginal reserve, just north of the town. My father was then a stockman who met mum at the station.
I spent most of my youth in southern Sydney, finished high school, attended teachers College in Goulburn, taught in ACT, NSW and Qld. I was a School Principal in two schools, a lecturer, senior lecturer and Associate Professor in three universities teaching Aboriginal History & Education and promoting Reconciliation and Peace Studies. I have been involved in AECG in NSW, an Aboriginal Legal Service, spoken at various conferences, been a keynote speaker at a few and run professional development on Education, Reconciliation and Aboriginal issues and concerns for various staff. I am now a retired teacher with 44 years of teaching experience.
I was Baptised in the Anglican Church at Warren, confirmed in 1972 at the Anglican Church in Goulburn NSW and since 2001 attend the Anglican Keppel Parish’s Christ Church at Emu Park Central Queensland. I have been on various Parish Councils, licensed in the 1980s by the Sydney Anglican to preach and am currently a Lay Minister in the Keppel Parish. I see my myself as being called to a ministry of reconciliation. (2019)
Kathleen Mene - Diocese of North Queensland
I live at St Paul's Community (Moa Island). I am married and have three children and seven grandchildren. My dad (the late Reverend Adea Wapau) was a priest. All my siblings were raised under Christian discipline. My brother Reverend Ned Wapau is a priest-in-charge at Moa Island. He is in charge of the two community churches on Moa Island, St Paul's and St Peter at Kubin.
I am a retired teacher, taught for 36 years. I am studying Theology in ministry in Cairns at Wontulp Bi-Buya college, it is my second year doing Cert IV. I am also an active church member, Mother's Union and church Councillor.
(2019)
I live at St Paul's Community (Moa Island). I am married and have three children and seven grandchildren. My dad (the late Reverend Adea Wapau) was a priest. All my siblings were raised under Christian discipline. My brother Reverend Ned Wapau is a priest-in-charge at Moa Island. He is in charge of the two community churches on Moa Island, St Paul's and St Peter at Kubin.
I am a retired teacher, taught for 36 years. I am studying Theology in ministry in Cairns at Wontulp Bi-Buya college, it is my second year doing Cert IV. I am also an active church member, Mother's Union and church Councillor.
(2019)
The Reverend Glenn Loughrey - Diocese of Melbourne
A Wiradjuri man and an Anglican priest at St Oswald’s, Glen Iris. He is an artist with a particular interest in exploring identity and story through the visual arts. He is engaged in the dialogue for treaty, sovereignty, reconciliation and self-determination for First Nation peoples.
He has worked in many different places and fields including: setting up the youth outreach ministry for the Salvation Army in Brisbane which continues some 35 years later; a decade in business as the director of a company providing services to non-profit organisations; developed a support program for students at a school in a lower socioeconomic environment in Brisbane; setting up the first welfare service with in the Royal Australian Navy at HMAS Kuttabul, Garden Island, Sydney; as a chaplain in a school in northern NSW, and now as a Vicar of a local church. He has pioneered performance and visual arts as a tool for working with disadvantaged youth having studied at the Marcel Marceau School of Mime in Paris.
He has been nominated for Queenslander Father of the Year (1985), Queenslander of the Year (2005) and received the System Commander’s Commendation for Service to the Royal Australian Navy (2005/6).
He has contributed to publications on Thomas Merton, youth work and theology. He has contributed art to a number of publications by other authors and been a finalist and semi-finalist in the Doug Moran Portrait prize, the richest such prize in Australia in 2017 & 2018.
He is a published writer, an exhibiting artist and a leader of silent spiritual retreats for teenagers and others.
He is married to Gaye with a daughter Katrina and a springer spaniel called Jemma. (2019)
A Wiradjuri man and an Anglican priest at St Oswald’s, Glen Iris. He is an artist with a particular interest in exploring identity and story through the visual arts. He is engaged in the dialogue for treaty, sovereignty, reconciliation and self-determination for First Nation peoples.
He has worked in many different places and fields including: setting up the youth outreach ministry for the Salvation Army in Brisbane which continues some 35 years later; a decade in business as the director of a company providing services to non-profit organisations; developed a support program for students at a school in a lower socioeconomic environment in Brisbane; setting up the first welfare service with in the Royal Australian Navy at HMAS Kuttabul, Garden Island, Sydney; as a chaplain in a school in northern NSW, and now as a Vicar of a local church. He has pioneered performance and visual arts as a tool for working with disadvantaged youth having studied at the Marcel Marceau School of Mime in Paris.
He has been nominated for Queenslander Father of the Year (1985), Queenslander of the Year (2005) and received the System Commander’s Commendation for Service to the Royal Australian Navy (2005/6).
He has contributed to publications on Thomas Merton, youth work and theology. He has contributed art to a number of publications by other authors and been a finalist and semi-finalist in the Doug Moran Portrait prize, the richest such prize in Australia in 2017 & 2018.
He is a published writer, an exhibiting artist and a leader of silent spiritual retreats for teenagers and others.
He is married to Gaye with a daughter Katrina and a springer spaniel called Jemma. (2019)
Dixie Skuthorpe - Diocese of Armidale
My family is from Goodooga, Northern NSW, I am a Noongaburra/Kooma/Ngemba woman. I am a member of the St John's Anglican Church within the Diocese of Armidale. My involvement with my church includes being part of the general roster for duties within the Church e.g. cleaning, morning tea. I am employed by St John's as an Aboriginal Pastoral Care Worker and this has enabled me to engage with the local community in a number of ways; providing meals for families, supporting families in need, providing transport as needed, visiting community members in hospital and a number of other activities which the Lord brings to me. I also maintain contact with parishioners as a general support and a presence for our church. I regularly keep in touch with community members when our church has activities.
As part of my role as Pastoral Care Worker, I am also responsible for preparing, delivering and overseeing our Jonno's program, our Sunday School, we have a number of children attending and raging in age, culture and gender. I also serve as a committee member for our Youth Ministry Committee and attend Friday night youth program, which is in partnership with Young Life Australia. This program provides activities for young people from years 7 to 10. I am also an active member of a Bible study group, as well as conducting a one-on-one Bible reading with an Aboriginal woman, this includes sharing a meal.
I am also employed as a School Chaplain in an Aboriginal school in Armidale. (2019)
My family is from Goodooga, Northern NSW, I am a Noongaburra/Kooma/Ngemba woman. I am a member of the St John's Anglican Church within the Diocese of Armidale. My involvement with my church includes being part of the general roster for duties within the Church e.g. cleaning, morning tea. I am employed by St John's as an Aboriginal Pastoral Care Worker and this has enabled me to engage with the local community in a number of ways; providing meals for families, supporting families in need, providing transport as needed, visiting community members in hospital and a number of other activities which the Lord brings to me. I also maintain contact with parishioners as a general support and a presence for our church. I regularly keep in touch with community members when our church has activities.
As part of my role as Pastoral Care Worker, I am also responsible for preparing, delivering and overseeing our Jonno's program, our Sunday School, we have a number of children attending and raging in age, culture and gender. I also serve as a committee member for our Youth Ministry Committee and attend Friday night youth program, which is in partnership with Young Life Australia. This program provides activities for young people from years 7 to 10. I am also an active member of a Bible study group, as well as conducting a one-on-one Bible reading with an Aboriginal woman, this includes sharing a meal.
I am also employed as a School Chaplain in an Aboriginal school in Armidale. (2019)
Salu Blanco - Diocese of North Queensland
I am Mer Island which is situated in Torres Strait. I now live in Bamaga and my husband is a Priest in charge at Bamaga St George's Ministry Unit. I am a Mother's Union member and Vice President for Torres and Capre Region for 6 years. I have been involved in NATSIAC for some years and was an Executive member until 2018.
I help in our church as a lay person and Eucharist assistant and take morning and afternoon prayer. i am also a member of the church council. I am studying for my Diploma in Theology at Wontulp-Bi-Buya- College in Cairns after graduating with Cert 3 & 4.
My gift is to encourage people who need help or feeling down and do pastoral care as a Mother's Union member - our aims and objectives are to pray for people who are sick and any other situation that they are going through.
(2019)
I am Mer Island which is situated in Torres Strait. I now live in Bamaga and my husband is a Priest in charge at Bamaga St George's Ministry Unit. I am a Mother's Union member and Vice President for Torres and Capre Region for 6 years. I have been involved in NATSIAC for some years and was an Executive member until 2018.
I help in our church as a lay person and Eucharist assistant and take morning and afternoon prayer. i am also a member of the church council. I am studying for my Diploma in Theology at Wontulp-Bi-Buya- College in Cairns after graduating with Cert 3 & 4.
My gift is to encourage people who need help or feeling down and do pastoral care as a Mother's Union member - our aims and objectives are to pray for people who are sick and any other situation that they are going through.
(2019)
Jacqueline Hill - Diocese of North Queensland
I am a Gkunganghi woman from Yarrabah. I am married with 5 children, all in school and attend St Alban's Yarrabah, which is the church I grew up in. Being a part of the younger generation within our church and coming from a Christian home with my dad being a Priest in the Anglican church, we were privileged to have had that seed of the most high God planted in our hearts from a little child. Now I can say it is a challenge to bring our generation into church and to know our Lord and Saviour. I was blessed to have had a father who planted the seed of God's love, grace and mercy in our hearts.
I am very passionate about our Indigenous people of our country and in the world, being an Aboriginal woman, I know the struggles our people face because of our culture, our beliefs and who we are as a nation. I work at the local school at Yarrabah and also study Theology and ministry at Wontulp Bi Buya College. Through my work I get joy as I get to plant that seed in the children and show them God's love as I was shown.Every chance that I get I tell my people about God's word & testimonies especially this generation and the generations to come. (2019)
I am a Gkunganghi woman from Yarrabah. I am married with 5 children, all in school and attend St Alban's Yarrabah, which is the church I grew up in. Being a part of the younger generation within our church and coming from a Christian home with my dad being a Priest in the Anglican church, we were privileged to have had that seed of the most high God planted in our hearts from a little child. Now I can say it is a challenge to bring our generation into church and to know our Lord and Saviour. I was blessed to have had a father who planted the seed of God's love, grace and mercy in our hearts.
I am very passionate about our Indigenous people of our country and in the world, being an Aboriginal woman, I know the struggles our people face because of our culture, our beliefs and who we are as a nation. I work at the local school at Yarrabah and also study Theology and ministry at Wontulp Bi Buya College. Through my work I get joy as I get to plant that seed in the children and show them God's love as I was shown.Every chance that I get I tell my people about God's word & testimonies especially this generation and the generations to come. (2019)
The Reverend Neville Naden
I was born in Gilgandra NSW and grew up around Gilgandra, Peak Hill and Dubbo. My grandfather was a native worker with the AIM. Back in the days when Aboriginal people weren’t allowed to have a clerical title.
For the first three years of my life we lived at a little place just outside of Gilgandra called Balladoran. My dad who was a shearer, followed the work and when I was 2 years of age, we moved to Peak Hill.
In 1978, the family moved to Dubbo where my mum lives these days as dad passed away three years ago.
I grew up with Christian influence but not from my parents. My Father didn’t come to faith in Christ until he was 65 years of age. My mum when she was 50.
I am married to Kathie (an Arubunna Woman). We have been married for 36 yrs and have three children.
Over the years, I attended a number of churches, some of which included Baptist, Uniting churches and even a Seven Day Adventist.
I studied at Bimbadeen Bible College, a college of the AEF (Aboriginal Evangelical Fellowship of Australia), I also did some studies at Morling College and Moore College.
Over the past 35 years I have ministered in a Brethren church, an AIM church, a Uniting church and Anglican Church. I now currently serve with the Bush Church Aid Society as the Indigenous Ministry officer.
My role with BCA is as follows;
I was born in Gilgandra NSW and grew up around Gilgandra, Peak Hill and Dubbo. My grandfather was a native worker with the AIM. Back in the days when Aboriginal people weren’t allowed to have a clerical title.
For the first three years of my life we lived at a little place just outside of Gilgandra called Balladoran. My dad who was a shearer, followed the work and when I was 2 years of age, we moved to Peak Hill.
In 1978, the family moved to Dubbo where my mum lives these days as dad passed away three years ago.
I grew up with Christian influence but not from my parents. My Father didn’t come to faith in Christ until he was 65 years of age. My mum when she was 50.
I am married to Kathie (an Arubunna Woman). We have been married for 36 yrs and have three children.
Over the years, I attended a number of churches, some of which included Baptist, Uniting churches and even a Seven Day Adventist.
I studied at Bimbadeen Bible College, a college of the AEF (Aboriginal Evangelical Fellowship of Australia), I also did some studies at Morling College and Moore College.
Over the past 35 years I have ministered in a Brethren church, an AIM church, a Uniting church and Anglican Church. I now currently serve with the Bush Church Aid Society as the Indigenous Ministry officer.
My role with BCA is as follows;
- in consultation with the National Director, developing an integrated strategy and associated budget for BCA’s work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- educating BCA Field Staff and the churches they serve with respect to ministry with and by ATSI people. This may include developing a number of local partnerships between Aboriginal Christians and BCA-supported ministries
- identifying current and emerging ATSI Christian leaders who could benefit from BCA support. Such support may include ministry funding, assistance with training and the provision of mentoring so that they can exercise ministry in churches, theological colleges and other settings
- working with theological and Bible colleges (including, but not limited to Bimbadeen, Nungalinya and Wontulp-bi-buya) and other ministry organisations (e.g. the Ministry Training Strategy) to identify and develop appropriate training and ministry pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Christians and to educate current students about ATSI ministry
- working with the Bush Scripture Initiative to develop and promote SRE (Scripture) resources suitable for use in Schools with a significant proportion of ATSI students (2019)
Mrs Ivy Cliney Bon - Diocese of North Queensland
My self-ministry involvement started as a Mothers Union Member since 1978. I was elected as the branch President of Thursday island and Vice President for the Torres Strait Region for 3yrs back in 2003. I am working along as a councillor and the president of Girls Friendly Society (G.F.S). Since then myself and my late husband relocated to Cairns due to his illness in Chronic disease. Even though during our hard times my late husband and I continued our personal praise and worship whilst our stay in Cairns Base Hospital. On my return home I have greatly participated within my church. I have been admittedly quiet recently as a Church council member gradually working along with the church and community this will be my 2nd year in the running. I am currently working alongside Justice Group as an elder and director that attend court to help mediate young youth, visiting prison to advise and educate using bible scripture. I have completed Cert. III in Theology and Ministry in 2018 and currently undertaking diploma in Theology and Ministry at the Wontulp College in Cairns.
My self-ministry involvement started as a Mothers Union Member since 1978. I was elected as the branch President of Thursday island and Vice President for the Torres Strait Region for 3yrs back in 2003. I am working along as a councillor and the president of Girls Friendly Society (G.F.S). Since then myself and my late husband relocated to Cairns due to his illness in Chronic disease. Even though during our hard times my late husband and I continued our personal praise and worship whilst our stay in Cairns Base Hospital. On my return home I have greatly participated within my church. I have been admittedly quiet recently as a Church council member gradually working along with the church and community this will be my 2nd year in the running. I am currently working alongside Justice Group as an elder and director that attend court to help mediate young youth, visiting prison to advise and educate using bible scripture. I have completed Cert. III in Theology and Ministry in 2018 and currently undertaking diploma in Theology and Ministry at the Wontulp College in Cairns.
Milton Walit - Brisbane Diocese
I was born on Thursday Island, Torres Strait. From 1966 – 1970 I served as an Altar boy, then appointed as lay person, taking morning and evensong and served on weekdays and Sundays. This occurred during school holidays.
1980 – 1999. Took theology studies at Wontulp Bi Buya in Cairns, then I was to take studies in Brisbane. During my studies: formation studies, whilst app. Priest warden at St. Thomas’s, and Holy Trinity Church, Brisbane assist whenever Non- Graphic – Torres Strait, once a month or special service e.g. 1st July, etc and synod rep.
1999 – 2011. Because of health, I couldn’t continue my studies, but I continued my involvement in my Iocal parish and TSI non-graphic church.
2011- 2020. I’m still involved in church and continue my studies.
I was born on Thursday Island, Torres Strait. From 1966 – 1970 I served as an Altar boy, then appointed as lay person, taking morning and evensong and served on weekdays and Sundays. This occurred during school holidays.
1980 – 1999. Took theology studies at Wontulp Bi Buya in Cairns, then I was to take studies in Brisbane. During my studies: formation studies, whilst app. Priest warden at St. Thomas’s, and Holy Trinity Church, Brisbane assist whenever Non- Graphic – Torres Strait, once a month or special service e.g. 1st July, etc and synod rep.
1999 – 2011. Because of health, I couldn’t continue my studies, but I continued my involvement in my Iocal parish and TSI non-graphic church.
2011- 2020. I’m still involved in church and continue my studies.
Jojo Huddleston - Diocese of Northern Territory
Dr Rose Elu - Diocese of Brisbane - Life member
The Reverend Dianne Langham - Diocese of Newcastle - Life member
The Reverend Lenore Parker - Diocese of Grafton - Life member
Edward King and The Reverend Robyn Davis - Life members
Cameron Burr - Diocese of Adelaide
