Uniting Church in Australia - Synod of NSW and ACT

The Synod of NSW and ACT is seeking an inspiring individual for the pivotal role of General Secretary, providing spiritual leadership, strategic direction, and transformative collaboration within the Uniting Church. This is more than a position—it’s a calling to shape the Synod’s future with values-driven leadership that reflects deep faith and strategic insight. We invite applications from ordained and lay candidates who are passionate about governance, mission, and fostering innovation. 📅 Expressions of Interest close January 31, 2025. Discover the impact you can make here: https://lnkd.in/gY8XaW-A #allofthisisus #Hiring

Christmas challenges us to transform our world—setting aside pride, greed, and self-interest—and instead embrace peace and reconciliation for all. This season, we honour the birth of Christ, the good news that calls us to live with justice, kindness, and humility for our families, communities, and the world. Our Moderator Rev. Mata Havea Hiliau's Christmas Message for 2024, inspired by Micah 6:8, invites us to reimagine Christmas as a time to do 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐨𝐝. 🎥 Watch and download the message here: christmas.uca.org.au #Christmas2024 #ModeratorChristmasMessage #GoodNewsForAll

After three remarkable years of leadership, Neil King is transitioning from UFS to focus on supporting the Synod with strategic directions. UFS has initiated its search and is now #hiring for a new CEO to lead and manage its operations. Discover more about this exciting opportunity below. Daniel Andrew Leanne Grant Adrian Drayton Rob McFarlane Jack Ding Michelle Parsons Nadine Devine Rev. Mata Havea Hiliau Rev Suzanne Stanton Emma Maiden Alice Salomon Marian Curtin Alfred Santos Katie Watson Jim Katehos Luke Doo Hwan Lee Emma Anderson

Last week at COP29 Azerbaijan, Rev. Mata Havea Hiliau, Moderator of the Uniting Church in Australia - Synod of NSW and ACT, represented the Uniting Church at several significant events, amplifying the Church’s unwavering commitment to addressing #ClimateChange: 1️⃣ Faith Communities Leaders Panel hosted by the World Council of Churches, where Rev. Mata joined global faith leaders to share lived experiences of climate impacts on vulnerable communities and advocate for urgent, equitable action. 2️⃣ Australian Pavilion Panel discussing the Renew Australia For All: Energy Bill Savings Plan, highlighting how faith groups, social services, and unions can work together to ensure an inclusive and sustainable energy future. 3️⃣ A powerful Climate Finance Action, alongside activists from around the world, calling for a just phase-out of fossil fuels and increased global climate financing to protect vulnerable communities. 4️⃣ Minister’s Stakeholder Reception at the Australian Pavilion, where Rev. Mata joined thought leaders and policymakers to reflect on progress and inspire further action. Through these events, Rev. Mata highlighted the real-life struggles of Australians facing soaring energy costs and called for bold climate policies, net zero emissions by 2035, and an end to new fossil fuel projects. The Uniting Church remains steadfast in its commitment to climate justice, ensuring no one is left behind in the transition to a sustainable future. A huge thank you to everyone who made the Uniting Church’s presence at #COP29 impactful and inspiring! 👏 To the incredible team on the ground—Rev. Mata Havea Hiliau, Alice Salomon, and Andrew Bradley —for representing the Church with dedication and passion. 🙌 And to the team behind the scenes— Aditee Vora, Jo Maloney, Adrian Drayton, and Patricia Modica —for their hard work and support, ensuring everything came together seamlessly. Photo credits Simon Chambers and Moira Cully #allofthisisus #UnitingForClimate #FaithAndClimate #NetZero2035

🌏 Advocating for Climate Justice at COP29 Our Moderator Rev. Mata Havea Hiliau is representing the Uniting Church in Australia at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, alongside Uniting Climate advocates Alice Salomon and Andrew Bradley. Together, they joined the Global Day of Action for Climate Justice, marching with nations whose lands, cultures, and futures are at risk from rising seas.  Reflecting on this critical moment, the Moderator shared:   “As I learned more about climate change, I realised that it is not just our Pasifika brothers and sisters, like Tonga, Tuvalu, and Kiribati, that are bearing the brunt of global warming. Soaring energy prices and increasing cost of living pressures are bringing some of our state’s most vulnerable and financially disadvantaged people to their knees. Compounding this problem is the fact that some of NSW and the ACT’s most disadvantaged suburbs are the hottest in summer.” For decades, the Uniting Church has advocated for stronger climate action. This work continues as we strive for equity and justice for all communities impacted by the climate crisis.  Meanwhile, Australia’s Climate Change Minister, Chris Bowen, is co-chairing critical negotiations at COP29 to establish a new global climate finance goal—a pivotal step in addressing this crisis.  Join us in continuing this vital work for our planet and its people. Remember, no action is too small in the fight for climate justice🌿 #allofthsiisus #COP29 #ClimateJustice #PayUp #UnitingForChange

We’re delighted to welcome Emma Anderson, an exceptional addition to our team! Joining us as our new Group Financial Controller, Emma will lead our Finance Team and Operations. With an impressive background in Finance Leadership, Operations, and Risk and Compliance, Emma brings invaluable experience from her senior roles at Cochlear and the Bank of Queensland. We look forward to achieving new milestones together. #Allofthisisus #NewBeginnings

🌹 𝘈𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 11𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 11𝘵𝘩 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 11𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘩, 𝘸𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦. Today, we honour those who sacrificed in all wars and conflicts to secure peace. Originally known as Armistice Day, Remembrance Day holds a profound place in our hearts as we reflect on lives lost and the hope for peace. We will remember them. Lest we forget.

This week, our teams gathered to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, at the Synod Office! 🪔 Diwali, symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, aligns beautifully with our values of community, hope, and shared joy. Our teams came together to embrace the spirit of this festival, sharing stories, delicious treats, and the warmth of connection. May the light of Diwali continue to inspire us to bring kindness, and hope into our communities. Happy Diwali to all ✨ #Allofthisisus #DiwaliCelebration #InclusiveWorkplace

Uniting Financial Services staff had a wonderful day volunteering at Parramatta Mission today. It was a privilege to help the team with their work in providing food, support and essential services to hundreds of people every week. Thank you for having us! Parramatta Mission Ryan Hodder Oje A. James Vella Bardon Vinosha Waggett Shannon Kong, GAICD Bianca Bastian Fransisca Marcella Muljadi Danielle Downey Amanda Taylor Voula Petrakis

We’re thrilled to announce that Stephen Phillips, Executive Director & Company Secretary of Margaret Jurd College, has been named a finalist in the 2024 Top 100 Governance Professionals Awards! This prestigious recognition highlights Stephen’s outstanding leadership and the strong partnership between Margaret Jurd College and the Uniting Church, as we work together to provide care, opportunity, and support for our students. Stephen's dedication to governance reform and ethical leadership has made a lasting impact, not only within our College but also across the Uniting Church network. His work ensures that our values of inclusion, compassion, and accountability shine through in everything we do. Join us in celebrating Stephen’s remarkable achievement and his ongoing commitment to making a difference! #allofthisisus #Leadership #governancetop100