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PROFILES OF CANDIDATES – LAYMEMBERSHIP OF 15TH ASSEMBLYThis Schedule includes profiles of nominees for membership of Uniting Church in Australia15th Assembly to be nominated by the Synod.TRISHA MANNLAYCONGREGATION: Shire Gateway/ Aboriginal Congress ChurchPRESBYTERY: Georges River Presbytery/UAICCyearsAge Group: over 25RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION:I am a candidate for minister of the word. I am an aboriginal woman who wants a voice for our future. I am 40 yearsold so while I am not the youngest, I do have a voice of the future.POTENCIAL CONTRIBUTION:I have a background in social work and 17 years in ministry experience and the culture of being aboriginal.DAVID HAYLAYCONGREGATION: Hope Uniting ChurchPRESBYTERY: SydneyAge Group: Over 25 yearsRELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION:I have worked in various parts of the Uniting Church;-currently Uniting Directorate of Mission (Team Development and Administration Support)Sydney Central Coast Presbytery (Project Coordinator)Sydney Presbytery (Executive Secretary)I have also served on and resourced Church Councils, Presbytery and Synod Standing Committees and PastoralRelations Committees.POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION:I have a wide understanding of the life of the Uniting Church from two Presbyteries and my current role in Uniting. Ihave a strong understanding of the Regulations with a focus on how the regulations of the Church can empower usin worship, witness and service rather than restrict us.
JASON PETER MASTERSLAYCONGREGATION: Eastwood Uniting ChurchPRESBYTERY: Sydney Central CoastAge Group: Over 25 yearsRELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION:My association with the Uniting Church commenced as a Presbyterian Sunday School in Adelaide, and continuedthrough my upper primary and secondary schooling at Westminster School and was there at Union. After a breakfrom church during my university days, I reconnected when I moved to Melbourne attending Armidale Uniting,where I became a Sunday School Teacher, and Youth and Young Adults Leader. I was confirmed there and becamean Elder and member of the then Nepean Presbytery. I was also involved with the Youth Ministry Unit. Moving toSydney I joined Chatswood Willoughby Uniting Church where I was a youth leader for many years and ran externalsports programs, became an Elder and Chair of the Elders Council, and a board member of NCYC 1995 (oversight ofinternational, differently abled and ecumenical delegates.) Subsequently I moved to North Ryde Community Church(a Uniting Church) and am currently at Eastwood Uniting where I am a Council Member.Other Uniting Church roles include being a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee of TreasuryInvestment Services and Uniting Financial Services and a Council Member of Wesley College at the University ofSydney. I am studying the “Living our Faith” series as part of my testing ot be called to the Ministry of LayPreaching. A member of Synod in 2016 and 2017.I am a company director and management consultant (Medical Council of NSW, Celtaxsys Aus Pty Ltd – theAustralian subsidiary US co developing a Cystic Fibrosis drug, Chairman of the Australian Online Giving Foundation,Administrator for the Rockwood General Cemetery Reserve Trust), Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee for theNSW Office of Sport, State Sporting Venues Authority and the Combat Sport Authority plus a member of the Auditand Risk Committees for Woollahra Municipal Council, ACON Health Limited, and the Justice Health and ForensicMental Health Network.POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION:I have extensive practical experience in the Uniting Church covering a wide range of areas from children and youthministry, to pastoral care, three-layer church structure and involvement with people internationally, differentlyabled and ecumenical relationships.I have a significant governance experience through my board roles (within and outside the Church) and alsohave a facilitator for the Australian Institute of Company Directors in their Company Directors Course andother programs, where I focus on Risk, Strategy, Finance and Technology.I am a good listener, but am also able facilitate discussions to come to a resolution.As the Church continues to ask questions about how to improve and add benefit nationally whilstmaintaining the core of our foundation with the congregations, I can bring my knowledge and experience ofUniting Financial Services as it touches finance, investments, property, technology and ethics (from both aninvestment perspective and as an occasional lecturer in ethics.)From my life experience, I can bring the perspective of a person that has lived and worked in three ofAustralia’s major cities and also worked internationally from the wealthiest (USA) to some of the poorer(Philippines).I have a passion for social justice, inclusion and outreach to those in need in our community, in a mannerthat illuminates Jesus Christ that is well over-sighted through good and appropriate governance structures.
MALIA FINEONE PUNALAYCONGREGATION: Kelesi Tonga ParishPRESBYTERY: SydneyyearsAge Group: Over 25RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION:As a youth leader of the Tonga Parish I am willing to hear and contribute to discussion in the wider church. Though Iam passionate for children, youth and young adult ministry, I am willing to see future direction of the church headsfor the emerging generations. I look forward to gaining more of an insight of how inclusive the UCA is in regards tosensitive issues.POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION:- Contribute to conversation from a cultural perspective and from that of a younger person perspective- My education background as an Early childhood/ Primary school teacher may influence my understanding andcontribution to problem solving and decision making- My faithfulness can contribute to the spirit of discernmentNATHAN TYSONLAYCONGREGATION: Northmead UCAPRESBYTERY:Parramatta NepeanAge Group: Over 25 yearsRELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION:I am an Aboriginal man (Anaiwon/North Western NSW) born and raised in Sydney. I have a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelorof Jurisprudence from UNSW and a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management from Macquarie University.I have worked in areas of Human Rights and Consumer Protection and have a strong passion for social justice.I have worked for NSW Government and Australian government agencies in senior management and Executive levelroles with additional experience working for the HAB in their Corporate Social Responsibility area (CommunityFinance). I have worked as a general Manager of a medium sized NFP Aboriginal Community organisation. I am marriedwith a 17 year old son and 22 year old daughter.POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION I have significant life and work experience, and associate learnings.I am a lawyer and social justice advocate.I am an Aboriginal man with significant engagement experience with Aboriginal communities aroundNSW and beyond.I can contribute a logical and pragmatic approach and a contribution founded on my Christian faith.
BEK ALLCROFTLAYCONGREGATION: St. David’s, Dee WhyPRESBYTERY: Sydney Central CoastAge Group: Under 25RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATIONAfter attending the 2015 Assembly as a Synod-elected delegate I have continued to work within the Synod andPresbytery, and more recently in the Northern Beaches/FAB Zone, including Synod meeting 2016, co-conveningUniting Network NSW/ACT and begin a member of Synod Standing Committee 2016-17.I am currently engaging in cross-cultural ministry across my zone and studying my BTh at UTC. Next year, I will alsojoin the formation program as a candidate for Minister of the Word.POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTIONAssembly will engage with several big issues spanning generations, cultures and relationships. Working with youngpeople in a cross-cultural environment, I am aware of and can bring to emerging issues for Second and Next Genpeople, speaking from and into a range of experience. After serving in different councils of the church on a range ofinterconcilliar levels, I feel that I am able to make a wide ranging and well balance contribution that takes allperspectives into account. As a young person and [future] candidate with a strong and evolving interest in polity andethos, I spent much of my PoD and the time around that discerning and discovering what the church calls for, fromthe people we minister to, however this doesn’t surpass my understanding of the present needs of the presbyteryfrom I come from.KATELYN STEVENSONLAYCONGREGATION: North Ryde Community ChurchPRESBYTERY: Sydney Central CoastAge Group: Over 25 yearsRELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION:I am trained in Primary Education but currently spend my time working at the North Rocks Community (Uniting)Church as their Youth Pastor, and have spent the last three (3) years on the NSW/ACT Synod Standing Committee. Ihave extensive experience working within Church Congregations and their Councils, and within the wider church andhave valued these experiences of community, faith and growth.POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION:I am passionate about the future of our church and the Uniting Church's role and voice in social justice issues. I valueopportunities to gather in community to discuss, question, learn and share. As a member of the Assembly and acommitted member of our church I would bring my love and knowledge of youth ministry and our church to faithfullyenter into these conversations and actions.
ZAC HATFIELD-DODDSLAYCONGREGATION: Kippax UCPRESBYTERY: CanberraAge Group: under 25RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION:I have been a member of the Uniting Church since I was born, and worshipped at Kippax with four generations of myfamily. I chose to be baptised at 15, and served on the congregational council for five years shortly afterwards.I’ve been involved in the wider UCA since I was 18; including NCYC, NYALC, Assembly and ASC, Synods (NSWACTmember, Northern Synod visitor), About FACE, etc.I hold a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (1st Hons) from ANU, where I studied political philosophy, environmentaland social science, and now work as a researcher.POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTIONI am a member of the Assembly Standing Committee (in my second term), and therefore have much to share aboutwork since the last Assembly meeting (members of Synod: I’d love to chat out this in our breaks!)I will bring the same focus, gifts and perspectives to the Assembly as I do to the Standing CommitteeTESSA BRADBURYLAYCONGREGATION: West Epping Uniting ChurchPRESBYTERY: Parramatta NepeanAge Group: Over 25 yearsRELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION:Originally from Armidale, I moved to Canberra to study Computer Science at ANU in 2010 and have recently moved toSydney. Often referred to as a "young person", and a self-proclaimed "church nerd", I have been actively involved inthe church for many years as many things, including an elder, synod member, lay preacher and (perhaps the hardestof all) roster coordinator.POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION:Having never been to assembly, I'm curious to see, in a very tangible way, how the Uniting Church holds a respectfuland safe discussion around complex and potentially divisive issues. These are skills I want to learn for life both in thechurch and the wider world. But I'm also excited to add my thread, coloured by being a young, female, lay, softwareengineer, to the amazing tapestry that is the full diversity of this church we call home.
SHANE SLADECONGREGATION: Engadine Uniting ChurchPRESBYTERY: Georges River PresbyteryLAYAge Group: Under 25 yearsRELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION:I am a student studying my final year of a Bachelor of Nursing, with a long-term vision of working with and inregional, rural and remote areas, particularly with communities of First Peoples in collaboration in health. In mylocal congregation I take an active part in children’s ministries and am a member of church council. I have attended3 synod meetings and actively engaged in wider church first third ministries of Yurora, NYALC and TNC.POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION:I am passionate about establishing, supporting and facilitating genuine relationships while supporting andpropelling the voices of First Peoples, multicultural peoples, LGBTIQ people and other diverse communities. I seekto use my voice as a young person to challenge the wider church to discern and reflect on the legacies we arebuilding for the future church in a changing context and how we engage with our local communities.MEREDITH YABSLEYLAYCONGREGATION: Kiama-Jamberoo UCPRESBYTERY: IllawarraAge Group: over 25RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION:I am currently the Chairperson of Uniting Resources and a member of the Synod Standing Committee. In the timesince being part of those bodies, I have gained great insight into the broader work of governance in creating theUniting Church in Australia as a movement. I have participated in the various roles building infrastructure andresponding to the needs of congregations, presbyteries and entities within Synod, which create a haven for membersto reach outside themselves into communities across Synod. There is great tension in building a responding to needbut it is the tension of the gospel. I have suitable qualifications in business, leadership, education and theology.POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTIONI am very willing to assist in education project development which will help with ongoing compliance in welfare,health and safety but also places and people who reach out into communities. I have both skills and training in thisarea.
JACKI WATTSLAYCONGREGATION: TurramurraPRESBYTERY: New England North WestAge Group: Over 25 yearsRELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION:Currently an Elder of the Inverell Congregation and Secretary of Church Council. Secretary of the PRC of the NENWPresbytery. Member of the Synod Standing Committee and Assembly Standing Committee. I am in my third term asan Inverell Shire Councillor and chair the Community and Economic Sustainability Committee. I have a strong interestin our local Community Violence Prevention Committee and am a member of the White Ribbon Inverell CommunityAccreditation Pilot Project working with various stakeholders to address the issue of domestic and family violence inour community.POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION:While bringing an older rural woman’s perspective to the committee I believe my life experiences and outlook on lifecontinues to be one of the enthusiasm and commitment for the Uniting Church. This involves being prepared toparticipate in seeking to discern God’s voice to and for the Assembly. My involvement with Local Government in therole as a Shire Councillor enable me to bring knowledge and skills regarding the different roles of governance andmanagement. As a team player, will contribute in an active and cooperative way to discern God’s will, promotedecisions and work in a productive and transparent manner. I seek to share my faith with other matter-of-factly,gently and (hopefully) with a sense of humour in appropriate ways.AMANDA HAYLAYCONGREGATION: Burwood-Croydon UCAPRESBYTERY: SydneyAge Group: Over 25 yearsRELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION:I’m a Lay Ministry Agent for Burwood Croydon Uniting Church, specialising in resourcing the congregation and tertiaryministry. I am also in the formation programme, a candidate of Minister of the Word and completing a Masters ofMinistry. I have a background in resourcing Children, Youth and Family Workers within various presbyteries and wasa Children, Youth and Family Worker for two UCA congregations.POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION:As a result of my degrees, I will approach discussions and proposals with theological insight as well as bringing myexperience working with the first third of the church. I will also be engaged in any issues around ordained ministrydue to my candidature.
DARREN MANNLAYCONGREGATION: Shire Gateway/ Aboriginal Congress ChurchPRESBYTERY: Georges River Presbytery/UAICCAge Group: over 25 yearsRELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION:Aboriginal 20-year-old youth who loves Jesus and wants to have a say in the church of the future.POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION:I can bring a unique voice as an aboriginal youth and also a voice for those with disabilities as I have high functioningAutism.MEREDITH KNIGHTLAYCONGREGATION: Pitt Street Uniting ChurchPRESBYTERY: SydneyAge Group: Over 25RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION:Uniting Church specific: Active member of Pitt Street UCA since 1984 – church council, elder, worship committee, pastoral friend,Pitt Street Uniting EarthWeb, Pitt Street Voices for Justice) Member of the Synod Uniting Eco Group (UEG) Assistant Administrator of the National Church Life Survey for the NSW/ACT Synod 2016-2017) withprimary responsibility of encouraging congregational participation. Member of the Synod Relations with Other Faiths Committee Newly elected member of Sydney Presbytery (previous member 1989-1999) Past member of Pastoral Relations Committee for Sydney Presbytery Member of Task Force “Homosexuality and the Church” 1987/88General: Pastoral Practitioner with Uniting Bachelor of Theology (CSU) 2016 Member of the committee of the NSW Council of Christians and Jews Secretary/Treasurer of the Granville Disaster Assoc. Inc. Achievements include organising the 40 thAnniversary commemorations (18/01/17) and the Parliamentary Apology (4/5/17) Advocate for Marriage Equality LGBTI issues.POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTIONMy interests lie in diverse areas, as outlined above. Two of those topics: Climate Change and Marriage, will beon the agenda of the 2018 Assembly. I believe that my knowledge, gifts, skills and experience in, but not limitedto, these areas can assist the Assembly in its deliberations.During my participation in coordinating the NCLS I was privileged to have numerous conversations with people(both lay and ordained) across the Synod who readily shared the challenges, concerns, joys and hopes of theircongregations. The insights I received a result of these interactions shaped my thinking about the life of theUniting Church in ways that I believe will be beneficial to the Assembly.My involvement both within and outside the church has developed my gifts/skills of empathic listening,negotiation, facilitating projects and meetings, report writing and discernment which I believe couldpotentially be useful to Assembly.
CHRISTINE GORDONLAYCONGREGATION: Revesby Uniting ChurchPRESBYTERY: Georges RiveryearsAge Group: Over 25RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION:Member of Revesby Uniting Church, former a Chairperson of Revesby Uniting Church Congregation, Church Counciland Elders Committee. Currently convene in Georges River Presbytery Candidates Committee. Former member ofSynod Standing Committee and Secretary of Georges River Presbytery. Currently Assembly Archivist and member ofNational Historical Society.POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION:I have worked at all levels and in all councils of the Uniting Church. I understand the workings of each council andtheir relationship with one another. I have an excellent knowledge of the History of the UCA and the processes andprocedures in which the UCA operates. Lastly, I have a great passion for this Church and want her to be the best shecan be.HEATHER WATSONLAYCONGREGATION: Chapel HillPRESBYTERY: Bremer BrisbaneAge Group: Over 25 yearsRELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION:I am a lifelong member of the Uniting Church and have held lay leadership roles with Congregation, Presbytery, Synodand Assembly for more than 20 years.I have been a member of the Board of Uniting (NSW.ACT) for 2 years and its Chair for the last 12 months.My professional capacity is a lawyer for nearly 30 years and in the last 11 years as a specialist charity lawyer that hasbeen a useful contribution to the Uniting Board. Additionally, through my legal practice and as a non-executivedirector on a number of other Boards, I also bring relevant industry experience in community services, health andaged care, affordable housing, indigenous communities and philanthropy.POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION:I will have the role of Coordinator of the Facilitation group at Assembly 2018. I will contribute to the Assembly myprofessional and technical skills as a specialist charity lawyer with deep industry experience around many of theportfolio activities of Uniting. I also have governance experience drawn from my legal practice experience and myboard experience.My previous experience as a Board member and Chair of UnitingCare QLD for a maximum term, allows me to drawon the experience from that role in the context of the QLD Synod. I have served more than 15 years (in aggregate)on the Standing Committee in the Queensland Synod.Currently, I am able to draw on my current board roles with the Uniting and UnitingCare agencies operating inVictoria, Tasmania and Northern Territory to contribute to identifying and overseeing joint and collaborativeactivities across the Synods. I chair the governing group which is overseeing the collaborations across QLD, NSW, VICand TAS. I am also contributing to the work on UnitingCare Australia.
DANIEL MOSSFIELDLAYCONGREGATION: CrookwellPRESBYTERY:Canberra RegionAge Group: Over 25RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION:I am a Pastor in the Crookwell Uniting Church in regional NSW and a candidate for Minister of Word. I have servedas part of the Canberra Region Presbytery Standing Committee, and the NSW ACT Synod Standing Committee in thepast, as well as working for UnitingCare Australia (an agency of the Assembly). Further, I served as a volunteercoordinator at Yurora NCYC 2017. These experience have given me a good taste of breadth and diversity of theUniting Church across Australia.POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTIONAs a member of various councils of the Uniting Church. I bring knowledge and experience of the polity and ethos ofthe Uniting Church. I am also a strong believer in the consensus model, and able to integrate different views andopinions to form new ways forward in situations that struggle for resolution.I also bring the spiritual gift of discernment, and always begin from the question, ‘where is God moving in this?’HANNAH REEVELAYCONGREGATION: GordonPRESBYTERY: Sydney Central CoastAge Group: Under 25 yearsRELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION: I am a young (28 years old) professional civil engineer working in the construction industry. I have significant experience as an active participant in the workings of the wider church including membership ofChurch Council, Presbytery, Synod, Synod Standing Committee and Assembly at various points over the last 12years. I am passionate about the Uniting Church and in particular how the church can speak into and work with seculargroups in relation to justice for first peoples, fair treatment asylum seekers and refugees and engage in respectfulconversation about marriage.POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION: I have been a member of the last 3 Assembly meetings and am subsequently grounded in a clear understandingUCA regulations and polity and of historical issues that they have dealt with. As I work outside the church, I bring with me my financial, property, planning and management skills gained fromthe private sector and have learnt to use them to add value to the discernment process we use to make decisionsas a church. I would bring a youthful yet experienced voice to the meeting and I would hope to be able to mentor first timeAssembly members of any age to navigate through the unique Assembly processes and to support them duringtheir first meeting.
SUBRAMANIAM SUKUMARLAYCONGREGATION: Canberra CityPRESBYTERY: CanberraAge Group: Over 25 yearsRELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION:I have been an active member of the Canberra City Church for 34 years; have taken up various roles in the runningof the church. I have been active in the Presbytery as member of PRC for 5 years. As President, I am very muchinvolved in the Ecumenical Canberra Tamil Christian Fellowship.POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION:I grew up in the Church of South India and when I came to Australia in 1975, I joined the Uniting Church. Mybackground in a different denomination and as a Sri Lankan Tamil, I bring a different perspective. I have worked as aQuantity Surveyor for over 40 years, I take a business perspective where it is proper to do so.RICHARD LA’BROOYLAYCONGREGATION: North Ryde Uniting ChurchPRESBYTERY: Sydney Central CoastAge Group: Over 25 yearsRELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION:I am the Associate UCA Chaplain at Macquarie University and work as a part of the Epping Uniting Church ministersteam focusing on community development. I have been involved in youth ministry programs at North Ryde UnitingChurch for many years. I have served on various Presbytery, Synod and Assembly committees and am currently amember of the UnitingWorld Church Connections National Committee. I was a member of the Core Planning Teamfor the 2017 Yurora NCYC. I have been a member of four previous Synods and one previous Assembly. I was theyoung adult UCA representative to the 2016 World Methodist Conference and currently serving on the WorldMethodist Council 2016-2021.POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION:I have a strong understanding of the polity and ethos of the Unity Church and have worked across many parts of theChurch. On various committees and groups. I am able to clearly articulate a position and discern an appropriatecourse of action in a given situation. I have a strong faith and conviction to membership of the Uniting Church andam able to represent the Church as a young adult leader within it.
Sydney I joined Chatswood Willoughby Uniting Church where I was a youth leader for many years and ran external . I have extensive practical experience in the Uniting Church covering a wide range of areas from children and youth . I am a student studying my final year of a Bachelor of Nursing, with a long-term vision of working with and in .
