Synod in Past Years
>> Ordinary Session 2004

Georges River Regional Council

Annual Report for 2003

(A report from the Georges River Regional Council.)

• Introduction
• Membership
• Major Matters
• Synod Grants
• Parish Organisation
• Employment of Staff

Introduction

1. In the year from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004 the regional council met on 5 occasions and held its annual half day conference in March 2004.

Membership

2. During the 12 month period covered by this report, the regional council welcomed Rev Ian Cox to its membership. He filled the vacancy for a minister in the St George Area Deanery. Mrs Sonda Mitchell from St John's Park parish was co-opted by the Council under clause 4(1) of the Regions Ordinance. Resignations were received from Mr Stuart Maze and Revs Michael Steinwede and Geoff Taylor. The Council is grateful for their contributions to the work of the Regional Council.

Major Matters

3. The Diocesan Mission has continued to be the major topic of discussion and decision making. Council has started considering how the properties in the parish can be best used to enhance the Mission and will report in due course to the Mission Property Committee. Goals are being set for the Policy 2 strategies of growing churches, congregations and fellowships and training clergy and laity for ministry.

Synod Grants

4. For 2004 the Regional Council has budgeted the following grants-

Blakehurst	$8,000
Bossley Park	$50,000
Cabramatta	$19,200
Campsie	$48,863
Carlton/St George North	$21,300
Fairfield	$28,000
Greenacre	$75,000
Hoxton Park	$25,000
Hurstville	$14,000
Kogarah	$13,200
Marrickville	$2,400
Penshurst	$7,680
Riverwood/Punchbowl	$5,000
Regents Park	$28,000
Revesby	$5,000
Sadleir	$33,167
Yagoona	$43,000

In addition to these, Parish Council also employed a Childrens and Youth Task Force Coordinator, an ESL Coordinator and a Refugee Support Network Coordinator (along with funding from the Archbishop's Community Care and Development Program).

Parish Organisation

5. The regional council considered and then recommended that the provisional parish of St John's Park becomes a full parish. Council amalgamated the parish of Carlton with the provisional parish of Bexley and Bexley North to form the parish of St George North. Its Parish Administration Committee also reviewed ordinances related to the parishes of Panania and St George North.

Employment of Staff

6. The work of Mrs Kerrie Newmarch as the Coordinator of the Region's Childrens and Youth Task Force has continued and resulted in new training strategies for youth and children's workers with the Youthworks College. The Region's ESL Coordinator, Mrs Marilyn Clerke, has continued her support for the Region's ESL classes and has run two training courses for new teachers. The Refugee Support Network coordinated by Mr Phin Tang, expands with new arrivals and a growing number of volunteers. The Network's ministry is appreciated by the Commonwealth's Department of Immigration where their new Information video for new refugees includes the work of our Coordinator. Efforts are underway to recognise this ministry over other regions of the Diocese.

For and on behalf of the Georges River Regional Council

GEOFF HUARD
Regional Archdeacon
30 August 2004