Encounter Magazine | Becoming | June 2026

Encounter Becoming

Newcastle Anglican acknowledges the sacred connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have with the land, sea, sky, and waterways.

We recognise, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of these nations as they navigate through the various impacts of colonisation.

This acknowledgement is aligned with our church’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive community. We embrace the call to recognise and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our beloved shared community.

Bishop Peter

May you become all you are called to be

Friends, the theme of this edition is “Becoming”.

When I first thought about it, I contemplated individual vocations. What is God calling me to be and do? What is the next step we should take to progress in life and discipleship?

And yes, there is a significant vein of Christian thinking about those questions. But what struck me was the question of what we ultimately become.

When our life is over and work is done – who are we and how might we be known?

Over the last few weeks, I have had the amazing privilege of sitting with people contemplating death and dying because of age and illness. At times, I also get to pray with people about these themes.

To help my reflections, I tried to weave my thinking about the ultimate becoming in our dying in the form of a prayer:

Lord, you invite me to step courageously into the darkness. And truthfully, I am afraidmore than a little.

My mind is shaped by what I have seen and touched, by the joy of this life and its love.

My instinct is to hold on to what seems real and true.

Yet somewhere beneath the fear I hear you say with strange and steady tenderness:

“Trust me.”

You invite me to take the ultimate step of faithto believe that here, now and then: all shall be well.

The music is changing and dancing. The light and shadows are different now.

Help me to trust in eternity and to trust in you –my companion in the darkest valleys and to the end of age.

Lord, you invite me to step courageously into the darkness.

I am yours.

As I worked on this, I kept returning to Paul’s letter to the Romans – Chapter 8, where he wrote, “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The journey into our ultimate becoming is trusting in the overwhelming and enduring love of God revealed in Jesus.

And that is also the essence of flourishing in our present life. God, who is love, calls us toward fullness of life - toward compassion, courage, generosity, forgiveness, and hope.

God seeks to relieve us of the burden of where we get things wrong for ourselves and others. God desires us to become all that he has created us to be.

I am amazed by both the witness of people of faith through the ages and my own experience to the reality of God’s companionship.

One way Christians have spoken about this companionship is through practising an awareness of God’s presence in everyday life.

In the 17th Century, Brother Lawrence promoted a way of recognising God’s presence at all times.

Last year, Pope Leo wrote:

The path Brother Lawrence points out to us is simple and arduous at the same time. Simple, because it requires nothing other than constantly calling God to mind, with small, continual acts of praise, prayer, supplication, adoration, in every action and in every thought, having as our horizon, source, and end Him alone. Arduous, because it demands a journey of purification, of ascetic discipline, of renunciation and conversion of the most intimate part of us — of our mind and our thoughts even more than of our actions.

I wish I was better at this. I understand that it comes with discipline and practice. It is sometimes referred to as “Mindful Daily Tasks” – consciously inviting God into the daily tasks, speaking to him, and acknowledging his presence.

One of the ways that helps me move into this way of praying is Christian music. I have a playlist. Quite quickly after it starts, I find myself more centred and more aware.

May you, through trust in God, become all you are called to be in this life and the next.

Peace,

Connecting with community

Proud Biripi, Worimi and Kamilaroi woman, Jaycoda Simon, is a contemporary Aboriginal artist living on Awabakal land. Jaycoda created this beautiful artwork for Samaritans Homeless Youth Assistance Program (HYAP), symbolising support, connection, and journey. The piece will be proudly displayed in a shared Samaritans office space.

We asked Jaycoda to share her artistic journey with us.

Can you tell us about the meaning behind this artwork?

This artwork was specifically designed for the Homeless Youth Assistance Program (HYAP).

It represents the connection, journey and relationships that Samaritans builds with their clients and community to support them.

Are there any particular symbols, colours or patterns that hold significance?

The connected meeting places represent Samaritans and connecting to the community.

The blue represents the waterways and waterholes, which signifies the Saltwater Country (Awabakal Country) that we are on. The gum leaves represent cleansing, and the hills represent the journey that clients experience while working with Samaritans.

What was it like creating a piece for HYAP?

I really enjoyed this opportunity. It meant a lot to me as I also work with youth, so I understand the importance of working with mob and being in the community.

I think it’s so beautiful being able to share and create stories through art and I’m grateful I could create this piece for Samaritans.

What does creating art on Awabakal land mean to you?

I’ve lived most of my life on Awabakal land, so I am deeply connected to this Country.

It means a lot being able to embrace and share my culture with the community and those around me. I feel extremely proud of my journey so far, especially working on this land.

How can art create connection and heal?

Art plays such a big part of Aboriginal culture. It’s our way of connecting, so being able to create, understand and connect to community and art is a very special feeling.

It’s also very therapeutic! I believe everyone should take the time to learn about Aboriginal culture and our way of connecting and healing.

What does being an Aboriginal artist mean to you personally?

I have always been a very artistic person and grew up with it being strong in my culture.

So, being in a position to create art and be an Aboriginal artist makes me feel extremely proud of myself and gives me the drive to follow my dreams and keep my culture alive.

What role does storytelling play in your artwork?

All art holds a story behind it!

I think that’s one of the most beautiful things about art; how it all has its own representation.

That gives it such significance.

Our journey towards meaningful reconciliation

Newcastle Anglican is preparing to launch its first ever Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

This meaningful RAP will help us seek to understand and respond to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ aspirations and needs.

Our organisation is at the very beginning of our RAP journey, and we believe this process will truly help us achieve Newcastle Anglican’s vision of people flourishing, inspired by the way of Jesus.

To launch the RAP, Director of Reconciliation Aunty Di Langham, Bishop Peter Stuart and Chief Executive Officer John Barriga shared their thoughts on our reconciliation journey.

Aunty Di Langham Director of Reconciliation

This RAP is like a mustard seed. It is a first step towards a long journey. It has taken 240 years for the country to get where it is in the treatment of our people.

This is not a three year plan and there are no shortcuts.

We have to plant the seeds. The RAP represents the seeds. Our people have survived! I know just like the sower and the seed there will be places where this will not be taken seriously.

There will be places where it will be looked at in bits and pieces.

I am hopeful that there will be places where this RAP will flourish and build sustainable partnerships that allow my children, my grandchildren and my future generations a place that gives them equal advantage and possibilities in the church I love.

Our Vision for Reconciliation:

Newcastle Anglican acknowledges the stories, hopes and dreams of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We acknowledge the sacred connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with the land, sea, sky and waterways. We recognise, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of these nations as they navigate through the various impacts of colonisation.

This acknowledgment is aligned with our church’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive community. We embrace the call to recognise and acknowledge the peoples, culture and history that make up our beloved shared community.

Our vision for reconciliation is to acknowledge the past, to accept the First Nations invitation to walk together on a journey of collective healing and to promote opportunities for all people to flourish.

Our Diocesan work of truth-telling and reconciliation is deepening.

This RAP is a living document. It is vital storytelling and truth sharing continue to happen even when it is uncomfortable to hear.

I am deeply encouraged by the journey Newcastle Anglican clergy, parishioners, workers and supporters have engaged in so far.

We have heard Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples invite all Australians into their continuing culture.

We belong together.

We hope that this RAP is a meaningful and significant contribution to that journey.

Dr Peter Stuart Anglican Bishop of Newcastle

We aspire to conduct our work in a culturally safe and appropriate manner, that respects and values First Nations staff, their cultural knowledge and lived experience.

We aspire to be a community of equals, where our different knowledge, experience and stories are shared and valued.

This RAP demonstrates Newcastle Anglican’s journey towards meaningful reconciliation for our staff and the people we support.

This RAP connects our aspirations to actions.

This is just the beginning.

John Barriga Chief Executive Officer

What’s On

There are plenty of events and activities happening across our organisation over the next couple of months. Check out some of them below.

Celebration Day shows strength of connection

Year 7 students from across all Newcastle Anglican Schools gathered at Christ Church Cathedral for a special service and celebration focused on community, connection, and shared faith.

The day brought together students from Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College, Manning Valley Anglican College, Lakes Grammar - An Anglican School, and Scone Grammar School.

It was an opportunity to build new friendships and strengthen relationships.

Bishop Peter Stuart, along with Bishop Charlie Murry and Bishop Sonia Roulston, attended the event to share in the celebrations.

Students enjoyed exploring the historic Cathedral, participating in the service, and spending time together over lunch in the beautiful grounds.

The event was a wonderful reminder of the importance of belonging, fellowship, and shared experiences within the Anglican school community.

Appeal supports young people at risk of homelessness

At just 17, Zac was going through a tough time and had to leave his family home.

“I stayed with a friend for a bit and received emergency housing,” he said.

“A caseworker helped me to achieve the goals I wanted, like moving into Samaritans Student Accommodation.”

Since 2012, the student accommodation has been providing safe, supportive, and independent housing for young people aged between 16 and 24 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

It is the only service of its kind in the Hunter Region, and it receives no government funding. The accommodation is entirely funded by the local community through the Green Light Appeal.

With Samaritans support, Zac now has the motivation and independence he needs to complete Year 12 and go on to achieve his goal of becoming a registered nurse.

“It’s really pushed me closer towards everything I’ve ever wanted and made me such a better person,” Zac said.

So far, the program has helped change the lives of more than 200 students. Almost 90 per cent of them go on to complete their studies.

Current resident Anna was just 16 when she was left without a safe place to live.

She spent weeks couch surfing and some nights sleeping outside.

After being connected with Samaritans Student Accommodation, Anna finally has a safe and stable place where she is empowered to succeed.

“I don’t know what I’d do without this place. I don’t know where I’d be or who I’d be,” she said.

Donate to Green Light Appeal and help us empower young people like Zac and Anna to green light their goals and create a bright future.

Honouring Sharon’s 50 years in nursing

A fearless pursuit of excellence has been the cornerstone of a nursing career that now spans more than five decades.

Enrolled Nurse Sharon Fear recently celebrated her incredible 50-year milestone at Anglican Care’s McIntosh Court.

After joining the dementiaspecific residential aged care

facility in 2022, she quickly formed a strong bond with both residents and staff.

“We’re very fortunate at McIntosh Court because we do have great staff,” she says.

“With dementia, it’s not an easy job and it’s not something that just falls into your lap.

“The staff are so attentive and do a terrific job – I couldn’t speak highly enough of them.”

Sharon started her nursing training at Cooma District Hospital in 1976 at the age of 17.

She went on to work at Royal Newcastle Hospital until it was forced to close due to damage from the 1989 earthquake.

A stint at Lingard Private Hospital in Merewether was followed by more than 20 years at Redhead Residential Care.

Sharon then took a break from nursing to care for her husband in his final years.

She returned to work four years ago and is now a Team Leader with Anglican Care.

“I always wanted to be a nurse and my mind never changed throughout my schooling,” Sharon says.

“You form connections with residents, and that’s what I love about aged care – you do get close to people.”

If you ask many of her colleagues, Sharon is compassionate, an advocate for residents, and fuelled by a relentless commitment.

In 2013, she achieved a career highlight by gaining her Diploma of Dementia Care at the University of Tasmania.

She continues to attend dementia education training in her own time and provides vital knowledge and insights at McIntosh Court.

So, following such a long and impressive career, what does she think of it all?

“I’d do it all again tomorrow,” she says.

“I’ve seen lots of changes between public and private, and the Royal Commission has done great things for aged care.

“I keep myself very fit, I go to the gym, and I want to work into my 70s.”

Help us celebrate >

70 years of Anglican

Care

Anglican Care is gearing up to celebrate 70 years later on this year, and we want to hear from you!

Do you have any photos or stories you can share with us?

Clink the link below and complete the online form to share your story.

Share your story

Buchanan Court celebrates 40th anniversary

The year is 1986. Thousands packed Newcastle Beach for Surfest, major Bicentennial projects were shaping the foreshore, and train travel to and from Sydney was being modernised.

There was also the opening of Buchanan Court Retirement Living in Merewether.

Buchanan Court, which has been operated by Anglican Care since 2005, celebrated its

40th anniversary with a special morning tea last month.

Chairperson of Residents Margaret Thirlwell said her family had a long connection with Anglican Care.

“My husband Philip and I moved here together in 2008 and one of the reasons we came here was because our daughter lives very close,” she said.

“We’ve been very happy here. We always used to say it was the best move we ever made – and we lived in a lot of places all over the world.

“I’d had a lot of experience with Anglican Care. My father-in-law went to live at what was then the nursing home at Booragul in the late 1970s. My mother-inlaw stayed at Booragul, and my mother was at Booragul in self-care and spent her final years at Jesmond Grove. So, I knew how good Anglican Care places were for looking after people.

“I just so happened to read in the paper that Anglican Care had bought this place, and I said to my husband: ‘Well, let’s put our name on the list.’”

After moving into Buchanan Court, Margaret found there was a genuine sense of community.

“We do care for one another,” she said.

“If someone isn’t feeling well or we haven’t seen someone for a little while, then we’ll check up on them.”

As part of Buchanan Court’s 40th anniversary celebrations, Bishop Sonia Roulston joined residents to share stories and cut the cake.

Bishop Sonia said the milestone was a symbolic one in the Bible. Some references included Noah’s flood, Moses spending time on the mountain receiving the Ten Commandments, and Jesus fasting in the desert.

Hephner brings joy to Anglican Care sites

He made international headlines when he sneezed on King Charles during His Majesty’s visit to Canberra.

He has met celebrities such as Guy Sebastian and Jimmy Barnes, politicians, and media personalities.

More importantly, Hephner the alpaca brings comfort and joy to both young and old.

He attracted plenty of pats and smiles during visits to two of Anglican Care’s residential aged care facilities – Jesmond Grove and Kilpatrick Court in Toronto –this month.

Kilpatrick Court Residential Care Manager Sam Sibley said Hephner had a positive impact on staff and residents.

“Everyone loved meeting him and there were lots of photos and stories shared afterwards,” she said.

“A huge thank you to Hephner and his handler for spending time with the people we support and making their day so special.”

Hephner and his handler, Robert Fletcher, have been travelling across the country for almost nine years.

Mr Fletcher said the duo attend weddings, functions, aged care and health facilities, schools, and community organisations.

“I like to give back to the community,” he said.

“With the nursing homes, a lot of residents don’t go out much or don’t get many visitors.

“It’s a very personable thing to go into someone’s room and they can engage with Hephner the way they do.

“Once you see the reaction [of the residents], it’s something that keeps you going.”

Practical steps on path to sustainability

Newcastle Anglican’s environmental arm has set five practical goals as part of its commitment towards a more sustainable future.

An annual retreat and greater involvement in recycling programs are among the plans for the second half of 2026.

“We’re trying to work with more awareness about ecological and climate change issues,” Anglican EcoCare Newcastle Chair Christian Ford said.

“We’ve thought of a few practical things that can help us achieve our goals.”

Christian said EcoCare wanted more people to respond to the global call for climate action – a key part of the fifth mark of mission.

“We’re asking parishes to think about the way they use resources, particularly energy,” he said.

“Here at Gosford [parish], we’ve invested in solar and, as the Rector, I went and bought an electric car.

“I know there are a number of clergy who have electric vehicles as well.

“We’re certainly encouraging that as a way of facilitating the transition.”

Anglican EcoCare Newcastle is always seeking more members from across the diocese.

Anglican EcoCare’s five ideas for the remainder of the year include:

Host an annual EcoCare retreat. There are plans for the first one to take place later this year.

Promote the Season of Creation before and during September.

Encourage parishes to host ‘Meaningful Meanders’ – or walks through nature.

Provide resources for gumtree services or eco-focused events.

Encourage parishes to become involved in various recycling programs.

Want to learn more? Click the button below or email Christian Ford for more information.

Request more information

christianford@gosfordanglican.org.au

Fun in the sun at free Youth Week event

Samaritans kicked off NSW Youth Week in style with a free community event at Newcastle Foreshore.

Young people and families came along to enjoy the April sunshine, free activities, music, and food.

The energy across the day was incredible, with plenty of fun, connection, and community spirit.

It was a wonderful opportunity to connect and share more about the youth services Samaritans provides.

NSW Youth Week went from 16 to 26 April.

The theme for 2026 was Dream. Dare. Do. It aimed to promote creativity and courage, inspiring young people to dream big and take real steps to make those dreams happen.

Visit Samaritans website to learn more about our youth services.

Click here to read more

Recognising our incredible volunteers

Volunteers play a crucial role across Newcastle Anglican, in our parishes, schools, and agencies.

As part of National Volunteer Week celebrations, we interviewed a few of our many incredible volunteers from Samaritans Op Shop in Wallsend and our parish communities.

Cheryl

Hammel

How long have you been volunteering with us?

11 years.

Why did you choose to volunteer?

It makes me happy. I love working with the ladies at the shop. We share moments together outside of work and love to help make our customers happy.

Can you recall a meaningful experience, memorable moment or story that has stayed with you?

One of our lovely customers, who I became great friends with, invited me to her 90th birthday. This is just one of many memorable moments I have had since becoming a volunteer here.

Sue Gill

How long have you been volunteering with us?

Three years.

Why did you choose to volunteer?

To keep busy, definitely the social aspect.

Can you recall a meaningful experience, memorable moment or story that has stayed with you?

Getting together with the ladies to go on a holiday. We have many

Julie Buchanan

How long have you been volunteering with us?

Three years.

Why did you choose to volunteer?

Job Seeker.

Can you recall a meaningful experience, memorable moment or story that has stayed with you?

1. A homeless man came in looking for a jacket. He was so appreciative of our help. It was nice to know we had made someone’s day a lot better.

2. The ladies I work with are the best. I have made lifelong friends, and I always look forward to my days working with them. I also have the best boss ever.

Kevin Short

St Peter’s East Maitland

For many Anglicans, making it to church regularly gets more difficult with age.

And, if it wasn’t for Kevin Short at St Peter’s East Maitland, there’s a chance Betty King, Jean McNickle, Phyllis Giles and Maureen Cummins might not make it at all.

Each week, Kevin makes two trips to and from church to make sure these faithful women can attend the weekday eucharist.

Kerry Priestley

St Peter’s East Maitland

Kerry Priestley’s life is busy enough driving grandchildren to sport and being a warden at St Peter’s East Maitland.

Yet, each week for a number of years she has helped lead an amazing team of volunteers through the St Peter’s Parish Pantry.

The team, which often receives more than 600 kilograms of food, partners with Oz Harvest to feed 40 to 60 families in need.

Always bearing a big smile, Kerry exemplifies volunteering as part of her faith.

Joyce Middleton

St Matthias Denman

Joyce has been a Christian for many years, having started by attending church with her grandmother and finding that it was different to how she imagined (in a good way).

Margaret Jenkins

She was confirmed at age 24 and started volunteering soon afterwards, teaching scripture in school for 20 years. Her love for sharing scripture saw her become a Lay Liturgical Assistant.

She leads morning prayer and shares communion by extension with those unable to come to church. She enjoys leading worship and enabling other people to come into the presence of God.

Volunteering brings Joyce immense joy, and she would encourage others to try it. She is happy to support them in any way she can.

leads Bible Study.

She has played the organ and piano in church for 40 years. As a Licensed Lay Leader, it is her joy to preach.

Margaret also has volunteer shared caretaker responsibilities for the church hall and helps out at the Op Shop. She uses her gift of music to help with a sing-along at the local hospital and Merton Care aged care service.

She also delivers Meals on Wheels once a month.

She enjoys setting up the alter for mass and taking care of all the linens.

She cares for the chalices, the glasses, and candles.

Rodgers also shares slides so everyone can follow mass and ensures it goes online for those who are unable to make it to St John’s Church.

Helping in this way makes her feel good – sharing God’s word and actions.

Interested in volunteering?

If you’re passionate about making a difference in your local community, consider becoming a volunteer with us.

Learn more

Paving the way to healthy lifestyles

Joggers bouncing off the pavement, laughter, and friendly conversations have become familiar sounds within the Cessnock area.

Each week, a growing number of residents are meeting to participate in physical activity and build social connections.

Walking groups are just one of the initiatives provided by Coalfields Healthy Heartbeat – a program led by Samaritans.

Project Coordinator Nicole Tickner says it offers many benefits to the local community.

“Our aim is to support the Cessnock Local Government

Area with healthy eating, physical activity, and smoking cessation programs,” she says.

“As part of my role, I’m the local coordinator for the Heart Foundation Walking Groups.

“We have quite a few morning groups going now. There’s one group on a Wednesday, another on a Thursday, and we’ve started a new group that is run by volunteers.

“We’ve also just started a First Nations women’s walking group to provide

them with an opportunity to get active and to access heart health information and other support.”

For Nicole, physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices are the key to overall wellbeing.

“It’s something that I’m very passionate about,” she says.

“Since doing this job, it’s been really heartwarming to see the progress in the walkers and other participants – in all areas of their lives.”

Heart Week, a national awareness campaign that takes place each May, is an opportunity to engage new walkers, provide heart health resources, and encourage the community to start a conversation about heart health.

“A lot of my work is about prevention and making healthy lifestyle choices, but early detection is really important too,” Nicole adds.

“A lot of us think we’re too young to worry about getting our heart health checked. But you’re eligible from 45 to get a check – younger if you are First Nations or if you’ve got diabetes.

“It’s something people think is for the older generation but it’s definitely worth getting on to earlier.”

Apart from walking groups, Coalfields Healthy Heartbeat offers support in a number of other ways.

There are cooking classes that aim to build knowledge and skills so participants can adopt healthy lifestyles, a Healthy Budget Bites cookbook, a walking trails guide around Cessnock, and monthly group sessions with families at Kurri Kurri Supported Playgroup.

The program has also visited local high schools to help improve wellbeing and students’ ability to make healthy decisions.

Coalfields Healthy Heartbeat is funded by the Hunter New England Local Health District.

Visit the Samaritans website to read more about the Healthy Heartbeat program.

Visit the website

Newcastle’s community spirit protected a century on

Many precious relics are on display within the walls of Christ Church Cathedral, marking the iconic building as a monument to Newcastle’s history.

Originally found in a shoebox in the depths of the Cathedral, Australia’s first flag is one of the valuable items on show.

The Birdwood Flag, encased in glass, has been in the Cathedral for almost a decade following an award-winning restoration project.

Dr Amir Moghadam, a conservator at the University of Newcastle who worked on the project, says it symbolised more than reconstructing a flag.

“It’s the story that it represents… the object is one thing, the narrative is another,” he says.

“The story that this flag was telling was about the community – not kings and generals, but people.

“It represented all those soldiers who didn’t get back home.”

The flag was originally created by a group of women in the Hunter,

led by Dora Sparke, for Australian soldiers to symbolise sense of belonging and a national identity on the front lines of World War I.

According to Dr Moghadam, the flag’s creation and initial restoration was a real community effort.

“It was all volunteer, all evenings and afternoons, reliant on several funding applications,” Dr Moghadam says.

“It’s a powerful example of how a community can come together… and, a century later, come together again to revive it.

“It ended up being a very, very successful project.”

When the flag was returned to Newcastle after the end of the war, it was hung in the Warriors’ Chapel, with the remains to be buried once the flag had fully disintegrated.

Along the way, the remains of the flag had been collected and stored for the generations to come.

The restoration ultimately won the National Trust Heritage Award following its completion for its complexity and the way it revealed the story of the flag.

Cathedral restoration underway

“It’s been great to see the first stage of the restoration is now complete,” Bishop Charlie Murry said.

“The external works will continue to work their way around the Cathedral, and internal works have commenced, starting with the baptistry and the nave.

“The restoration is being completed in stages to reduce the impact of the works on our community and maintain public access.

“Thank you to our community for bearing with us throughout the restoration and in a period of great change.”

Enrolments open for an inclusive faith-based

education

Offering the best possible start in life to quality education through Newcastle Anglican schools, we provide our children and youth with an inclusive, dynamic, and family-orientated environment to be the best that they can be.

Enquire today about school enrolment fee discounts for Newcastle Anglican staff. Speak with your manager today.

Practically perfect in every way

Lakes Grammar – An Anglican School recently wrapped up four spectacular performances of Mary Poppins Jr. at The Art House, Wyong, earlier this month.

Audiences were delighted with a magical production full of energy, creativity, and heart.

Based on the classic P. L. Travers stories and the beloved Walt Disney film, the “practically perfect” 70-minute musical featured a cast of more than 100 students, supported by the school’s dedicated musical staff and wider community.

Across the four performances, students captivated audiences with colourful characters, impressive choreography, and memorable

songs including A Spoonful of Sugar, Feed the Birds, and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

“I am incredibly proud of our magical cast of students and staff and everything they’ve achieved with Mary Poppins Jr.,” Creative and Performing Arts Coordinator Katrina Braun said.

“Their dedication, creativity, and teamwork brought something truly special to life, and it was wonderful to share that magic with our audiences.”

The production showcased not only the incredible talent within Lakes Grammar, but also the confidence, teamwork, and passion developed through the performing arts experience.

Fundraiser showcases Scone’s community spirit

Scone Grammar School’s 2026 Fete & Markets was bursting with energy, colour, laughter and community spirit.

The school community came together in May to celebrate one of the biggest and most loved events of the year.

Deputy Principal Mr Lynch said the school’s largest annual fundraiser showcased the strength of its community spirit.

“We extend our sincere thanks to our incredible P&F for their tireless organisation and leadership, our generous sponsors, and our dedicated students, teachers and staff who all came together to make the day such a resounding success,” he said.

“We also warmly thank the wonderful supporters who attended the event in such strong numbers and helped create a vibrant, positive atmosphere throughout the day.”

Highlights

Over 90 stalls packed with gifts, crafts, flowers, homewares and delicious treats.

The ever-popular student café “Grammar Grind” serving coffee, cakes and smiles all day long.

Thrilling rides and attractions including dodgem cars, giant slides, jumping castles, and rock climbing. Amazing live performances from students, ensembles and buskers.

A huge raffle packed with thousands of dollars in prizes.

A vibrant sideshow alley full of games, facepainting and hair braiding

Teaching real world values

Belonging, power and corruption, friendship and loyalty, and rumours and reputation.

All of these themes were explored in a brilliant new musical performed by Manning Valley Anglican College (MVAC) students.

MVAC took to the stage at the Manning Entertainment Centre this month to deliver two exceptional theatrical experiences of The Unicorn Girl.

Written by Madelaine Nunn, The Unicorn Girl follows the story of a girl who was invisible until she wasn’t.

An accidental schoolyard fight turned Sam Reid, 13, from a nobody to the centre of every group chat.

The Unicorn Girl was funny, fast-paced, and packed with music, drama, and larger-thanlife characters.

It was a big endeavour for MVAC staff and students, and the learning experiences were wide and deep reaching.

In the lead-up, there were late night rehearsals for the cast and crew and choir practice for junior students.

A team of students interested in learning more about how things work were also busy in the backstage crew, production team, and, of course, the band.

The dedication and hours of planning behind the scenes made this one of the most valuable learning experiences across the college, linking classroom lessons to the vibrant world of real-life theatre.

Capturing special memories

The Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College (BTAC) community came together in the spirit of gratitude and celebration for a special Mother’s Day picnic lunch.

Mothers, grandmothers and other special friends were welcomed onto campus, giving students the opportunity to share this meaningful occasion with the important women in their lives.

Guests enjoyed thoughtfully prepared picnic packs while spending relaxed, quality time together across the beautiful grounds, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.

A dedicated Mother’s Day photo station offered families the chance to capture special memories, with professional photos providing a lasting keepsake of the day.

The celebrations continued into the afternoon as classrooms were filled with laughter, creativity and connection. Students participated in a range of heartfelt activities including manicure pampering, card making and creating paper flower bouquets as thoughtful tokens of appreciation.

These shared experiences provided a wonderful opportunity for students to express their love and gratitude in personal and meaningful ways. The day was a true celebration of community, connection and appreciation, leaving students and guests alike with cherished memories.

Mothers’ Union celebrates 150th anniversary

In honour of Mothers’ Union celebrating 150 years of compassion, Newcastle president Elizabeth Bissaker encourages community spirit for generations to come.

“It began in England but quickly spread across the world,” Elizabeth says.

“[Founder] Mary Sumner moved to a new parish. She had young children and didn’t know anyone, so she invited a group of women to the rectory. That simple gathering became the beginning of the Mothers’ Union.

“What started as a small group of women supporting one another has grown into a worldwide movement.”

Mothers’ Union aims to create safe spaces within communities, with a 2026 vision of ‘serving others and nurturing ourselves’.

“At its heart, Mothers’ Union is about thinking about families — supporting them, praying for them, and helping people in times of adversity,” Elizabeth shares.

“That sense of community and belonging is really important.

“As the years have gone by, Mothers’ Union has adapted while keeping the same core purpose.

“Sometimes people think Mothers’ Union just makes the tea and sandwiches — but it’s much more than that.

“It’s about caring for people, supporting parishes, and being there for families.”

Women from across the diocese came together in celebration of Lady Day – Mothers’ Union’s annual service.

Led by Bishop Sonia Roulston, the inspirational service at St Mary’s Maitland saw the commissioning of the Mothers’ Union executive team and committee members in acknowledgement of their community contributions.

“Many people join because they want to do something meaningful — to help others and know that what they’re doing is making a difference,” Elizabeth says.

“We would love more people to join. It’s about supporting families and being part of a community that cares.

“Even after 150 years, the aim is still the same — to encourage faith, strengthen families, and support one another.”