Georges River Regional Council
Annual Report for 2004
(A report from the Georges River Regional Council.)
1. In the year 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005 the Regional Council met on six (6) occasions and held its annual One Day conference in April 2005.
2. During the 12 month period covered by this report, the Regional Council welcomed Revs Barry Macalister and Ted Brush to its membership. They filled the vacancies for a minister in the Bankstown and Liverpool Deaneries respectively. Also elected to fill vacancies were Phylis Lee (Canterbury Area Deanery) and Norma Esler (any Area Deanery).
3. The Diocesan Mission has occupied a major topic of discussion and decision making. Council has reviewed its procedures under Policy 4 and resolved to delegate "nuts and bolts" decisions to its Executive Committee and deal itself with policy and strategic matters. Council has received its own Property Report which was sent to the Mission Property Committee.
4. For 2005 the Regional Council has budgeted the following grants -
| Beverly Hills |
$6,750
|
| Belmore |
$6,600
|
| Blakehurst |
$14,046
|
| Bossley Park |
$40,000
|
| Cabramatta |
$72,467
|
| Campsie |
$44,000
|
| Earlwood |
$1,290
|
| Fairfield |
$39,645
|
| Hoxton Park |
$31,000
|
| Hurstville |
$19,000
|
| Hurstville Grove |
$1,943
|
| Kogarah |
$23,000
|
| Panania |
$6,600
|
| Peakhurst / Mortdale |
$10,467
|
| Penshurst |
$5,000
|
| Regents Park |
$28,000
|
| Revesby |
$9,567
|
| Riverwood / Punchbowl |
$18,617
|
| Sadleir |
$7,000
|
| South Carlton |
$3,225
|
| St George North |
$14,749
|
| St John's Park |
$6,600
|
| Yagoona |
$1,492
|
In addition to these, Parish Council also employed a part-time Children's and Youth Task Force Coordinator, a part-time ESL Coordinator and a full-time Refugee Support Network Coordinator (along with funding from the Archbishop's Community Care and Development Program).
5. Council amalgamated the Parish of St John's Park with the Provisional Parish of Smithfield to form the Parish of Smithfield Road. Its Parish Administration Committee also reviewed an ordinance related to the parish of Panania, and made decision for the use of the Special Administration Ordinance for the parishes of Yagoona, Smithfield Road and Moorebank. Council also extended the provisional parish status of Hoxton Park, Sadleir, Bossley Park and Regents Park.
6. The work of Mrs Kerrie Newmarch as 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. Mrs Newmarch retired as Coordinator in March and her replacement is Mr Stuart Smith from the parish of Hurstville Grove. The Region's ESL Coordinator, Mrs Marilyn Clerke, has continued her support for the Region's ESL classes and has run a number of training courses for new teachers. The Refugee Support Network coordinated by Mr Phin Tang, has continued to expand with new arrivals and a growing number of volunteers. Mr Tang is now employed full-time. The Network's ministry continues to grow as DIMIA refers increasing numbers of refugees.
For and on behalf of the Georges River Regional Council
GEOFF HUARD
Regional Archdeacon
17 August 2005