The Synod Service of Holy Communion was held in the Cathedral Church of St Andrew, Sydney, at 1.15 pm on Monday 28 October 1996. The Preacher was the Right Rev A.H. Nicols, Bishop of North West Australia.
Following the Cathedral Service, the 1st ordinary session of the 44th Synod assembled in the Wesley Theatre at 3.15 pm under the Presidency of the Most Reverend R.H. Goodhew, Bishop of the Diocese of Sydney and Archbishop of the Province of New South Wales. The Synod had afternoon and evening sittings on 28, 29, 30 October 14 and 15 November 1996.