People

Get to know the people behind ncyc11

The Management Committee is the team responsible for the oversight of the whole convention. They have to sort out issues of policy, finance and strategy and ensure accountability for key staffing. The Management Committee reports to the Synod Leadership Team through the General Secretary. The Management Committee consists of the following people:

Ralph Collins

Ralph is the Chair of the Management Committee and was chair of the Management Committee for assembly in Brisbane in 2006. He also sits on the QLD Synod’s Finance, Investment and Property Board.

“I’ve never been to an NCYC but I have seen a lot of the positive experiences that come from this event and I’m looking forward to seeing that continue with ncyc11” says Ralph.

“In putting the team together we’ve tried to get people with a range of different skills and I see my role as managing the convention and the team as a whole, so that other creative people can focus on the program and experiences that young people will have.”

Alison Cox

Alison is the ncyc11 Coordinator and a passionate supporter of NCYC. She sees the potential ncyc11 has for engaging young people in the present and future of the Uniting Church in Australia, and for the opportunities it provides for the church to learn from its young people.

Alison was ordained as a Minister of the Word in 2009 and it was NCYC in 1991 where she was moved by a message given by Tony Campolo.

“The question posed that night was specific ‘God is calling you, are you going to sit there or do something about it?’” Alison says.

“I realised that there was no way I could stay in my seat.

“My heart was pounding and I stood up having no idea that it would eventually mean moving interstate and having a completely different life from where I thought I was heading.”

Ben Webb & Steve Rothery

Ben and Steve are in charge of the program side of ncyc11, looking after speakers, nightlife, evening rally…

Ben is a Minister with the Uniting Church in Stafford, Brisbane and particularly loves teaching RE and visiting people in their homes.

“Through ncyc11, I’m looking forward to young people growing in their love for Jesus and finding out that the church is not always boring,” says Ben.

“I’m excited to be involved with the ncyc11 organising team—I want to give back for the great times I have enjoyed at past NCYCs.”

Steve has been working as a youth worker at Moggill and Karana Uniting Churches, but this year is focusing on completing his studies as a candidate for Minister of the Word.

“I hope that ncyc11 will challenge delegates with the gospel of the crucified and risen Christ and what that means for them in their lives today,” says Steve.

“Specifically I hope that there are opportunities for youth to be exposed to areas of ministry and mission, as well as people who they would not otherwise meet, which challenge and broaden their faith and understanding of God and the church.

“Ultimately I hope that given this is the sort of convention that youth attend as they enter adulthood, it will prompt them to think about how their faith is relevant in their lives as they make decisions about the types of people they want to be.”

Beth Nicholls & Rebekah Gilmour

Beth and Bek are in charge of coordinating volunteers and making ncyc11 a positive experience for both delegates and volunteers.

Beth is a youth worker and veteran of many NCYCs across Australia.

“NCYC is a great time to network with people from all over Australia, to hear some international speakers, to be challenged in our faith,” says Beth.

“Putting it simply, NCYC is a load of fun.

“I pray that young people’s faith will be strengthened and they will be encouraged in their faith, meet some new friends and know that their local community is just like many other communities of young Christians from other places around Australia.”

Bek is an engineer and has had many fun experiences traveling together with Beth to NCYCs.

“Bek offers really good process,” Beth says.

“She’s great at solving problems, finding creative solutions and working through things in a systematic way.

“Bek is passionate about seeing young people committed to Jesus.”

Robert Packer

Robert is overseeing the Finance and Admin team for ncyc11. As Director for the Queensland Synod’s Finance and Property Services team he will also serve as the link to the Synod Leadership Team.

“I want to see a great NCYC because youth are important not only for the future, but also today,” Robert says.

“It’s important for us to make an investment in their spiritual development and growth of the whole Kingdom of God.”

Gary Adsett

Property Services Manager for the Queensland Synod, Gary was the operations manager for NCYC 2001 and will look after venues for 2011.

“It’s good to be part of an event that can be instrumental in the faith development of young people,” says Gary.

“ncyc11 is about creating pathways and opportunities where young people grow in faith and develop skills and abilities that not only have a positive influence in their life but a positive influence for the church.

“I enjoyed my experience with NCYC 2001 and being part of this team is a tangible way for me to serve using my gifts and talents.”

Fa Ngaluafe

Fa is looking after wider church liaison and many of the multicultural aspects of ncyc11 and is currently studying as a candidate for ministry in the Uniting Church.

“NCYC 09 was my first experience of NCYC,” says Fa.

“I was amazed to see the number of people from diverse cultural backgrounds, all interacting together.

“I’m looking forward to being more involved with ncyc11 and in seeing people from different cultures having greater involvement and bringing meaningful gifts to NCYC.”

Jane Moad

Jane is looking after the marketing team for ncyc11, ensuring that you find out the information you need to know and are excited and ready for an amazing experience.

Jane is the Marketing Manager with the Queensland Synod’s Financial and Property Services team and is encouraged by the opportunities that NCYC offers to transform the whole church.

“As young people are motivated and energised by having God in their life it becomes easier to share their faith and enthusiasm with others,” says Jane.

“I pray that we can all be energised by new encounters with God and that we will grow as a whole church, together.”

Ian Smallbone

Ian is Chaplain to the Management Committee.

As Ian describes, “This involves pastoral oversight of the group, praying for the team, leading devotions at meetings, and helping to facilitate the NCYC planning meetings.

“I hope that lots of the delegates will be touched by God, filled with the Spirit and enthusiasm to take their part in the worship, witness and service of Christ and the church.”

Jenny Hodgson

Jenny is the very important Minute Secretary for the ncyc11 Management Committee who reminds us what we said and when.

Jenny’s day job is a Special Education Teacher assisting students in their transition to work or training programs when they leave year 12.

“My prayer for ncyc11 is that young people will encounter Jesus in a real and heartfelt way that will enable them to grow into strong men and women of God, fired up to go back to their local communities and churches spreading his love.”