I am saddened to announce today that The Revd Neville Naden, BCA’s Indigenous Ministry Officer, will retire at the end of June this year.

Neville has served as the Indigenous Ministry Officer with BCA since 2017, and prior to that, spent ten years as Field Staff in Broken Hill.

In his time in this role, among many other things, he has cared pastorally for Indigenous Field Staff, supported our Field Staff when ministering to Indigenous people; championed the raising up of Indigenous ministers and mission workers; and travelled far and wide promoting the work of BCA and Indigenous ministry to churches across Australia.

Together, Neville & Kathie developed Cultural Awareness Training, aimed to assist ministers, clergy and other mission workers in ministering to and alongside Indigenous peoples. Neville & Kathie brought their personal insights and experiences, as well as valuable knowledge and skills, into these training sessions. This training was rolled out to all BCA Field Staff and among other organisations, theological colleges, training seminars and various other contexts all around Australia.

Another of Neville’s key accomplishments was BCA’s Acknowledgement of Country and Reconciliation Action Plan.  Both these documents, prayerfully and carefully crafted, have become key parts of BCA’s commitment to Indigenous Ministry. The Acknowledgement of Country has a special place in many hearts now as a Biblically sound and meaningful declaration of God’s sovereignty and lordship.

While it is with sadness that I write this, I am also filled with gratitude for all the work Neville & Kathie have put into the Indigenous space over many years with BCA. It has been a joy to work alongside Neville and to learn from his wisdom and experience.

Please join me in thanking God for Neville & Kathie and praising Him for the work they have done to champion Indigenous Ministry in BCA and throughout Australia.

Today I’m also sad to announce that Jen Hercott, BCA-supported Registrar for the Diocese of Central Queensland, will conclude serving in this role at the end of this month.

During her time as Registrar, Jen has been part of the renewal of the church in Central Queensland, including growing the clergy team in the diocese. In fact, two new clergy families who commenced this year are supported by BCA – the Pipers in Emerald and the Brownes in Gladstone.

Jen, Colin & Lachie are returning to Tasmania, the place where Jen first entered full-time ministry. From 4 June 2025, Jen will be the Senior Minister at Burnie Anglican Church.

“I believe God called my family and I to Central Queensland to be part of this time of renewal, and is now calling us to be part of the healing and strengthening of the Parish
of Burnie, and the Anglican Church more broadly in North West Tasmania,” says Jen.

Please join me in praying for the Hercotts and the Diocese of Central Queensland. May Jen, Colin and Lachie have some time of rest before they commence serving God in Burnie.