COVID-19 – Update – Updated documents and communication
23 July – Number 1 Updated documents and communication Dear sisters and brothers, Every one of us is aware of the increased concern in our community about COVD-19. Once again it seems close to us and we need to exercise our responsibility to ensure sure people ministering in the church and engaging with the church…

COVIDSafe Ordination at Christ Church Cathedral
Our Diocesan Bishop, Dr Peter Stuart, introduced the ordination on Saturday 18th July as a “strange and wonderful event.” “Strange,” he said, “because we are carefully practising social distancing with no singing, no dancing and no mingling. Wonderful because we are celebrating what God is doing in Kimbalee and Sarah’s lives and in the life…
Notice of Hearing
The Matter of the Professional Standards Committee (applicant) and Reverend Douglas Morrison-Cleary (respondent) has been listed for hearing at Newcastle Local Court House on Tuesday 4th August 2020. The full Notice of Hearing from President of the Professional Standards Board, Margaret Sidis, can be found here.
COVID-19 Update – Entry restricted for people return from travel in Victoria
8 July – Number 1 Entry restricted for people return from travel in Victoria Applications now open for reopening of children, youth and family ministries Change to the maximum number of people in church and for funerals Diocesan Plan and local application form meet the Government requirements to have a COVID19 safety plan Dear colleagues,…
COVID-19 Update – Hall hire can recommence subject to new COVID19 guidelines
20 June – Number 1 Hall hire can recommence subject to new COVID19 guidelines Church buildings previously used for public worship on a weekly basis to be open from July at least for weekday services Amendment to service times/days within guidelines for parishes with approval to be open can be made locally Guidance on funeral…
COVID-19 Update – Slight amendment to service time instructions
13 June – Number 1 Slight amendment to service time instructions Incumbents and Churchwardens responsible for determining the number of church services on any day in a church building Volunteers in at risk groups can seek medical exemption to return to volunteer roles SRE set to return in term 3 Further activities will be allowed…
COVID-19 Update – Application to re-open Opportunity and similar Retail shops is now available
5 June – Number 1 Application to re-open Opportunity and similar Retail shops is now available Dear colleagues, Parishes can now apply for permission to re-open Opportunity Shops and other similar Retail Shops such as book shops within the Diocese. The health and safety of all people attending our sites is paramount and it is…
COVID-19 Update – Application processes will begin next week for further reopening church buildings, reopening opportunity (and similar activities) and for allowing hall hire
29 May – Number 1 Application processes will begin next week for further reopening church buildings, reopening opportunity (and similar activities) and for allowing hall hire. Where a parish cannot resolve to reopen Sunday worship or resolves not to reopen for Sunday worship they should advise the Bishop in writing. Please manage workloads carefully! Dear brothers and…
COVID-19 Update – Thank you for your careful attention to detail in applications to reopen church buildings
26 May – Number 1 Thank you for your careful attention to detail in applications to reopen church buildings No changes in permissions Parishes urged to make preparations for the next stage Please pray! Dear colleagues, Reopening applications Thank you for your careful consideration of the wellbeing and safety issues associated with the reopening of…
COVID-19 Update – Slow stream of applications for reopening of church buildings
19 May – Number 1 Slow stream of applications for reopening of church buildings Guidance on baptisms Dear colleagues, Reopening applications I am grateful for the careful attention that people are giving to the process of reopening our church buildings. There has been a slow stream of applications most of which focus on the re-opening application…