An excerpt from Encounter magazine.
More than 200 guests flocked to Newcastle City Hall in early September for the 2024 Anglicare Australia national conference.
The theme for the three-day event was ‘A Place for Everyone’, which aimed to capture the work and presence of Anglicare Australia in every community around the country.
Newcastle Anglican Director of Reconciliation Aunty Di Langham opened the conference.
The first keynote address came from Executive Director of The Australia Institute Dr Richard Denniss, who is also an author and public policy commentator.
Following his address, Dr Denniss joined Anglicare Australia Executive Director Kasy Chambers and journalist Fran Kelly in a panel discussion.
Newcastle Anglican Diocesan Chief Executive John Barriga then welcomed guests to the city and shared insights about the organisation.
The afternoon was filled with a history of Anglicare Australia and a ‘Putting People First: Making Change Together’ panel discussion.
On day two, Professor Laurie Buys spoke about her work, which includes studying the real effects felt by older people resulting from changes in their physical, economic, and social life.
Bishop Peter Stuart then gave a keynote address on safeguarding children prior to presentations from Managing Director of Gidgee Group Sean Gordon and the
Director of the Centre of Employment and Equity Bill Mitchell.
On day three, guests were treated to talks by Dr Vanessa Bowden, a lecturer in sociology at the University of Newcastle, and Hugh Mackay AO, who is a social researcher and bestselling author.
Apart from outstanding speakers, the national conference also included an awards ceremony and high-quality workshops and presentations.
Newcastle Anglican was proud to be part of another successful Anglicare Australia conference and looks forward to attending next year’s event.
