Sharing the good news of Jesus in Word & deed.

Stu was inducted as the CEO and Superintendent for Wesley Mission in 2021. Wesley Mission is a church comprising nine congregations based in Sydney, and an extensive community organisation comprising around 2000 staff serving Sydney, regional NSW, and the nation. With a storied history spanning over 211 years, Wesley Mission annually impacts the lives of more than 160,000 people as it continues the work of Jesus Christ in Word and deed.

Prior to leading Wesley Mission, Stu served for fifteen as the Lead Minister of Newlife Church in south-east Queensland, a large, church-planting church.

Stu's journey has seen him assume a variety of leadership roles within the Uniting Church, such as General Secretary of the SA Synod, chairperson of Uniting World, and as a
member of the Assembly Standing Committee. He is deeply committed to church
planting, leadership development, and evangelism. Stu has cultivated, and is
involved in extensive cross-denominational networks.

Driven by a passion for making a difference, Stu integrates business principles into his leadership approach, guided by biblical values. Notably, he is a leading advocate for
gambling reform and currently holds a position on the NSW Government's Independent Panel on Gaming Reform.

Stu has been happily married to Sue for over three decades, and they are proud parents of two young adult children, Joel and Emily and parents in-law to Andy. They recently welcomed a new family member, a granddaughter named Rosie.

Since 2012, I’ve had the honour to serve in several chaplain and pastoral roles at Wesley Mission, including my current role, which I took up in 2019, as associate pastor for Wesley International Congregation.

I’m passionate about making disciples of Jesus who go on to make many more disciples. I believe my role is to equip the Church to be the Church.

Before receiving God’s call into ministry, I worked as a change management practitioner in large corporations in Australia and overseas. While grateful for the privilege of being born and raised in South Africa, I feel blessed to now call Australia home.

When I’m not equipping others to know and follow Jesus, I enjoy walking or cycling in nature, dancing, cooking, reading, going to the theatre and connecting with friends and family.

I personally came to know Jesus as a young person when I joined Wesley International Congregation (WIC). In 2001, I joined the WIC staff as a youth intern, and then in 2004, I became their youth pastor, full time.

Since then, I’ve served as their evangelism and missions pastor, lead pastor at Ryde, and currently I’m the senior pastor of WIC.

I’m passionate about helping people meet Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him. I’m devoted to teaching people how to share the love of Jesus with others and to plant churches out of this fruit. What matters most, is seeing lives transformed by Jesus, so that whole cities might be transformed.

With my wife Melissa, we have two children: Nathaniel and Annalise. In my spare time, I enjoy cycling, reading spy novels and anime.

First joining Wesley International Congregation in 1986, several years later, I was called by God to become a pastor. And in 1998, I was appointed to lead a new church called Agape Indonesian Christian Fellowship, which was ordained by the Indonesian Christian Church International. In 1999, Agape affiliated with the Churches of Christ, NSW, and the Synod of Indonesian Christian Fellowship in Indonesia.

As our congregation multiplied and we outgrew our locations, God interceded, and I reconnected with Wesley Mission. After starting a three-year discernment journey, on 1 July 2021, I became senior pastor of Wesley Agape Indonesian Congregation and was commissioned by the Uniting Church of Australia on 15 September 2021.

Prior to ministry, I studied at medical school in Indonesia. When I moved to Australia in 1976, I completed further studies and worked in private pathology and endocrinology for 18 years. With my wife Susana, we have twin daughters and five grandchildren.

I responded to God’s call to ministry in 1992 in New Zealand, when I was just 21 years old. I felt led to become a minister because of the great commandment (to love for God and others) and the great commission (to go and make disciples).

After five years serving as a minister for Wesley Mission, I now lead our Wesley Praise & Preaching Congregation, support Wesley CityHeart Congregation and minister at Wesley Connect. I believe my role is to preach the Word, and empower people to use their gifts to build God’s Kingdom. Before Wesley Mission, I led Sutherland Uniting for 10 years. Born in Tonga, my wife and we have five children.

I have my Bachelor of Ministry, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Theology and Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry. I’m also a Professional Supervisor for Australasian Association of Supervision.

As one of the pastors of Wesley International Congregation’s Ryde service, I’ve had the privilege of leading our Ryde service since 2016, which meets at Excelsia College in Macquarie Park.

Before this, I served as the youth and university pastor for Wesley International Congregation from 2008 to 2015. I’ve also served with global mission movement Youth With a Mission (YWAM), leading several mission trips including a summer camp in the United States. Throughout all my ministry roles, I’ve remained passionate about helping people of all ages encounter Jesus in a fresh and powerful way.

With my wife Elisa, we have four children and live in North Ryde. We’re also certified parent coaches through Connected Families, and have huge hearts for helping parents navigate the complexity of parenting.

My journey into ministry began with serving youth and young adults back in 2011, and continued when I joined Wesley Mission in 2017. Then in 2020, I was appointed Youth Director for Wesley International Congregation (WIC). And what a privilege it is to serve here.

I’m passionate about discipling young people to know God through His Word; to grow, mature and find their identity in Christ, as they explore their unique God-given gifts and personalities. Alongside our WIC staff interns, I help oversee our youth and young adults’ programs (DIGJC Youth and WIC Young Adults, nicknamed ‘YAM’).

Before stepping into this role, I worked in out of school ours care for five years while completing my Bachelor and Master of Theology. Born in India, I’ve been in Australia since 2002 and I’m proud to call Sydney my home.

Since July 2012, my role as Senior Minister has led me to connect with every corner of Wesley Mission, with people in leadership and at the coalface of our community services and congregations. Wesley Mission is a uniquely shaped church, and my role helps us discover what shape God has for our mission in this generation. It’s a tremendous privilege to be part of a church where every day, God’s kingdom values are lived out in tangible ways, seen through the lives and communities transformed.

I’ve been a minister for Wesley Chinese Congregation since 2020. I first responded to God’s calling in 2008 and committed myself and my family to being a full-time pastor.

During a dark and frustrating season of life, the salvation of Jesus Christ came upon my life. God manifested his love, kindness and faithfulness in such vivid ways. Now, Jesus constantly strengthens me physically and spiritually.

As a pastor and shepherd, having a Christ-like heart is vital so I can nurture and care for God’s people with my whole heart and soul. And leading with God’s words and living as a Godly example, is the pathway for my congregation to fulfil God’s purpose for their lives. My heart is for Wesley Chinese Congregation to become a training centre that sends out God’s people to harvest in the local community.

I’m continually amazed by Wesley Mission’s commitment to have chaplains across our services and programs. I too have benefited from receiving chaplain support in my previous role.

Starting as Business Manager for Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention in 2014, I became a Wesley Mission chaplain in 2020, after being inspired by three chaplains.

Before Wesley Mission, I was a marketing manager for a major movie studio, but eventually realised that role didn’t fit well with my Christian faith. I now support staff and people who access Wesley Mission’s community services and Wesley CityHeart Congregation.
As chaplain, I’ve learnt how important it is to anchor myself in God’s sovereignty, so I can support people who are going though dark times.

Together with my wife, we have children who are in high school. I have a Bachelor of Theology and a Graduate Certificate of Forensic Psychology. I’m currently studying a Master of Forensic Mental Health to further equip my work with NSW prisons.

I support Alan Walker village, Wesley Taylor village, David Morgan Centre, Dalmar centre and Homes for Heroes at Narrabeen. This means my geographical area is Carlingford to Narrabeen. When I started at Wesley Mission I told myself this will be a fill-in job until I find something better. I have now been with Wesley Mission for almost 20 years.

My favourite part about being a chaplain is being invited/offered the privilege of sitting with people in some of the darkest and/or brightest moments of their lives.

I have worked for Wesley Mission for 9 years and am the chaplaincy co-ordinator, of all our chaplains across NSW. It is my absolute honour and joy to lead this incredible team of chaplains. I am part of the Senior Leadership at Wesley Mission. My favourite part of being a chaplain is being able to come alongside people, all day, every day. It is an absolute honour to be a chaplain.

I grew up in Northmead, Sydney, and now live in Kenthurst, Sydney. I have an amazing husband, 3 daughters and 2 dogs. I adore my family.

I was born in Sydney at St Margaret’s Hospital when it was across the road from our Wesley Edward Eagar Centre. I’m married and have two sons.I have worked for Wesley Mission for eight years and I am based at the Wesley Edward Eagar Centre, and I also work in homeless/disability support. My work keeps me mostly close to the centre of Sydney, in Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Redfern and Waterloo.

My favourite part about being a chaplain is encouraging people in a life with Jesus and reading the Bible with them.

I’ve been serving people in ministry since 1996, and in 2016, I became a chaplain at Wesley Mission. Prior to ministry I owned a retail ice cream franchise!

Since I was young, I’ve had a strong desire to help others in whatever way possible. As chaplain, I have the privilege to walk alongside people and help them to take ‘good care’ of themselves. I support people from Coffs Harbour through to Ballina and Tweed Heads, serving frontline teams in Wesley Dalmar, Wesley Youth Accommodation, Wesley ParentsNext, Wesley LifeForce and Wesley Home Care.

Born in Newcastle, and adopted at birth into a beautiful family, I grew up on the Central Coast of New South Wales, and now reside in the Northern Rivers. My ideal day includes wearing board shorts while barefoot, drinking espresso coffee at my favourite beach, surfing my local break and finishing off at sunset with some Japanese cuisine.

I started in the out-of-home care team in 2014 and transferred to a chaplain position in September 2020. I have shared with some of the staff that my first role out of university was with Wesley Disability Services back in the 90’s and I have loved returning to support and work with the disability team after many years away. My role is to walk alongside staff through life’s journeys; to provide support to staff and clients of Wesley Mission during the difficult times, either at work or at home, and to celebrate the good times. This support is flexible, confidential, safe and non-judgemental and is for everyone. I love that Wesley Mission values staff and clients so much it has created a role dedicated to supporting people right where they are. I love celebrating victories with people, seeing answered prayer and knowing that I can provide the support people need when they are hurting. I currently support Wesley Disability Services for 4 days a week. These services are all over Sydney and include the adult accommodation services as well as the Intensive Therapeutic Care houses for children with significant disabilities, and the Wesley Disability office staff at Carlingford’s Dalmar House. We have the most amazing, caring staff and beautiful clients and it is a privilege for me to work with them. I also support the Wesley Training Centre at Ermington 1 day a week which includes a range of programs. There are also staff that are interstate and in regional NSW through Wesley Lifeforce. The staff here are dynamic, energetic and incredibly hardworking. I was born and have lived most of my life in Western Sydney. I love being a westie and having such easy access to our beautiful Blue Mountains.

I am a traveller at heart and love experiencing God’s creation. I love roughing it with camping but can also handle a luxury or two if necessary. Whether in my backyard of the Blue Mountains or exploring our amazing country areas and coastlines or across the seas, I love to travel.

In the mid to late 1980’s I worked at the Wesley Dalmar Carlingford site in the disabilities respite residential care home for young people. During the 1990’s I was employed in the Dalmar Carlingford Pre-school as a relief preschool assistant. Work history included E.A. in a high school; E.A. to a Marketing Executive; working in a drug rehabilitation camp in Hong Kong; advertising/marketing manager; luxury house photographic styling and full circle into counselling and pastoral care, returning to my love of working alongside community. Weekends you will locate me with family, friends and finding new places with my husband Tony. I am a foodie; beachgoer, who loves outdoors and travel. The bucket list remains longer than what I can write.
Throughout numerous health and other challenges in my life, God has kept my life on track. He has never left me alone. He is real, present, and His love unmatched. This is why I am a Chaplain.
On our team we support tireless and amazing staff across a wide range of services across the life of Wesley Mission. Most of my role covers the area of Wesley Child and Family Care Delivery. This includes Family Preservation staff, Targeted Early Intervention Services, Financial Counsellors, Gambling Intervention Staff, Escaping Violence Payments, Parents Next and STEP teams.
The biggest question I may get in my role is “do you have to be a Christian to access a Chaplain?” – and the answer is that we seek to be a non-judgemental safe place to everyone. We assist in crisis or practical situations. Chaplaincy may be walk; a coffee; a laugh or when most needed. We are available to Management from Leadership Meetings with staff or when frontline workdays have curve balls thrown in. All our staff are passionate about the restoration of community.
I have seen the impact of extending the hands and feet of Jesus since I was a young girl in my life. As a grandmother, it is a privilege to be working in Wesley where the mission is to help people most at risk– and to support the staff who are assisting individuals.
Married to my best friend and love, Tony for 36 years, we have a village of our own - 3 adult children; 2 married to outstanding in-love family; 3 grandchildren who call me Mimi with cheeky grins and I adore them and help whenever possible.
I pray for the Wesley staff as I drive – that they know that they are appreciated, and how much change they are making each day in the lives of so many.

I’m chaplain to the staff, volunteers and clients of Wesley Mission on the Mid North Coast. I’ve been in this role since July 2021 and you can find me amongst the staff at our Taree and Port Macquarie Offices 3 days a week and out with the community on a Friday. As a chaplain, the thing that I most want people to know is that they are not alone. Emanuel – “God with us” – rings loudly in my soul and so my passion as a chaplain is to be an “along-sider”…. someone who walks beside people and offers a safe space for people to share what’s on their hearts and allow them to explore and find meaning to the deeper questions of their life. And the best thing about that is, I get to meet some amazing people, I get to hear their stories and I get to see where God might be at work in and through their lives. It’s definitely a humbling and sacred journey. As for out of work time…. I love getting out in the great outdoors and you’ll find me mountain biking, kayaking and more recently boogie boarding!! And on the home front… I have a couple of boys, Buddy and Bailey (they are my fur-boys – a kelpie-X and a stumpy tailed blue cattle dog).

I joined the Chaplaincy Team at Wesley Mission in August 2023 and have been a Pastor in the local church for several years. My role with Wesley can take me from one side of Sydney to the other, visiting and talking with and supporting a diverse range of people. I currently visit Taylor Village in Narrabeen, where I meet with the residents and also run a service each week. I also support several disability accommodation homes, Life Skills, and ITCSD homes across Sydney, as well as the roster centre. Here I get to know the staff, clients, residents, join in team meetings, share devotionals and provide support as needed. I also jump in support of our other chaplains and teams across Wesley Mission when needed. I love getting to know all the people both in community and in Wesley Mission, and especially enjoy helping them explore faith. A little bit about me, I was born in rural NSW but have lived in or around the Inner West of Sydney for most of my life. I am married to Jeremy and we have two girls who are an absolute blessing. For fun we enjoy getting outside and exploring new places together and love travelling when we can. My ultimate happy place to unwind is a quiet space by any body of water, preferably with the sunshine!

Hi, as a chaplain I’m here to care for people so that we all become our best selves. I work within Wesley Congregational Life supporting all Wesley staff, volunteers, clients – in fact whoever, within our Hunter and Central Coast areas. I come to you with a history in church leadership, community and child development, fuelled by the desire to consistently create opportunities for all of us to know the God who cherishes each and everyone of us.

I grew up in Western Sydney in a single parent household before moving to Queensland to pursue studies. I finally settled in the Hunter Valley where I raised my family with my wife Jayne. Life is full and busy with two of our grandchildren, Charlotte and Cosworth, living with us.

It’s a joy to working with you in Wesley and if I can be of any encouragement or support then please contact me and we’ll arrange a time to catch up.

I started working with Wesley Mission in February 2021 and I am currently the Minister of the Word / Chaplain at Frank Vickery Village Congregation - Village. I am also the Chaplain who looks after Wesley Kogarah Hospital, a couple of disability houses at Baulkham Hills and Northmead.

I have recently started looking after Home Care Clients as their Chaplain and I enjoy it. As a chaplain I give pastoral support, offer a listening ear, pray for and with you, and journey alongside you with no judgement. I am here to support the clients, patients, all staff, members of the village, and congregation members that I serve. I enjoy meeting people where they are, provide a safe space for them to share their stories. I am blessed with this opportunity to participate in God’s Mission, continuing Jesus’ work in Word and Deed through the power of the Holy Spirit.

I was born here in Australia, and my background is Tongan. I am happily married to Elisepa Kalama Fililava, and we have 3 beautiful children. I love being a parent, taking kids to sport, doing homework with them, and help coach my two sons with rugby at Burraneer Rugby Club. Looking forward to meeting you all, and know that Jesus loves you.

My first career was in the fashion industry which I loved, but soon realised I loved connecting with people more and I embarked on a different path which lead me to joining Wesley Mission in 2014 in the Family Preservation program. Here I got to really value the support of the chaplains and after nearly 9 years, in 2023 was excited to join the chaplaincy team. In this role, my studies in theology and counselling, my previous employment in a church and community services, and my life experience where I have seen God work, combine and allow me the privilege of walking alongside staff, volunteers, and clients, to share the love and hope of God.

I work in Sydney across various services in the community. When I’m not working, I love spending time in nature, hiking, kayaking, reading, good coffee, and hanging out with my loves – my husband, 3 adult children and 2 cats Simba and Suki.