TEAM
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Chaplain – Parramatta Law Courts
Tod Anderson
Tod has been part of our Parramatta Local Court team since February 2022 providing support to people interacting with the Court and as a one on one facilitator of the PLP Program at Parramatta. Tod has completed training in pastoral care and theology subjects and continues his professional development in Chaplaincy through ongoing study.
Chaplain – Downing Centre Law Courts | Spiritual Retreat Coordinator
Allison Bennett
Allison has been involved in court work for 6 years. She enjoys the PLP Program and the opportunities it gives to sit with people as they examine their lives and choices. She finds it a humbling experience because every human being is flawed and it takes courage to change. Allison has been a high school teacher previously and particularly enjoys leading spiritual retreats which she has done for over 20 years.
Positive Living Skills Facilitator | Secretary
Ken Bennett
Ken started volunteering as a Positive Living Skills Program facilitator in late 2016 at Downing Centre Law Courts. After retiring from civil engineering, Ken found it rewarding to find a new challenge in sitting with men of various ages he would otherwise not interact with, who are before the courts and struggling with life difficulties. He finds it a fulfilling experience to spend this personal time with men and challenge them to gain a better understanding of themselves and of their life, and give them the opportunity to address the issues that hold them back from living life in the best possible way.
Chaplain – Parramatta Law Courts
Anna Davidson
Anna’s husband is a pastor and they have been in parish ministry for over 40 years. In June 2023, she completed a Diploma of Ministry and retired from paid work. In October 2023, she joined the NSW Court Chaplains Association and is working with the Chaplaincy team at Parramatta Court. Anna values opportunities to show the hope and love of Jesus by caring for and supporting those who are dealing with the court system. She is a trained PLP Program Facilitator and considers it a privilege to walk alongside people exploring important life issues..
Downing Centre Law Courts | Web Designer
Robert Evangelista
I’m a Christian, born in the Philippines and my wife is Korean. I have three children, and enjoy watching movies, basketball and love listening and playing music. I work full time in retail, volunteer for the SES and also volunteer as a Community Care Representative, assisting the Chaplains at the Downing Centre. I am a trained Facilitator of the PLP Program.
Downing Centre Law Courts
Ethel-Terra Clottey
I was born and raised in Accra, Ghana and migrated to Australia to attend university. Upon graduation, I worked for different organizations but currently work for NSW Department of Education. Volunteering has been my passion for many years and now I volunteer with NSWCCA and part of the Court Chaplaincy team at the Downing Centre Law Court Travelling, literature, dancing, driving, walking, shopping and singing are my favourite things to do aside from work and I am a member of the Good Vibrations Choir.
Chaplain – Parramatta Law Courts
John Gohari
Born in Egypt but grew up in Australia. Worked for the government all my professional career and retired as a maintenance engineer. I enjoy networking, and community volunteering and have a deep passion for helping people of all persuasions to develop self-awareness, a positive lifestyle and life transformation.
Chaplain – Parramatta Law Courts
Joycelyn Komet Philips
I was born and raised in Papua New Guinea and a mother of two beautiful daughters. I work as a Hospital Chaplain and volunteer with the Chaplaincy team at Parramatta Local Court. I am also a trained Facilitator of the Positive Living Skills Program. I have a deep passion for Women’s Ministry and been active in Women’s Ministry since 2007. I have held Women’s Ministry Leadership roles in various churches I have attended and love being involved with volunteer work, mostly in helping people in the Community. As a Christian and follower of Christ, my purpose is to serve with love and help those in need being non-judgemental as Christ led by example for me.
Downing Centre Law Courts
Garry Jones
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Chaplain – Downing Centre Law Courts
Rob Haigh
I have a real passion for mentoring people in active addiction or those that are transitioning into recovery. I have experience in working in outreach and connecting with outreach organisations and I am committed to supporting vulnerable people and their family members. I am a father of three boys who worked in sales and property development for 25 years. I’m currently working as a Chaplain at the Downing Centre Law Courts and is trained in the PLP Program.
Chaplain – Wyong Local Court
Lynne McGrath
.Hi, I’m Lynne I have a passion and strong ability in mentoring those who are facing challenging situations in any area of life to foster personal motivation, dignity, growth, and empowerment. I love God, people and community. I have worked in pastoral care and Chaplaincy roles for many years my qualifications are: Diploma in Community Services – Case Management Diploma Community Services -Mental Health. Cert IV Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care Cert IV Counselling & Communication Skills
Chaplain – Downing Centre Law Courts
Kathie Ponting
Kathie has a background of working with vulnerable people for the past 45 years. This has included people with disabilities, older citizens, substance abusers. She has worked for NSW government as a Public Guardian, and as an Official Community Visitor. Kathie has also been a non-legal advocate for a Community Legal Centre. She has been involved in pastoral care through her church for many years, and is a Chaplain with Chaplaincy Australia. Kathie has recently retired from paid work, and is enjoying life! Travel and time with her friends and her daughter figure largely in this enjoyment.
Chaplain – Parramatta Law Courts
Tim Ralston
I am a trained Chaplain and welfare worker, who has worked in a variety of contexts. I am passionate about supporting and helping people change or help them find solutions to problems they encounter. I am a tragic AFL supporter following the Sydney Swans, and love to fish. I am a Chaplain at Parramatta courts, where I support people through going the court process, when people are often feeling anxious and frightened.
Chaplain – Sutherland Court | Financial Counsellor
Bernadette Redford
Hornsby Local Court
Joan Stanton
I like to travel and do crossword puzzles. A mother of 5 children and a grandmother of 13 grandchildren. My life is quite busy as I’m also involved in my church as well as currently working at Hornsby Court as part of the Court Chaplaincy team. I am also a trained Facilitator of the PLP program for NSW Court Chaplains Association.
Parramatta Law Courts
Dr Daniel Sze
Daniel currently serves as a First Nations Gospel Worker with the Baptist Mission Australia and serves among First Nations people in urban and regional NSW. Daniel is also serving in NSW Court Chaplains Association with the heart to help the First Nations people by sharing the love of Jesus through practical, emotional and spiritual support provided in court settings.
Parramatta Law Courts
Shirley Teh
Shirley has been an active volunteer for many years as a Pastoral Carer in her local church and in Age Care facility. She is passionate about caring for others especially walking alongside and supporting people who are going through challenging times in their lives. Shirley has completed training in Pastoral Counselling and embarking on her journey as a Chaplain and PLP Program Facilitator. Shirley currently works as part of the Chaplaincy team at Parramatta Court.
Chaplain – Downing Centre Law Courts
Tom Teh
Recently retired accountant with over 40 years’ experience in industry and commerce. Passionate about engaging in gospel conversations one-on-one. A parishioner at Auburn Anglican. Married with two adult daughters. Enjoy travelling, bushwalking, watching sports and eating foods from all over the world.
Chaplain – Penrith Law Courts | Web Designer
Phillip Thomas
Phillip semi-retired in 2013, following business and career success in financial services, financial markets, software development and education. Phillip was encouraged in his volunteering from a young age by the example set by community-minded parents. He enthusiastically serves the community including long periods of service with St John Ambulance Australia, as a director and chairman of a Christian school, as a foster carer, as a financial capability coach for a national charity, and now as a part of the NSW Court Chaplains Association. Phillip enjoys the satisfaction that comes from helping others and as an expression of his Christian faith. Phillip’s other interests include the Korean martial arts of Taekwondo and Hapkido, tinkering with technology, playing guitar and bass, swimming, walking and reading. He lives with his wife and two children who are both at university.
Coffs Harbour Court
Nathalie Turner
Prior to moving to Coffs Harbour, Nathalie was a former Victorian Criminologist who specialised in working with high-risk individuals needing support and guidance. She began volunteering for her local church and not long after, was offered a role as part of Lifehouse Care Crisis Support team, working alongside their Op-shops and Food Pantries. Nathalie is passionate about meeting people where they are at and showing them there is hope and a plan for their future. She enjoys reading books, baking sweet treats, and usually has minties in her handbag for moments like these.
Penrith Law Courts
Adam Waddington
I am a Registered Nurse and Midwife with a strong background in critical care. For the past 13 years, I have been working as a Flight Nurse for NSW Air Ambulance. I recently joined NSW Court Chaplaincy Association and am thoroughly enjoying my volunteer work at Penrith Courts. I am passionate about walking alongside people as they face challenging situations. PLP Program provides an opportunity to engage with participating individuals and throughout the process, it is a blessing to see change and growth. I also enjoy working alongside my wife Lyndy.
Chaplain – Newcastle Law Courts
Mariki Venter
I am a South African-born Australian from early 2001. Life has taken me to many countries, places and through many experiences which have prepared me for where I am now. I love animals, nature and food from different cultures, but my passion is people, especially the vulnerable, lost and those in need. As a qualified counsellor, Chaplain, life coach and facilitator of the Positive Living Skills Program, I have the privilege to come alongside people on their journey of discovery of their true self, change, growth and healing. I believe in True Hope and that gives me the strength, loving-care and courage to do what I do.” Currently I am Facilitating the PLP Program for NSWCCA with guys who have matters before the Court and who are participants of Connect Global Rehabilitation Centre at Swan Bay.
Chaplain – Penrith Law Courts
Lyndy Waddington
I have been in ministry for 12 years, working on staff at my church for the past 5 years. I hold degrees in Rehabilitation Counselling, Social Work and a Masters in Chaplaincy. I have worked in a variety of areas including aged care, prisons, hospitals and community chaplaincy. I consider it a privilege to be invited into people’s lives as they share themselves with you. I enjoy the PLP Program as it provides a supportive, non-judgemental, collaborative space where people can reflect and explore their growth options and continue to develop their capacity to learn from their experiences.
Chaplain – Hornsby Local Court
Kerry Wills
My passion is showing God’s love through helping people of all ages, including Special Religious Education in a local primary school, driving people to medical appointments through LinC (Love in the name of Christ), chaplaincy work at Hornsby Hospital and Hornsby Court, and being a PLP Facilitator. I have a husband, three daughters and ten grandchildren, and I enjoy doing something creative for leisure.
