1 Oct
9:30 am
Tabor College
Building Communities of Hope
You are invited to a community transformation event with church
& community leaders from across Australia.
These events unite individuals, churches and community leaders to inspire, equip one another in living out the way of Jesus in their communities. We are privileged to have several distinguished keynote speakers and supporters of COACH Network join us, each a leader in their field and instrumental in community transformation across churches and organisations working in a variety of sectors.
Along with keynote speaker sessions, each event features a story telling panel with leading practitioners.
The Together For Communities events promise to be a space of inspiration, connection and collaboration.
Keynote Speakers
Queensland
Luke Montgomery is the Project Manager at Our Neighbourhood, a not-for-profit initiative by Ipswich Connect, where he oversees the planning and delivery of projects that support local communities.
With a practical and collaborative approach, Luke helps turn community needs into achievable project outcomes. His work has contributed to meaningful community impact by supporting initiatives that strengthen connections, improve local participation, and create lasting benefits for the people Our Neighbourhood serves.
South Australia
Ian Dicks is Dean of Ministry Practice and Lecturer in Ministry Engagement and Missiology at Tabor College, Adelaide. Originally from Adelaide, Ian and his wife Wendy spent more than 20 years working interculturally among the Muslim Yawo people in Malawi with Baptist Mission Australia. Their work involved sharing the good news, establishing communities of Jesus’ followers, and serving alongside local communities.
During their time in Malawi, Ian explored Yawo culture, worldview, oral traditions, rituals, and everyday life in order to better understand the communities among whom they lived and served. Ian and Wendy also worked with local communities on practical development initiatives, including establishing nurseries and sustainable woodlots to help meet local firewood needs.
Ian also served for 14 years as director and senior editor of a bilingual dictionary project, which produced two bilingual dictionaries and two smartphone dictionary apps to support Yawo-speaking students learning English for secondary education.
Over the past 10 years, Ian has served as Senior Pastor at Moonee Ponds Baptist Church in Melbourne, where he helped lead the church in local mission. This included overseeing the reshaping of the church’s Community Meal ministry into an Empowered Faith Community, now regularly attended by 40–50 people living on the social and economic margins.
Victoria
Rose Vincent is a passionate community builder and leader whose work centres on creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where people can connect, belong and flourish.
As part of Cornerstone Community, Rose serves as CEO of Neighbourhood Collective Australia (NCA), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building stronger, resident-led communities where everyone belongs. Recognised for its work alongside grassroots communities, NCA places local knowledge, lived experience and community aspirations at the heart of everything it does.
NCA is also the founder and manager of The Old Church on the Hill (TOCH) in Bendigo, a thriving community hub that has grown from a neighbourhood garden into a vibrant place of connection, support and shared life. Rose has been closely involved in TOCH’s development and has helped nurture a wide range of community initiatives, including a community garden, food pantry, library, weekly lunches, music programs and multicultural playgroups.
Rose’s leadership reflects a deep belief in the power of community to reduce isolation, build relationships and support wellbeing. Known for her warmth, vision and commitment to people, she continues to inspire others through her dedication to hospitality, inclusion and grassroots community development.
New South Wales
Sharon was appointed Mission Australia’s CEO in 2022. Adopting a servant-leadership style and a strong strategic focus, Sharon is committed to Mission Australia’s vision of building hope and possibility for all.
She has extensive experience in the Christian not-for-profit sector and managing large community service organisations, particularly within the aged care and social services sectors.
Sharon holds a Graduate Diploma from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor Degree in Health Administration, and is a Registered Nurse. She is Deputy Board Chair of James Milson Village. Sharon currently worships at Mary Immaculate Church: Diocese of Broken Bay.
8 Oct
10:00 am
Riverlife Baptist Church
Together for Communities – QLD 2026
15 Oct
9:00 am
St John's Anglican Church
Together for Communities – NSW 2026
22 Oct
9:00 am
Crossway Baptist Church
Together for Communities – VIC 2026
25th March 2025
5th September 2025
9th September 2025
11th September 2025
Queensland
Chair of Seedbeds Australia
Duncan is the Founder and Managing Director of Brisbane Valley Protein, a pioneering agricultural enterprise. Previously, Duncan had a distinguished career in journalism. He also served as CEO of SU Qld, and is the founder of Capacity Builders. Currently, Duncan is Chair of Seedbeds Australia and serves as a pastor.
Victoria
Executive Director of Micah Australia
Tim is one of Australia’s most respected community leaders and a sought after voice on social justice issues. He is Executive Director of Micah Australia and Director of Ethical Voice. For 13 years, Tim was Chief Executive of World Vision Australia. His earlier roles included National President of the Baptist Union of Australia and Mayor of St Kilda.
New South Wales
CEO & Superintendent Minister of Wesley Mission
Stu is CEO and Superintendent Minister of Wesley Mission, an ordained Uniting Church Minister and qualified accountant. He is a purpose-driven entrepreneur and collaborative leader who loves to weave business principles into his biblically informed leadership. He is passionate about advocacy and stewardship.
Join us for a day of learning, sharing, and growth as we work together to make a positive impact in our communities.
Featuring Contributors from:
