Archbishop announces appointment new Assistant to Bishop of Wollongong
At the meeting of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Sydney on Monday evening 12th November, Archbishop Peter Jensen announced the appointment of Mr Tony Willis as Assistant to the Bishop of Wollongong. Mr Willis replaces Mr Geoff Kyngdon in this role and will commence his position on the 4th of February 2008.
Bishop Alan Stewart, Bishop of Wollongong, hails the appointment of Tony Willis as his Assistant in the Wollongong Region of the Diocese of Sydney. The Wollongong Region is an extensive region of the Diocese which involves the supervision and pastoral care of Anglican parishes in the Illawarra, South Coast, Southern Highlands, Macarthur and Sutherland Shire areas.
"Tony Willis is a man of great godliness and practical wisdom with a wide knowledge of churches and people throughout the Diocese of Sydney," Bishop Stewart said. "I am delighted that he and Archbishop Jensen have agreed that he should take up this new position, for he will bring to the Wollongong region an extensive amount of experience in pastoral work and administration.
"Tony and I have worked closely together for the best part of seventeen of the last nineteen years," the Bishop said. "I look forward to bringing this team work to the Wollongong region. Tony and his wife Judy will soon move to live in the region."
In commenting on the appointment of Tony Willis as Assistant to the Bishop of Wollongong, Archbishop Peter Jensen said "I am very pleased that Tony has accepted my invitation, on the recommendation of Bishop Alan Stewart. His wide experience in administration, coupled with his theological knowledge and personal qualities make him admirably fitted for this important role."
Mr Willis trained as a Science Teacher, and taught in a number of schools. He holds the degree of Bachelor of Theology from Moore Theological College. Following his teaching career, he spent ten years as Administrator of Centennial Park Parish. He was then involved in recruiting Christians into teaching as a career, and since 2002 has been Director of Training for Youthworks, the youth ministry arm of the Diocese of Sydney. He also served as interim CEO of Youthworks until the appointment of the new CEO.
Tony Willis is married to Judy and they have two daughters and six grandchildren. He confirms that his interests are his grandchildren and V8 Supercars.
Contact: Bishop Alan Stewart 0412 781 777
Margaret Rodgers 0411 692 499 (W) 9265 1507
