New CEO of Anglican Youthworks announced

ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF SYDNEY
NEWS RELEASE
2 April, 2007

New CEO of Anglican Youthworks announced today

Dr Peter Jensen, Archbishop of Sydney announced today the appointment of the Rev Zac Veron as the new CEO of Anglican Youthworks.

Mr Veron, who is presently Rector of the parish of St George North succeeds Bishop Alan Stewart, the recently appointed Bishop of Wollongong , as the Youthworks CEO.

Dr Glenn Davies, Bishop of North Sydney, who is the Chairman of the Youthworks Council expressed his pleasure at Mr. Veron's appointment.

"Zac has an accountancy background and has demonstrated in the past outstanding leadership qualities in his present position as Rector of St George North," Bishop Davies said. "His particular expertise in vision casting has enabled him to inspire and encourage others to share his vision."

"The Youthworks Council believes that Zac will continue to build on the foundation laid by Alan Stewart as CEO. Zac is a senior clergyman in the Diocese of Sydney and has exercised leadership potential not only at Standing Committee but on the Diocesan Mission Board. We believe that Zac’s commitment to bringing the gospel to children and youth will enable Youthworks to develop and grow into the future," Dr Davies said.

The Rev Zac Veron will commence as CEO in mid-August. He has indicated his excitement at taking up his new position in the Diocese of Sydney, although he admits he will miss his parish ministry. Since his appointment, St George North parish has expanded from a small size congregation to becoming one of the larger parishes in the Diocese of Sydney.

"I am very much looking forward to working with the other 120 staff
of Youthworks," Mr Veron said. "our aim is to bring many more young people to know Jesus, and then to equip them to mature as Christians, with a view to them also playing an active part in the expansion of God’s kingdom and serving him in
his world.

“I am excited by the desire expressed by the Youthworks Council to have a global focus for this ministry, for Youthworks has a unique and significant ministry that is hardly replicated anywhere in the Christian world," he said. "I am praying God will use us to reach many more young people for Christ, globally.”

“I believe I will bring to Youthworks strong leadership, strategic planning, vision setting, financial and Bible teaching skills.”
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Zac Veron is married to Sheree and they have three daughters. Zac enjoys spending his spare time with his family at the beach, as well as body surfing, fishing, and taking long energetic walks. He is a keen photographer

Anglican Youthworks which has a $12 million annual budget, and a staff of 120 people has four main foci of ministry.

1. Youthworks College which is committed to training people for ministry to children and young people and offers Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses in theology, with an application focus on ministry to young people. There are currently 60 students studying at the College. In addition the College offers a Year 13 program in partnership with parishes and schools and has 26 students involved.

2. The Publishing arm of Youthworks provides resources for parish and school ministries as well as a number of adult resources. The Connect material for Scripture in Schools, resources Bible teaching to over 130,000 children each week. Materials are also provided for High Schools and church based children's and youth ministries.

3. Youthworks Conference Centres are located at Port Hacking, Nowra and Springwood. These sites provide a wonderful setting for parish weekends away and are also involved in providing Outdoor Education programs to schools during the week. Through the gospel focus of the programs, over 20,000 school children are presented with the message of Jesus each year.

4. The Training Division team at Youthworks are meeting up with SRE teachers, children's ministers, youth ministers and clergy weekly. Training and support is offered in the parish setting day by day to resource the ongoing ministry with young people.

CONTACT: Rev Zac Veron 0408 446 228
Tony Willis (Acting CEO) 0412 796 276
Margaret Rodgers 0411 692 499