The Metropolitan of NSW, Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, has warmly welcomed the appointment of the Rev Dr Stephen Carnaby as the next Bishop of Bathurst.

The Bathurst Diocese has announced Dr Carnaby, who presently serves as the Director of Ministry Development for the Diocese of Tasmania, will take up the role in January 2027.

The bishop-designate was born in Tasmania, studied at Ridley and Moore colleges, and has served in ordained ministry across Tasmania for 18 years, specialising in revitalising parishes.

Describing Dr Carnaby as a gospel-hearted brother and faithful servant of the Lord and his people, Archbishop Raffel welcomed him to NSW on behalf of Sydney Anglicans.

“Dr Carnaby brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role,” he said. “He's an able administrator with a keen and proven record in rural church revitalisation. I'm delighted by his election to be the 12th Bishop of Bathurst and look forward to growing our partnership in serving Jesus in NSW. Stephen and Joanne can be assured of our prayers as they begin a new ministry.”

A consecration will be held in Hobart in November. Dr Carnaby will then be installed as bishop at All Saints’ Cathedral in Bathurst on Saturday, January 16.