The running of Anglican Youthworks' camping division and Port Hacking site have been combined under the leadership of a youth ministry stalwart.
The Rev Jodie McNeill has been appointed as Youthworks' new director of camping and Port Hacking.
Mr McNeill has been working for Anglican Youthworks for the last five years and is currently director of the Year 13 program at Youthworks College.
The role of director of camping and director of Port Hacking will be combined for the first time under Mr McNeill's leadership.
"It's an honour and privilege to continue the strong heritage of camping ministry and to think about how to use this amazing resource of staff, property and facilities to benefit Sydney's youth and adults," Mr McNeill says.
As director of camping, Mr McNeill will oversee all Youthworks' camping properties and programs and also have specific responsibility for the four Port Hacking campsites.
"Having been a part of Youthworks for the last five years, I have seen a lot of what the camping division has been doing and the significant place it plays in Youthworks and the Diocese," he says.
"I am very much looking forward to working alongside the staff and learning how they have made such a difference to youth in schools and churches."
Youthworks CEO gives thanks
Previous director of Port Hacking, the Rev Andrew Hudson, will conclude his role this Christmas after 12 years in the position.
Youthworks CEO the Rev Zac Veron is very thankful for Mr Hudson's long-term commitment to Youthworks' ministry.
"We thank Andrew for the enormous contribution he has made in this role and also when he was in the role of director of camping. He will be missed," Mr Veron says.
Youthworks’ current director of business & finance John Cross will also complete his role as director of the camping division to allow for Mr McNeill to take on the new role.
Mr Cross has been director of the camping division on two occasions.
He most recently held the position from early 2005 to the present and has been the director for a total of over two decades. He will continue as director of business and finance.
Mr Veron is extremely confident that Mr McNeill's appointment is the best way forward for Youthworks' ministry.
"Both John and I are very excited with the appointment of Jodie. He brings many great qualities to the position, as well as a passion for ministry to young people," Mr Veron says.
"He has extensive knowledge of the Diocese and youth ministry in Sydney. We believe Jodie will be a godly and energetic leader and will continue to grow and develop the camping division into the future."
Mr McNeill will commence his new role in January. No replacement has been named for the role of director of Year 13.
However, the Year 13 ministry is looking to double in size next year, with an expected 50 students in the 2008 program.
