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Regional Offices/Representatives
Paul Beeston - Church Relations and Strategic Manager
Paul Beeston was trained at Moore College and has worked in various churches in and around the Sydney region and is excited to now be supporting Sydney churches in our mission to proclaim the gospel of Jesus through the Word and in action throughout the world.
Paul is passionate about getting alongside church leaders and helping them discover how a Compassion Church Partnership will help their churches to show Christ’s love to some of the poorest children in the world, and bring the gospel to children, their families and their communities.
Paul can be found most days driving all over Sydney, keen for a coffee and a chat.
Paul is passionate about getting alongside church leaders and helping them discover how a Compassion Church Partnership will help their churches to show Christ’s love to some of the poorest children in the world, and bring the gospel to children, their families and their communities.
Paul can be found most days driving all over Sydney, keen for a coffee and a chat.
| Email: | pbeeston@compassion.com.au |
| Phone: | 02 4935 5000 extn: 1804 |
Paul Mergard - National Director Child Advocate Network
Paul Mergard led The Salvation Army’s Territorial Mission Team for eight years, and if this wasn’t enough, during this time also headed up the Brisbane Unlimited Conference and developed Project 1:8, a short-term mission program that sent teams to every corner of the world in the name of justice, including Rwanda, Ghana, India and Papua New Guinea. He was a busy man!
Paul Mergard’s heart for children is undeniably woven into his daily life, taking the form of Fairtrade coffee breaks, time spent caring for unruly high school graduates on Schoolies Week as part of the Red Frog Crew and in his 100 per cent dedication to advocating against child slavery and trafficking.
Paul combined this passion with a love of photography and travel to publish a coffee table photo book called “Looking for Hope”, with part of the proceeds invested back into Compassion’s global ministry.
Paul Mergard’s heart for children is undeniably woven into his daily life, taking the form of Fairtrade coffee breaks, time spent caring for unruly high school graduates on Schoolies Week as part of the Red Frog Crew and in his 100 per cent dedication to advocating against child slavery and trafficking.
Paul combined this passion with a love of photography and travel to publish a coffee table photo book called “Looking for Hope”, with part of the proceeds invested back into Compassion’s global ministry.
| Email: | pmergard@compassion.com.au |
| Phone: | 02 4935 5000 ext 1122 |
David Harrison - Partnership Manager: Corporate and Community
David Harrison was raised in working class northeast England. Having trained as an electrical engineer, David secured a number of senior/executive management positions in both the shipbuilding and electrical power industry in the UK and in Australia.
After almost 26 years pursuing a career in the corporate sector, he was captured by the focus and success of child development organisation Compassion Australia, and quickly applied his knowledge and skills to the not-for-profit sector, serving on the organisation’s Executive Leadership Team. He went on to lead the organisation’s largest department responsible for all marketing, fundraising and supporter servicing activities.
Today, he spends his time engaging with business and ministry leaders in Australia’s corporate and community sector, helping to facilitate their personal and corporate desires to help others and engage in greater levels of social responsibility. David has travelled extensively to developing countries and can share a plethora of personal stories and testimonies of children and families impacted by the work of Compassion.
After almost 26 years pursuing a career in the corporate sector, he was captured by the focus and success of child development organisation Compassion Australia, and quickly applied his knowledge and skills to the not-for-profit sector, serving on the organisation’s Executive Leadership Team. He went on to lead the organisation’s largest department responsible for all marketing, fundraising and supporter servicing activities.
Today, he spends his time engaging with business and ministry leaders in Australia’s corporate and community sector, helping to facilitate their personal and corporate desires to help others and engage in greater levels of social responsibility. David has travelled extensively to developing countries and can share a plethora of personal stories and testimonies of children and families impacted by the work of Compassion.
| Email: | dharrison@compassion.com.au |
| Phone: | 0448 835 635 |
Janine Daly – State Manager: Church and Partner Relations – NSW/ACT
Janine Daly’s heart for children was the driving force behind a five year stint as a Children’s Pastor at the Contemporary Christian Centre and can also be seen when she picks up after her own two gorgeous boys, Harrison and Willis. In fact, her love for children inspired her mission trip to India and Bangladesh in February 2009.
Janine and her husband Mark have a desire to empower the local church to become God’s instrument and voice on both a local and global scale.
Janine and her husband Mark have a desire to empower the local church to become God’s instrument and voice on both a local and global scale.
| Email: | jdaly@compassion.com.au |
| Phone: | 02 4935 5000 extn: 1339 |
Troy White - Church Relations Manager – NSW/ACT
Troy White is married with two wonderful kids and lives in Newcastle. He is a passionate advocate for children living in poverty and seeing the local church fulfilling it’s missional call to take the Gospel to all corners of the world.
Troy is an ordained Minister within the Assemblies of God and has been a pastor within a local church and the Principal of Planetshakers Bible College NSW before taking up his current role with Compassion. He is currently nearing the completion of a Masters in Theology and Leadership through Alphacrucis College.
Prior to full-time ministry Troy was in the NSW Police Force for 12 years. He worked on the streets of Liverpool, Cabramatta and Blacktown both in uniform and plain clothes investigations. He spent a short time in the Water Police as a diver, before studying Law and becoming a Police Prosecutor. He was appointed to the rank of Sergeant at the age of 26, becoming the youngest sergeant in the history of the NSW Police Force.
Troy is an ordained Minister within the Assemblies of God and has been a pastor within a local church and the Principal of Planetshakers Bible College NSW before taking up his current role with Compassion. He is currently nearing the completion of a Masters in Theology and Leadership through Alphacrucis College.
Prior to full-time ministry Troy was in the NSW Police Force for 12 years. He worked on the streets of Liverpool, Cabramatta and Blacktown both in uniform and plain clothes investigations. He spent a short time in the Water Police as a diver, before studying Law and becoming a Police Prosecutor. He was appointed to the rank of Sergeant at the age of 26, becoming the youngest sergeant in the history of the NSW Police Force.
| Email: | twhite@compassion.com.au |
| Phone: | 02 4935 5000 extn: 1896 |
Ryan Croxford – C3 Church Relations Manager – NSW/ ACT
Ryan Croxford and his wife Erika were just 19 years old and about to be hitched when they felt God’s call for them to start a church. They began by helping to plant C3 Eastside Church in Merewether, where they served for five years, before moving on to plant and pastor C3 Church Newcastle City in the heart of their hometown.
As well as a pastor, Ryan is also a successful businessman—having developed two companies from the ground up—and a proud dad to his boys, Judah and Jensen.
In his role as a Church and Partner Relations Manager he now desires to help facilitate ‘mission’ and increase the church’s area of influence effectively to communities all over the globe.
Ryan is married with two boys and lives in Newcastle.
As well as a pastor, Ryan is also a successful businessman—having developed two companies from the ground up—and a proud dad to his boys, Judah and Jensen.
In his role as a Church and Partner Relations Manager he now desires to help facilitate ‘mission’ and increase the church’s area of influence effectively to communities all over the globe.
Ryan is married with two boys and lives in Newcastle.
| Email: | rcroxford@compassion.com.au |
| Phone: | 02 4935 5000 extn: 1346 |
Elizabeth (Lil) Hardwicke – Relationships Manager NSW (Regional) and ACT
Lil has experience in children’s, youth and women’s ministry. She is passionate about God’s heart for the poor and seeing individuals and the church as a whole, from rural towns to major cities, rise up and play their part in the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.
Lil has a strong knowledge of scripture, wide denominational and public speaking experience and many stories from her travels to Compassion’s work in 11 developing countries across Africa, Asia and Central/South America. She loves meeting new people and seeing them empowered to use the voice, gifts and abilities God has entrusted to them to change their world, one life at a time.
Lil has a strong knowledge of scripture, wide denominational and public speaking experience and many stories from her travels to Compassion’s work in 11 developing countries across Africa, Asia and Central/South America. She loves meeting new people and seeing them empowered to use the voice, gifts and abilities God has entrusted to them to change their world, one life at a time.
| Email: | ehardwicke@compassion.com.au |
| Phone: | 0448 118 803 |
Andrew Merry - State Manager: Church and Partner Relations – QLD
Andrew Merry was a senior pastor in Victoria for 12 years before joining Compassion Australia as Queensland Church Relations Manager in 2007.
As a former teacher and pastor, Andrew has significant experience speaking in churches of all denominations, as well as at conferences, youth camps and in small group settings.
Having travelled to over 50 countries— and with a passion for seeing children released from poverty—Andrew uses his experiences to breathe life and inspiration into his presentations.
Andrew is a former board member of Tabor College in Melbourne and of Sight Magazine and is currently serving on the board of Moselle, an organisation that exists to confront modern day slavery. A proud father of three and ‘wannabe’ grandfather, Andrew and his delightful wife Lynette live on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
As a former teacher and pastor, Andrew has significant experience speaking in churches of all denominations, as well as at conferences, youth camps and in small group settings.
Having travelled to over 50 countries— and with a passion for seeing children released from poverty—Andrew uses his experiences to breathe life and inspiration into his presentations.
Andrew is a former board member of Tabor College in Melbourne and of Sight Magazine and is currently serving on the board of Moselle, an organisation that exists to confront modern day slavery. A proud father of three and ‘wannabe’ grandfather, Andrew and his delightful wife Lynette live on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
| Email: | amerry@compassion.com.au |
| Phone: | 02 4935 5000 extn: 1872 |
Peter Rees - Church Relations Manager QLD
Peter Rees’ passion for social justice and global missions began when he was 16, after he saved for two years to go on his first mission trip to China. Since then, he has travelled extensively throughout developing nations.
Peter has worked as a community youth worker, youth pastor, high school chaplain and children’s pastor in western Sydney, country NSW and on the mid-north coast with Australian Christian Churches and Christian Outreach Centre. He thrives on sharing his passion for missions, and has spoken at churches, schools, camps and conferences. He believes that ours can be the generation to rise up and end extreme poverty. His desire is that we will see with new eyes the call we have as Christians to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and be empowered to make a real difference to people living in poverty.
Peter has qualifications in business and theology. He enjoys good coffee, good and bad sci-fi movies, but mainly loves sharing his passion for lifting others out of poverty. He lives on the Sunshine Coast with his two cheeky boys, spunky daughter and beautiful wife.
Peter has worked as a community youth worker, youth pastor, high school chaplain and children’s pastor in western Sydney, country NSW and on the mid-north coast with Australian Christian Churches and Christian Outreach Centre. He thrives on sharing his passion for missions, and has spoken at churches, schools, camps and conferences. He believes that ours can be the generation to rise up and end extreme poverty. His desire is that we will see with new eyes the call we have as Christians to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and be empowered to make a real difference to people living in poverty.
Peter has qualifications in business and theology. He enjoys good coffee, good and bad sci-fi movies, but mainly loves sharing his passion for lifting others out of poverty. He lives on the Sunshine Coast with his two cheeky boys, spunky daughter and beautiful wife.
| Email: | prees@compassion.com.au |
| Phone: | 07 54791889 |
Lynette Merry - Senior Child Advocate Network Relations Manager Qld
Lynette Merry was heavily involved in ministry at The Wave Church in Ocean Grove, Victoria, where her husband Andrew was Senior Pastor for 12 years.
Far from shy, Lynette has spoken at conferences to crowds of up to 1000 people about issues of poverty, justice and the value of children. She has travelled the world extensively, exposing Christians to the plight of the poor and the amazing work God is doing around the world through the Church.
Lynette firmly believes that God calls everyone to serve the poor and strives to bring this challenge to the Church.
Far from shy, Lynette has spoken at conferences to crowds of up to 1000 people about issues of poverty, justice and the value of children. She has travelled the world extensively, exposing Christians to the plight of the poor and the amazing work God is doing around the world through the Church.
Lynette firmly believes that God calls everyone to serve the poor and strives to bring this challenge to the Church.
| Email: | lmerry@compassion.com.au |
| Phone: | 02 4935 5000 extn: 1874 |
Scott Hawkins - State Manager: Church and Partner Relations – VIC/ TAS/SA
Scott Hawkins has worked and pastored in four denominations over his 23 years in ministry, including Careforce Church Mt. Evelyn in Melbourne, and as the Director of Youth Alive SA and Schools Ministry Group, overseeing Christian ministry in all government schools.
As a Pastor and Mission Mentor, Scott has had the opportunity to speak with churches and their leadership teams, students in schools and universities, camps, state rallies and conferences. He has worked in inner city urban mission, on the streets, and with victims of alcohol and drug abuse.
Scott has eight surfboards, a collection of loud, crazy shirts, four gorgeous children and just the one wife, Jacqui.
As a Pastor and Mission Mentor, Scott has had the opportunity to speak with churches and their leadership teams, students in schools and universities, camps, state rallies and conferences. He has worked in inner city urban mission, on the streets, and with victims of alcohol and drug abuse.
Scott has eight surfboards, a collection of loud, crazy shirts, four gorgeous children and just the one wife, Jacqui.
| Email: | shawkins@compassion.com.au |
| Phone: | 02 4935 5000 extn: 1835 |
Melody Groenenboom - Child Advocate Network Relations Manager VIC/TAS/SA
Melody joined the Compassion team as Child Advocate Network Relations Manager (VIC/TAS/SA) after working as a school chaplain for three years and completing a BA in Peace and Conflict Studies. These two experiences—investing in the lives of young people and learning about community development and global issues—formed a solid foundation for her work at Compassion.
Melody has also spent time volunteering and learning in South Africa and India, and has trained and led groups in mission exposure trips to the Solomon Islands and South America.
She is passionate about communicating with authenticity and liveliness, and her balance of warmth and depth foster an approach that suits both large groups and small workshops. She loves seeing others use their unique gifts and opportunities to advocate for children and people living in poverty, a passion fuelled by her increasing understanding of global issues and, of course, by God’s intense love for children.
Melody has also spent time volunteering and learning in South Africa and India, and has trained and led groups in mission exposure trips to the Solomon Islands and South America.
She is passionate about communicating with authenticity and liveliness, and her balance of warmth and depth foster an approach that suits both large groups and small workshops. She loves seeing others use their unique gifts and opportunities to advocate for children and people living in poverty, a passion fuelled by her increasing understanding of global issues and, of course, by God’s intense love for children.
| Email: | MGroenenboom@compassion.com.au |
| Phone: | 03 9890 6662 |
Mel French - Child Advocate Network Relations Manager WA/NT
Mel French’s life so far has been jam-packed with youth work and advocacy; she’s studied a degree in Social Science/Youth Work and has 10 years worth of experience working in a variety of community and youth settings, both in Australia and overseas, including Anglicare, Hillside Church, Fusion Australia and London based women’s charity GFS Platform.
Melissa returned to Australia to join Compassion in 2009. With immense energy and desire to see children and young people’s lives changed, Mel is now living out her dream of helping those who are struggling with poverty in the developing world. As the Child Advocate Network Relation’s Manager in WA/NT Melissa passionately encourages Australian Christians to seek justice and life for children in poverty.
In 2010 she married David and together they aim to live to the motto, “live simply so others can simply live”.
Melissa returned to Australia to join Compassion in 2009. With immense energy and desire to see children and young people’s lives changed, Mel is now living out her dream of helping those who are struggling with poverty in the developing world. As the Child Advocate Network Relation’s Manager in WA/NT Melissa passionately encourages Australian Christians to seek justice and life for children in poverty.
In 2010 she married David and together they aim to live to the motto, “live simply so others can simply live”.
| Email: | mfrench@compassion.com.au |
| Phone: | 02 4935 5000 extn: 1339 |
Deb Malcolm - Womens Engagement Specialist/Child Advocacy
Deb Malcolm spent seven years working in the welfare sector with at-risk teenagers and young women before coming to Compassion, where her passion for issues affecting women and children equip her perfectly for the role of Compassion’s Women’s Engagement Specialist.
With qualifications in sports and leisure, business marketing, as well a Diploma in Pastoral Leadership, Deb is a humorous and vibrant communicator who is vehement about cause and effect issues of poverty, including trafficking, sexualisation and education.
Deb specialises in speaking with women’s ministry groups, schools, churches and anywhere she can inspire and mobilise people to action for children and young people.
With qualifications in sports and leisure, business marketing, as well a Diploma in Pastoral Leadership, Deb is a humorous and vibrant communicator who is vehement about cause and effect issues of poverty, including trafficking, sexualisation and education.
Deb specialises in speaking with women’s ministry groups, schools, churches and anywhere she can inspire and mobilise people to action for children and young people.
| Email: | dmalcolm@compassion.com.au |
| Phone: | 02 9898 9422 |
