Author Archives: Hannah Gately

  1. Financial Services Committee Vacancy

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    QB would like to invite expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced members of our churches to fill a vacancy on the Financial Services Committee (FSC) from January 2026. FSC currently meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 4pm at the QB Centre Gaythorne and online. As per the QB Constitution and By-Laws,  

    B8.01 Financial Services Committee 

    The Financial Services Committee shall on behalf of the Board be responsible for the financial and property matters relating to the operation of QB. 

    B8.02 Financial Services Committee shall comprise the following: The Director of QB Church Services, the Director of Operations, the Director of Financial Services and two (2) additional members appointed by the Board.  A quorum of the Financial Service Committee is three (3) voting members including at least one (1) of the Board appointees, and resolutions must be passed by a minimum of three (3) voting members. 

    B8.03 The responsibilities of Financial Services Committee are: 

    B8.03 (a) To make decisions and recommendations as specified in the Delegations of Financial Authority approved by the Board. 

    B8.03 (b) To recommend salaries, emoluments, and reimbursements to be paid to and the terms of appointment and employment of salaried officers, appointees or employees of QB. 

    B8.03 (c) To arrange for the examination and auditing of the accounts of QB and affiliated organisations and to appoint auditors of such accounts. 

    B8.03 (d) To promote efficiency and uniformity in matters of accounting and investment of funds of QB. 

    B8.03 (e) To assist the Director of Operations in advising the Board, Charter Groups and Churches on properties and sites as and when required and where necessary make recommendations to the Board on the purchase and sale of such properties. 

    B8.03 (f) To advise the Board regarding policies, principles and procedures of any trading activities of QB. 

     

    If you have any questions and expressions of interest, please contact Quintin Hickling, Director of QB Operations at quintin.hickling@qb.org.au  

  2. Kids Holiday clubs across the QB Movement

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    While many ministries across our movement quiet down for the two weeks of school holidays, there are lots that get even busier. Last week QB churches ran kids holiday programs right across the state. Thousands of children attended anywhere between 3 and 5 days of these programs, lots of whom are not regular attenders of church. These kids had the opportunity to hear the good news of Jesus, experience the love and belonging of being a part of God’s family, and have such a fun time all the while. 

    From Townsville to Sunnybank and Wynnum churches ran holiday programs themed around exploring under the sea, the jungle and navigating keeping Jesus as their “true north”. Each of these programs, with their own unique flavour and theme, pointed kids back to the same good news — that they are loved by God and belong in His family. Kids all across the state were given the opportunity to accept Jesus as Lord for the first time or recommit their lives to Him. 

    A huge thank you to all of the leaders who volunteered their time to come and run these programs. Thank you for helping the children you serve feel loved and seen, and thank you for showing God’s love to the kids that came. It was a joy to see and hear stories of junior leaders having the opportunity to step up and of senior leaders growing in the way God has gifted them.  

    There are still some holiday programs running this week, so please keep those children and leaders in your prayers. Please pray for the kids that attended last week, that what they learnt and experienced would have a lasting effect on their lives. Please also pray for the community families of these children, that they would see God’s love in their kids and that they too would come to know God for themselves. 

  3. Helping the Venezuelan Baptist Community

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    Two devastating earthquakes have struck northern Venezuela, causing widespread destruction as the number of deaths continues to climb significantly. People are now homeless and urgently need aid. 

    Baptist World Aid is working with local Baptist Partners in the region to provide emergency relief. Your gift could help provide families with food, blankets and hygiene kits, so they can survive and recover. 

    You can give here: bwaa.co/venezuela 

    Please pray for churches as they respond to people’s needs, for strength and protection for emergency workers, and for comfort, healing and provision for affected families. 

    Please pray for:

    • Recovery efforts: that God would strengthen families as they begin the long journey of rebuilding their lives, homes and livelihoods, and guide those working alongside communities to restore stability in the months ahead.  
    • Emergency personnel: for wisdom, provision, and endless strength for those working in the affected areas.  
    • Peace instead of panic: for a peace that surpasses all understanding, the protection of those who are displaced, and the prompt restoration of public services.  
    • Impacted families: that God would comfort those mourning the loss of loved ones, heal those who are injured, and enable vulnerable people to meet their needs. 

  4. Queensland’s Reportable Conduct Scheme is now in effect

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    Last Wednesday marked an important milestone in strengthening safeguarding across Queensland, with the commencement of the Reportable Conduct Scheme.

    The scheme requires organisations working with children and young people to identify, report and investigate concerns about worker conduct that may pose a risk to children. It applies to an estimated 10,000 organisations across Queensland, including early childhood education and care, government departments, accommodation and residential services, schools and hospitals, religious bodies, services for children with disability, and those working in youth justice and child protection. 

    All QB Churches now need to comply with the requirements of the Reportable Conduct Scheme.  

    Click here to learn more about the scheme. 

    If you or your church leaders have not yet attended one our QB Training events talking about the new Child Safe Standards and Reportable Conduct Scheme, click here to register for one of our final training events. 

  5. Marriage Celebrants Training

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    It is a requirement for all Marriage Celebrants to undertake regular refresher training to maintain their licence. We have one more Marriage Celebrants Training this year. If you have not completed one of these refreshers in the last 4 years, please register here for one of the courses below (the course is free of charge for QB Ministers). More courses will be scheduled in 2027. For further enquiries contact registration@qb.org.au. 

  6. Prepare Enrich Zoom Days

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    Prepare-Enrich training is for anyone who wants the skills and resources to help couples build strong, lasting relationships. Attending one of the two Zoom days will certify you as a Prepare-Enrich facilitator and teach you how to use the Prepare-Enrich assessment with couples to provide personalised insights and relationship feedback. The workshop also allows you to meet other Facilitators, ask questions along the way, and tailor the workflow to your specific application. 

    Anyone is welcome to attend, including those who have done the training in the past but would like a refresher. There is a discounted ticket option for those in the Australian Baptist Network, such as those studying at Morling College or involved in Baptist pastoral ministry in Associations/Unions across Australia. This training is a pre-requisite for NSW and ACT Baptist accredited and recognised ministers (or approved candidates) wanting to apply for a marriage licence, as well. 

    This year the NSW and ACT Baptist Association will be hosting two options for Prepare-Enrich training. They will be delivered by PE Trainer Rev Dr Keith Mitchell. Keith has over 30 years’ experience in marriage education and enrichment using the PE tool and delivering relationship education seminars through organisations such as Interrelate. 

    For details, and to register, head to: 

  7. CES Connect Day

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    The QB Christian Education Services (CES) Connect Day, held on Monday 15 June, brought together leaders from Baptist schools for a day of connection, encouragement, and professional growth. The event centred on strengthening leadership and deepening understanding of how teams’ function within school communities, with participants including senior leaders, principals and board members. The morning began with a time of connection with our monthly QB Gathering, creating space for fellowship and shared purpose across our movement.  

    A highlight of the morning session was the sharing of stories from Bayside Christian College, Carinity Education and Hillcrest Christian College. Brian Grimes from Bayside offered insights into their new building program, while Hillcrest spoke about its continued growth and future vision, including planning for Village Yard Christian School. Lyn Harland from Carinity Education shared about their City-Country partnership with Wadja Wadja High School.  

    After a shared morning tea, delegates heard from key speakers, Kevin Griffiths (CEO of Carinity) and Jonno White (Clarity Group Global), who offered leadership insights and practical tools for building effective teams. Kevin shared lessons from his leadership experience, while Jonno introduced the Working Genius framework and led a workshop to help participants better understand their strengths and team dynamics. Together, these sessions equipped leaders with practical strategies to strengthen collaboration and culture within their schools, making the day both highly engaging and deeply valuable for all who attended. 

  8. AWAKEN Night

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    You’re invited to QB Conference Awaken Night. A free event on Tuesday 14th April, 5.30pm at Riverlife Baptist Church. There’ll be food trucks, live music, passionate worship and a message from Dave Shepherd.

    We’ll be asking God to awaken us to what He’s doing in our generation, our cities and our state.

    This is a moment to gather with hundreds from our QB family, seek God together, and believe for Him to move in power in our churches and communities. 

    QB Awaken Conference 2026 – Y&YA on Vimeo

  9. Stronger Churches Workshop – Managing and Maintaining Property

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    QB Stronger Churches Workshops aim to resource Church Leaders and Administrators towards Best Practice in Governance, Risk and Compliance.

    The next Workshop will focus on Managing & Maintaining Property. Topics explored will include:

    – Trustee Arrangements
    – Maximising your Property Development for the Kingdom
    – Asset management
    – Facility Hire
    – Boundary Management
    – Modifying Facilities 

    Two workshops will be held on:  

    Wed 25th March 7:00pm – 9:30pm – Online via MS Teams  

    Sat 30th May 9am – 12noon – In-person Workshop – This workshop is designed specifically for our CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Churches).  
    It will be held at Kingsridge Baptist Church, 12 Portia St, Kingston QLD 4114.

    To register you or your team for one of these workshops please register here – QB Stronger Churches – Property Matters Workshop Registration – Fill out form 

    View Event Brochure Here

  10. Carinity – Friendships bloom in aged care home

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    Sometimes, the most meaningful friendships blossom by simply being in the right place at the right time. 

    For residents of the Carinity Brownesholme aged care home in Highfields, cherished friendships have sprung from sitting beside each other at lunch, singing together during a concert, or striking up conversation over a game. 

    Shared experiences often bring people together, and that’s certainly the case for Joyce Knowles, Gayle Gardner and Maureen Town. The three women have hearing difficulties and met during activities organised by aged care staff. 

    Company is very important to all three, and together they enjoy playing cards, competing at bingo and heading on bus trips. They say spending time together as friends “strengthens our minds, our outlook and our love for one another”. 

    Having been seated together for lunch, Valerie Carland, Wendy Steel and Audrey Isambert have become close friends. 

    “Wendy and Audrey have offered emotional support and feel like extra family. They’re good sports and beautiful company,” Valerie said. 

    “We enrich each other’s lives by helping each other through tough times, offering comfort, building confidence and providing a sense of belonging.” 

    Another resident, Pam Kennedy, hadn’t been able to get out and socialise for nearly two years before joining the Carinity Brownesholme community. 

    Pam was struggling with loneliness after losing her husband – so making friends brought a sense of connection and support. 

    “My friends have a warm nature and we share values. It can get lonely in your room. I always encourage new residents to join the activities organised by staff,” Pam said. 

    For Margot Cox, moving into Carinity Brownesholme gave her back some of the freedom she’d lost over the years. 

    “I wasn’t socialising very much. It was difficult getting into a bus or car. I’ve been fortunate to find friends easily since moving here. I have so many friends through my home. All different, but all special,” she said. 

    Sharing kindness with so many new people has made Margot’s new home feel like a “big family”. 

    For Fay McMahon, Valmai Fowler and Iris Lewis, knowing there’s a friendly face nearby has made the adjustment to living in aged care a little easier. 

    The group of friends go out of their way to greet new residents, offering a warm ‘hello’ to help everyone feel welcome. 

    “Feeling connected helps to avoid loneliness. We don’t know what they’re going through, so we just try to make them feel welcome.”