Susy Thomas
Moderator
The Moderator of the Uniting Church WA is the pastoral head of the church. Their role is to be a spokesperson for the church, and to also guide the church throughout their three-year term. Moderator, Susy Thomas was installed as Moderator of the Uniting Church WA during the opening worship of the 44th Annual Meeting of the Synod of Western Australia on Friday, 11 September 2020.
Susy was born into a Christian family in Kerala, India, raised to act justly, with mercy and to walk humbly with God, never being ashamed of the gospel. She completed a Bachelor of Economics in India and met her husband Philip, before she relocated to London to be with him and begin a family. In 1982, Susy, Phillip and their two daughters migrated to Perth, Western Australia.
After working as a teacher in Perth, Susy took on the role of CEO of Drug Arm WA, now called Hope Community. In this challenging role, Susy supported disadvantaged people in the suburbs of Perth.
Susy has chosen Romans 15: 13 as her theme for her three-year term. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”. Susy felt this verse came to her from God, and was a great verse to support people through all the challenges of 2020 so far. “I thought, ‘what a wonderful God to give this hope to God’s chosen people’,” she said.
Rev Andrew Williams
General Secretary
Rev Hannes Halgryn, BA (Psychology), BA Hons (Psychology), BTh, Dip Counselling
Associate General Secretary
Rev Hannes Halgryn was appointed as Associate General Secretary (Strategy) for the Uniting Church Western Australia in February 2021. He is a strategic thinker, with a strong desire to make a difference and play an active role across the Uniting Church, its ministry and mission.
Hannes was ordained as a Minister of the Word, more than 25 years ago and has experience across a broad spectrum of ministries, cultures and interdenominational organisations. Apart from his Ministry, Hannes has also owned a private counselling practice for many years and worked as an architectural draughtsman in both the residential and commercial industry.
Hannes immigrated from South Africa to Australia in 2014, and served in the Uniting Church in the City, before taking up his current role. He is married to Hanri and has three daughters and a son. As well as his involvement in the church, Hannes actively volunteers his time as a Surf Lifesaver and is currently studying towards a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Hannes has a deep founded love for Christ and people.
Tim Fallows
General Manager Property
Peter Hollins
Chief Financial Officer
Peter Hollins was appointed as CFO in late 2020 with a focus on financial management and the introduction of new accounting and reporting systems for the Uniting Church WA.
Peter emigrated to Perth in 1977 as he wanted to watch Dennis Lillee bowl from the Swan River End at the WACA. He is married to Sally (MLC student) with two children Emma (also MLC) and Matt (that Anglican School next to MLC!). He has worked for Caltex, Deloittes, Jenny Craig, AHG and Willie Creek Pearls and is a Chartered Management Accountant.
Peter is passionate over Cabernet Merlot from Margaret River, the Tigers [Richmond] Football Club, golf at Cottesloe Golf Club, (except for the 17th hole!), good coffee and a supportive office culture. He is a Director of the Ladybird Foundation and is in his second decade as Treasurer of Christ Church Parish, Claremont.
Andrew Liepens
People and Culture Manager
Andrew has worked in the People and Culture Team at the Uniting Church of Western Australia since 2017 and has recently been appointed as the People and Culture Manager.
Andrew Liepins graduated from ECU with a Bachelor of Business, double majoring in Human Resources Management and International Business.
In his spare time Andrew is a keen follower of many sports and has a particularly strong interest in AFL and of course, the West Coast Eagles. Andrew also enjoys spending time with his family including his nieces and nephews.
Muralee Nair
Risk and Insurance Manager
Muralee joined the Uniting Church on 22 September 2014. Prior to joing the Uniting Church he was a Risk and insurance Manager with the Silver Chain Group for 9 years.
Muralee has been married for 34 years and has 4 sons. One of Muralee’s interests is hockey and he has been a member of Willetton Reds since 2003.
Muralee’s formal qualifications include:
- Bachelor of Arts, MSc (Risk Management)
- CPRM (Certified Practising Risk Manager)
Favourite quote: “A busy person is someone who has time for everything or if you need something done, ask a busy person”!
