Uniting Church WA General Secretary Announced – Welcome David Beards

The Uniting Church WA is pleased to announce the appointment of David Beards as General Secretary for the Uniting Church Synod of Western Australia.

The appointment was confirmed by the Synod Standing Committee at their meeting on 16 February 2026.

David, who has been working as General Secretary in an interim role since the beginning of February 2026, is now appointed to this position in a full-time capacity until the Synod meeting in September 2026, where the ongoing appointment will be determined.

David brings to this role a rare blend of grassroots church involvement, governance leadership, and senior executive experience. He has stepped in as both Acting, and Associate General Secretary positions in recent times, and we are pleased he will be able to continue to serve the church in this way.

David Beards has had a lifelong involvement in the Uniting Church and is deeply shaped by its ethos, mission, and people. He has served across congregational, Presbytery, and Synod life, including governance roles on Church Councils, the Board of Finance and Investment, the Resources Commission, and the Synod Standing Committee.

Drawing on more than 25 years of senior leadership in the technology and telecommunications sector, he brings strong capabilities in organisational leadership, strategy, risk, and transformation.

David is known for his practical, collaborative approach and as General Secretary is committed to strengthening relationships and supporting the mission and long-term sustainability of the Uniting Church in WA.

You can get to know David more on the Our Leaders page of the Uniting Church WA website.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome and prayerful support to David Beards!