Introducing Rev Colin Gordon, Pastoral Care Manager, Public Hospitals

After a decade in rural New Zealand—an especially peaceful refuge during lockdowns—Colin (above right) and his wife Kim are now embracing life in sunny Queensland.

“I’m reconnecting with the Uniting Church in Australia, bringing back memories of my time as Bush Padre in the Centralian Patrol in the Northern Territory,” says Colin.

As a leader of chaplains, Colin is firmly committed to offering spiritual care that remains undifferentiated by his own faith. His leadership ensures that support and guidance are provided without allowing personal beliefs to overshadow or influence the spiritual needs of those served.

By prioritising the individual's unique spiritual journey over any religious perspective of our own, Colin fosters an environment where each person's path is honoured and respected.

This approach exemplifies Colin’s dedication to holistic, inclusive, and empathetic spiritual care, which promotes a compassionate and non-judgmental space for all.

This new role was created as a response to the defunding of Queensland Health Public Hospital chaplains as at 30 June 2024 across all of Queensland.  The vision of the Queensland Synod was to create a position to coordinate an ongoing sustainable UCA supported hospital chaplaincy service to Queensland Health Public Hospitals across Queensland. This placement works in the Mission Group of UnitingCare and is funded by the Queensland Synod.

The purpose of this placement is to coordinate the provision of a chaplaincy service of compassion which cares for the emotional, spiritual and religious needs of people who engage with the services of Queensland Health public hospitals primarily in southeast Queensland and the Sunshine Coast.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinating with hospitals within SEQ and Sunshine Coast with;
  • a focus on an 'on call' response for Uniting Church patients in Public Hospitals;
  • facilitating the connection of volunteers/ministry agents with Public Hospitals;
  • working with the Associate Director of Mission: Spiritual & Pastoral Care in implementation of the strategic directions for UnitingCare Health in the context of the public hospitals;
  • building relationships with local ministers and congregations in line with key responsibilities.

Please join with us as we welcome Colin back to Australia and to his new role.

For further information please contact Colin at colingordon@ucareqld.com.au