Chaplain breakfast celebrates 20 years

Terry Keen, the 2021 recipient of the Pastor Glen Gray Award, with Redland City Mayor Karen Williams.

The 20th annual Redland City Mayoral Prayer Breakfast will be held on Tuesday 25 October.

Mayor Karen Williams said the event was a great way for residents to support Redlands Coast school chaplaincy programs that benefit about 15,000 students each year.

“Last year’s breakfast raised close to $30,000, which was shared between 21 state school chaplaincies on Redlands Coast,” she said.

“Our school chaplains provide vital spiritual and emotional support not only to students, but also to local families and school staff, and it is important they are there when someone needs to reach out for support.”

The breakfast includes live entertainment, guest speaker Bill Hunter and special guest Alberto Campbell-Staines.

Mr Hunter served as chaplain for the Brisbane Broncos NRL team for more than 20 years, as the Queensland state coordinator for Sports Chaplaincy and as a chaplain in the police service.

He is currently head coach for the Salvation Army’s Papua New Guinea Marathon Hope and A Future project and leads the God’s Sports Arena in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

Mr Campbell-Staines is a Paralympian and elite athlete who has represented both Australia and Jamaica.

The Redlands Coast resident is an ambassador for the inaugural Virtus Oceania Asia Games which will be held in Brisbane in November, and he will compete in the 400m and four x 400m relay.

Cr Williams said nominations were also being sought for the third annual Pastor Glen Gray Award.

“This award recognises an outstanding school chaplain on Redlands Coast who has demonstrated significant social, emotional and spiritual support to students, parents and school employees,” she said.

“Previous recipients include Grant Lea for his work supporting students at Dunwich State School and The Sycamore School in 2020, and Terry Keen for his inspirational and selfless work in his role as chaplain at Alexandra Hills State School in 2021.”

Nominations close on 30 September, 2022 and the winner will be announced at the breakfast.