More than $30,000 raised at Mayoral Prayer Breakfast

Redland City Council’s 20th annual Mayoral Prayer Breakfast has raised a record amount of more than $30,000 for State School chaplaincy programs across the city.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the funds would go toward enhancing the wellbeing of Redlands Coast school communities and optimise educational outcomes.

“The annual breakfast is an event that promotes and helps fund public school chaplaincy programs which provide important social, emotional and spiritual support to Redlands Coast students, staff and families,” Cr Williams said.

“Almost 15,000 Redlands Coast students benefit from the programs every year by receiving mentoring, role modelling and pastoral care to improve their welfare and reach their aspirations in learning and in life.

“This year’s event welcomed about 190 people, including school chaplains, church and school leaders, community members, local business owners, and government representatives.

“I would like to acknowledge the Lions Club of Capalaba, which generously donated $5000 at the breakfast.

“Attendees were graced with an incredibly thought-inspiring talk by guest speaker Chaplain Bill Hunter.

“Bill has coordinated sports chaplaincy and served as an integral member of the Australian Wellbeing team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“He was also the chaplain to the Brisbane Broncos team for more than 20 years, and currently leads the God’s Sports Arena in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

“Bill was also joined on stage by Paralympian and elite track athlete Alberto Campbell-Staines, who has represented Australia and Jamaica over the years.

“Together, Bill and Alberto spoke about their most memorable moments and shared motivational stories including from their time at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.”

The breakfast’s Pastor Glen Gray Award, which was launched in 2020 and recognises an outstanding school chaplain, was awarded to Chaplain Tanya Tennant from Ormiston College.

“Tanya Tennant has been Ormiston College’s Chaplain since June 2019 where she has primarily focussed on embedding and facilitating opportunities for students to engage with the Christian values component of the College’s new Student Wellbeing Framework.

“A key contributor to the development of the Student Wellbeing Framework and curriculum units, Tanya has ensured the College’s values are explored, understood, and incorporated in all facets of the school.

“Tanya has implemented programs such as Go OC Girls and Friends for Life that aim to build self-awareness, authentic confidence, and skills to navigate social and emotional situations.

“On behalf of our Redlands Coast community, I would like to thank our school chaplains for their time and effort in ensuring students and school communities are connected and well supported.”

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