UnitingCare Victoria and Tasmania

Jesus said “I have come that you might have life – life in all its fullness” (John 10:10)

UnitingCare Victoria and Tasmania is integral to the ministry of the church, sharing in the vision and mission of God – seeking to address injustice, working together to overcome disadvantage and to strengthen communities.

UnitingCare is the collective name for all community service agencies of the Uniting Church in Australia.  Visit the UnitingCare Australia web site for more information about Uniting Church community service agencies throughout Australia.

The UnitingCare Victoria and Tasmania (UCV&T) Network is the developing network of Agencies and Missions within the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.  It comprises organisations of varying size and complexity located across Victoria and Tasmania. 

About the UnitingCare Victoria and Tasmania Unit

The UnitingCare Victoria and Tasmania (UCV&T) Unit assists the Commission for Mission (CFM) Board to fulfil its purpose, functions and responsibilities in relation to the community services ministry of the Uniting Church in Australia in Victoria and Tasmania consistently with the By-Laws and the Inter-related Model of Governance.  The 2010 versions of the Unit's key governance documents are available below:

• Commission for Mission By Laws - How the CFM Board exercises governance over the community services ministry of the church
• Terms of Reference - The purpose and responsibilities of the UCV&T Unit
• Model Constitution - The governance arrangements for individual Community Service Agencies in Victoria and Tasmania
• Strategic Framework for 2008 - 2010 - Our theological foundation, our values, what informs our work and our strategic priorities.  (An updated document will be prepared in the second half of 2010.)

UCV&T Unit Staff

Please direct all general enquiries to info@victas.unitingcare.org.au or call 03 9251 5262

	Charles Gibson - Director charles.gibson@victas.unitingcare.org.au Tel: 03 9251 5283 Leads UCV&T Team providing staff supervision/support, workload allocation, and budget oversight Ensures the UCV&T Office supports the work of the UCV&T network Represents Victoria on UnitingCare Australia National Committee SHARE UCV&T Representative Responsible for communications strategy, risk management, strategic planning and external relations Project manages long term ongoing projects including UCV&T Review Implementation, Ministers in Agencies, Early Years Strategic Plan, and North West Feasability Study Contact point for CEO Forum
	Andrew Phillips - Agency / Congregation Relations Manager andrew.phillips@victas.unitingcare.org.au Tel: 03 9251 5242 Represents UCV&T in facilitating relationships/negotiations between congregations and agencies Ensures formal agreements between agencies and congregations/presbyteries regarding use of property Liaises with Synod Property Services regarding agreements and partnerships Develops resources and viable models of cooperation between agencies and congregations. Coordinates communications, including UCV&T E-News and the website Manages short term and priority projects including any Agency mergers Responds to requests for board training Contact point for 2010 UCV&T Forum & Small Agencies and Missions Forum
	Joy Williams - Early Childhood Consultant joy.williams@victas.unitingcare.org.au Tel: 03 9251 5267 Holds Early Childhood Service Licence on behalf of the Uniting Church Property Trust (Vic) Manages relationships with DEECD and ECMS Oversees stand alone centres Responsible for implementation of Safe Care System Provides input into Early Years Strategic Planning Works to develop appropriate services in disadvantaged communities Contact point for Early Years Cluster Managers
	Vaso Howard - Administrative Assistant vaso.howard@victas.unitingcare.org.au Tel: 03 9251 5262 Coordinates the administrative functions of UCV&T and supports other staff Assists with the distribution of information to the wider network Resources and links to answer queries and to pass on information to other staff Processes constitutions and Agency Board nominations for approval by the Commission for Mission Facilitates the sealing and signing of official documents by the legal entity Contact point for UCV&T Orientation sessions