YOUTHCARE Chaplains were dedicated for another year at a re-commissioning ceremony last week.
The event was held at St Brigid’s Catholic Church and was attended by YouthCare, school and church representatives, as well as members of Rotary, and the Collie Chamber of Commerce.
The annual ceremony was to recognise the school chaplain’s work and to re-dedicate them to their schools for another year.
Lead by Pastor David Wagner, the ceremony called on the school chaplains to take an oath to serve in the chaplain’s role on behalf of the community.
Chaplains Robyn Gillies, Lyn Johnson, and Stacey Munday took the oath to commit to another year in the role.
YouthCare Collie has recently welcomed two new faces to the board.
Natasha Mellegers has taken on the role of Chairperson, and Tamara Vening is the new treasurer.
Mrs Mellegers said the team are busy organising events for the year and fundraising projects.
“We will be having a concert and dinner in September and Carols in the Park in December,” she said.
Mrs Mellegers said long-term they would like to have more Chaplains in Collie Schools.
“We want to encourage more people to come in and train as Chaplains; ideally we would like to have another 3 or 4 in Collie,” she said.
“They are just so important; some kids just need that extra person in their life for that support.”
“It’s not just the students that can see the Chaplains; it’s the parents, and teachers that can seek support from them also.”
Mrs Mellegers said the Chaplains provide a vital service to the community.
“Supporting them unconditionally, and listening to them without judgement,” she said.
“And when they are able to talk to one person, it has a flow on effect to the other people in their lives.”
“By looking after the young people in the community we are looking at the long-term future of Collie.”
