Executive Officers appointed to new National Commissions
The Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership welcomed Rev Dr Sunny Chen and progressed key work strengthening theological formation, collaboration, leadership and relationships across the Uniting Church.
July 10, 2025
The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly is pleased to announce the appointment of two key personnel to the work of the new National Commissions.
Established by the 17th Assembly out of a suite of proposals from the Act2 Project, these Commissions are key to the Church’s vision for renewal and for faithful life and discipleship in contemporary Australia.
Dr Damian Palmer has been appointed the Executive Officer of the Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership. He brings to his new role a rich and varied background with over 25 years of experience in equipping people for life and mission within the Church and the wider world.
For the past decade, Damian has been teaching history and missiology at United Theological College in Sydney, forming and mentoring students in theological reflection and practical ministry. His earlier professional life reflects an extraordinary breadth: from ballet dancer and teacher to academic administrator, Congregational Mission Educator, and coordinator of University Chaplains. This diverse experience has deepened his capacity to engage people from all walks of life and to foster learning communities shaped by creativity, compassion and faith.
As Executive Officer, Commission for Theology, Formation and Leadership, Damian’s prayer is that the Commission will fulfill its statement of purposed – “a visible and accessible network of intentional communities engaged in life-long learning to equip people to courageously follow Jesus and participate in God’s mission in contemporary Australia”. These words, he says, “encapsulate my own sense of call”.
Damian is married to Christine, and they share life with their two adult children and, he notes, “the world’s smartest dog”.
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.
The Assembly also warmly welcomes Michelle Farrall as Interim Executive Officer for the Commission for Governance, Resourcing and Administration.
Michelle will serve in this role as a consultant until the end of 2025, bringing more than 25 years of experience across the for-purpose, education, corporate, and international aid and development sectors.
Michelle partners with non-profit leaders to drive meaningful change in areas such as strategic planning, brand strategy, and leadership development. She is a Graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course, holds a Master of Leadership and Management (Organisation Dynamics), a Bachelor of Arts (Public Relations), and is an ICF-accredited executive coach. Since 2008, she has also served as a non-executive director on several not-for-profit boards.
Her involvement with the Transition Committee – supporting the formation of the new Commissions – sparked her interest in the role, offering her a deep appreciation of the importance of this work in the life of the Uniting Church. Michelle hopes to help shape a realistic, hope-filled path forward through robust, Spirit-led dialogue and planning.
Based in Melbourne with her husband Bruce and two children, she enjoys nature walks, travel, great coffee, and co-hosts a podcast for Enneagram Type 3s.
More news from the Assembly
Celebrations and stories of healing in Alice Springs
Stories of Healing: Alice Springs marks 100 years of Adelaide House and 70 years of the John Flynn Memorial ChurchIn the red centre of Australia, members of the Uniting Church community gathered on 12–13 September to honour two milestones of faith, care and resilience: the centenary of Adelaide House and 70 years of the John…
Pacific women call for climate action that begins with their communities
Pacific women call for climate action that begins with their communities From Tuvalu, Pacific women are calling on world leaders to listen deeply, strengthen community leadership and pursue climate action grounded in local experience and wisdom.For the women who gathered in Tuvalu this September, climate justice reaches into the everyday work of keeping communities safe.…
Bearing witness to Palestinian Christian voices
Bearing witness to Palestinian Christian voicesAs World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel takes place this week, the Uniting Church is invited to listen, pray and stand in solidarity with communities longing for peace and justice. In July this year, the Uniting Church hosted two Palestinian Christians as part of the “Bearing Witness: Palestinian…
President’s Prayer for the UN International Day of Peace
President’s Prayer for the United Nations International Day of Peace The United Nations International Day of Peace, commemorated on 21 September, brings people around the world together to reflect on the urgent work of building and sustaining peace. The 2026 theme, “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day” highlights that peace is…
Come, Taste and See: Feast of Faith 2026
Come, Taste and See: Feast of Faith 2026 Young adults and emerging leaders gathered for this year’s Feast of Faith, discovering God’s goodness through worship, fellowship, storytelling and shared cultural experiencesEarlier this month, second-generation young adults and emerging leaders from intercultural communities across the Uniting Church gathered in Merricks, Victoria for Feast of Faith 2026.…
Lay Preachers gather to share in weaving Christ’s love
Lay Preachers gather to share in weaving Christ’s loveMore than 40 Lay Preachers, worship leaders and church members from across Australia gathered in Naarm/Melbourne from 4–6 September for the National Lay Preachers’ Conference. Hosted by the Lay Preachers’ Association of Victoria and Tasmania with Pilgrim Theological College, the triennial conference was…
Pilgrims of Peace, Trust and Hope
Pilgrims of Peace, Trust and Hope Last week, President-elect Rev Dr Paul Goh gathered with the global ecumenical community to discuss the Church’s role in speaking for peace, justice and hope amid the wounds of divisionSubscribe to our newsletterIf you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to…
Listening at the lingual frontier
Listening at the lingual frontier Subscribe to our newsletter If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox. What does it mean to listen when the person we are seeking to relate to speaks a different first language,…