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”.
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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.
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