April 17, 2025
President’s Conference 2025
6-9 November
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Dear friends in Christ,
I warmly invite you into a space of renewal, reflection, and hope as we gather for the President’s Conference of the Uniting Church in Australia. This is not just another event—it’s an opportunity to come together, to share our stories, and to renew our commitment to weaving Christ’s love across cultures and boundaries.
“Threads of Love” is more than a theme. It calls us to embrace the beauty of our diverse stories and the challenges of our time with grace and courage. Whether you are a lay or ordained leader seeking renewal, someone eager to deepen your understanding of our Pacific partnerships, or simply ready to hear the voices of those who enrich and challenge us, you are welcome.
Throughout this gathering, we will be nourished by worship, inspired by thoughtful reflections, and enriched through cultural immersion and dialogue. We’ll hear from young leaders, elders, theologians, and communities who are living out Christ’s love in profound and hopeful ways.
I know many of us carry heavy burdens and questions about the church’s future. My prayer is that this conference will offer you a space to be heard, to reflect, and to find renewed hope in God’s love. I don’t come to this conference with all the answers. But together, let’s listen to each other, learn from one another, and weave something new for the church.
I especially encourage congregations across the Uniting Church to identify and support young leaders to attend. Whether through sponsorship or encouragement, your support nurtures the next generation of faithful and courageous leaders—those who will help us navigate today’s challenges and shape the church of tomorrow.
Let’s come with open hearts and eager spirits. Let’s weave our gifts and hopes into a tapestry that reflects God’s love for the world. Spots are limited, so register early. I look forward to seeing you in Tonga.
Kelesi mo Melino (Grace and peace),
Rev Charissa Suli
President, Uniting Church in Australia
Early Bird (by 22 August): $370 AUD
Full Rate (after 22 August): $450 AUD
The registration fee covers conference materials, meals, local transport, and immersion experiences. It does not include flights and accommodation which must be booked separately by participants.
For assistance with registration, contact: assemblyevents@nat.uca.org.au
Following registration, with their consent, participants will be added to a dedicated WhatsApp group for real-time updates, announcements, and prayer sharing.
The President and President's Conference team will be based at Tanoa International Dateline Hotel Nuku'alofa on the island of Tongatapu. This hotel will serve as the main meeting point and bus pickup location for daily activities and events.
While we encourage as many Conference attendees as possible to stay at the Tanoa International Dateline Hotel, we understand alternative arrangements may be needed. For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of nearby accommodation options within walking distance.
Tanoa International Dateline Hotel Nuku'alofa
This hotel is where the President and Conference team will be based and will serve as the main hub for Conference attendees.
Booking options
Email: dateline@tanoahotels.com (include ‘UCA President’s Conference’ in subject line)
Phone +676 23 411 (ext 1713)
Mobile +676 878 1428
Website www.tanoahotels.com
Alternative Nearby Accommodation
Waterfront Lodge
160m from the Conference venue, waterfront lodge, boutique accommodation, complimentary breakfast
Hotel Nuku'alofa
650m from the Conference venue, bungalow-style rooms, self-catering facilities
Simon’s Place Motel
480m from Conference venue
Online booking sites
Tanoa International Dateline Hotel (Conference venue)
Booking.com | Expedia | Tripadvisor | Trivago | Airbnb Tonga
Recommended Arrival & Departure
- Arrival: By Wednesday, 5 November 2025
- Departure: After Sunday, 9 November 2025
Main Airport in Tonga
- Fua‘amotu International Airport (TBU), approximately 15 km from Nuku‘alofa.
Flight Options from Australia to Tonga
Direct Flights
- Qantas Airways
- Route: Sydney (SYD) to Nuku‘alofa (TBU)
- Frequency: Twice weekly
- Duration: Approximately 4 hours 20 minutes
- Sample Fare: From AUD $810 round-trip
Connecting Flights
- Fiji Airways
- Routes: From Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane via Nadi (Fiji) to Nuku‘alofa
- Duration: Varies; typically 8–13 hours including layover
- Sample Fare: From AUD $656 round-trip
- Air New Zealand
- Routes: From Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane via Auckland to Nuku‘alofa
- Sample Fare: From AUD $480 one-way
Australian passport holders do not need to apply for a visa in advance to enter Tonga for a holiday. They are eligible for a free Visitor Visa on arrival which is valid for up to 31 days. Other international passport holders should ensure they research and comply with any relevant visa or access requirements.
Day 1 – Thursday 6 November: Grounded in Love – Discipleship & Renewal
Jesus’ words in John 21:15-17, “Feed my sheep,” remind us that discipleship is about nurturing relationships, rooted in love, and responsive to Christ’s call. Today we immerse ourselves in Tongan weaving traditions, reflecting on how faith is woven through every part of life. Like weaving, our discipleship is a communal, ongoing work, strengthened by shared wisdom and grace.
Schedule:
- 12:00pm – Arrivals and Community Welcome
- 2:00pm – Opening Worship: Weaving the Conference Cloth
- 3:00pm – Keynote: “Threads of Love – A Call to Discipleship and Renewal”
- 4:00pm – Cultural Immersion: Weaving Workshop, with reflection on discipleship and renewal
- 5:30pm – Reflection Circles: Small group sharing of insights and prayers
- 6:30pm – Communal Dinner and Cultural Night
- 8:00pm – Evening Prayer & Music
- Commitment Space: Participants post personal commitments for renewal
Day 2 – Friday 7 November: Mission of Justice – Church Responses to Social Challenges
Genesis 2:15 reminds us of our call to care for creation, while Luke 4:18-19 proclaims good news for the oppressed. Today we reflect on how our church can respond with justice and compassion—whether in climate action, inclusion, gender equity, or supporting seasonal workers. Christ calls us to be both prophetic and pastoral in a broken world.
Schedule:
- 7:30am – Morning Devotion (Justice, Compassion, and Mission)
- 9:00am – Keynote: “The Church’s Role in Addressing Social Challenges”
- 10:30am – Group Discussion: Reflecting on the Church’s Call to Action
- 12:00pm – Lunch with Community Partners
- 2:00pm – Immersion Choices:
- Climate Justice & Mission Partnerships
- Disability Inclusion & Ministry
- Women’s Health and Wellbeing
- Pastoral Care for Seasonal Workers
- 5:30pm – Reflection Circles: Insights from immersions, action steps
- 6:30pm – Dinner
- 7:30pm – Night Worship: Voices for Justice and Hope
Day 3 – Saturday 8 November: Honouring the Next Generation
Acts 2:17 proclaims, “Your sons and daughters will prophesy.” Today, we listen as young leaders from the PCC and UCA share their vision for the church. Their prophetic voices challenge us to embrace new ways of being church - grounded in justice, inclusion, creativity, and resilience.
Schedule:
- 8:00am – Worship at Queen Salote College (Led by Young Leaders)
- 9:00am – Keynote: “Leading with Love: The Next Generation’s Vision for the Church”
- 10:30am – Youth-Led Creative Workshops: Faith and Justice, Digital Discipleship, Women’s Leadership, Weaving Identity
- 12:00pm – Lunch and Dialogue with Young Leaders
- 2:00pm – Cultural Exchange with our young people
- 4:00pm – Optional Leisure: Snorkeling, Dolphin Watching, Village Tour
- 7:00pm – Dinner and Fellowship
- 8:00pm – Youth-Led Celebration Gathering
Day 4 – Sunday 9 November: Weaving the Future
Romans 10:14-15 invites us to proclaim the gospel with joy and courage. An ecumenical closing worship and Holy Communion where we will celebrate the threads of love, justice, and hope woven through our time together. We are sent out to be witnesses of Christ’s love in every place we go.
Schedule:
- Morning – Worship in Local Congregations Across Tonga
- 12:30pm – Lunch Gathering
- 2:00pm – Keynote: “Weaving the Future – Where Do We Go from Here?”
- 3:00pm – Sending Worship: Ecumenical Celebration and Communion
- 4:00pm – Closing Reception with FWCT and President UCA and conference members.
- More than one month before: full refund less $25 administration fee
- 3 weeks before: 50% of registration fee refunded
- Two weeks before: 25% of the registration fee refunded
- Less than a week before: no refund will be given
- We will offer the option to transfer your registration to another person. Contact assemblyevents@nat.uca.org.au
Conference Contact
For all conference enquiries, contact: assemblyevents@nat.uca.org.au
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.