PM Praises Retiring Wesley Leader
28 November 2005 at 12:11 pm
Dr Moyes is retiring as the head of Wesley Mission, Australia’s largest church-based charity, on December 31 after 27 years of leadership.
Dr Moyes, also a Christian Democrats MLC in the NSW parliament, was officially farewelled tonight at a dinner in Sydney.
PM Howard told guests Dr Moyes was the epitome of an effective Christian leader in Australia’s largest city.
Dr Moyes took up the role as superintendent of the charity in 1979.
Wesley Mission, established in Sydney in 1812 when the first Methodist Church was formed, operates 400 programs and has more than 3,000 staff and 3,500 volunteers. The charity assists 200,000 people a year.
During his time as superintendent, Dr Moyes established Wesley Institute. He also opened 16 houses for Wesley Disability Services and was appointed to the Prime Minister’s Homeless Youth Board Task Force.
Mr Howard said the government would contribute $20,000 towards the Gordon Moyes Scholarship Foundation, allowing students to study at Wesley Institute in a number of areas.
He said Dr Moyes would continue to work and advise “governments of both political persuasion” on social programs. Dr Moyes will be replaced by British minister Reverend Keith Garner.
