REV. RALPH MAYHEW – MINISTER

Burleigh Village Church is pastored by Rev. Ralph Mayhew, but calling him ‘Ralph’ is spot on. He has over 20 years of church leadership experience working with all ages of people at all stages of life, from children and youth all the way through to young families, professionals, retirees and the elderly. His heart is to create a space where you can belong, where you are known for who you really are and know others for who they really are. Village is an environment which exists to help those who connect with it become daring, sharing and caring. 

Ralph is married to Lyndal and they just celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary. They have two crazy critters, Azaria, 8 and Hamish 6, who keep them on their toes most hours of the day! He enjoys long walks along the beach… hehe, providing it’s sunrise and he has a camera in his hands. Other interests span into fishing, the movies, filmmaking, and all things local.

He’d love to connect with you and see God help you become all God created you to be. If you’d like to ask him anything, get to know him more or connect with the Church in a more personal way than this website, please email him on ralph@yourvillage.church.

WENDY KERR – CHAIR OF CHURCH COUNCIL

As Church Council Chair Wendy feels privileged to have a front row seat to bear witness to the ways in which God continues to equip and empower the many wonderful, gifted and faith filled people of God here at Burleigh Village Uniting Church to move in His Spirit. Standing on the legacy and foundation God has built through the faithful witness of His people through this church in Burleigh for more than 100 years, Wendy feels humbled and excited to be able to lead the Church Council at this time as we step confidently into the future God is leading us toward. God is certainly moving in this place.

Prior to her role as Chair, Wendy was previously the Children’s Ministry Coordinator here at Burleigh for a number of years before handing the baton on to the very capable and experienced Liv Newman at the end of 2023. She also enjoys being able to contribute to the Worship Team through music ministry on a regular basis. Away from church Wendy has a professional background primarily in Music Therapy and Piano Teaching and a continuing personal interest in music, musical arranging and composition. She loves living on the Gold Coast with her husband Dale and their three teenagers/young adults Sam, Riley and Marcus.

OLIVIA NEWMAN – CHILDREN’S COORDINATOR

Olivia Newman is our Children’s Coordinator and oversees our regular children’s program, known as Village Kids. Olivia, often known as Liv, is married to Chris and is the mother of two young children, Charlotte and Archie. She enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, loves travel, adventuring in the great outdoors, camping and going to the beach. She has a passion for kid’s ministry and missions both here at home and overseas. Liv has pursued these passions through previous kids’ ministry leadership roles in several churches and has also assisted with bringing the message of Jesus to kids in three different countries on mission trips. Liv has a heart for sharing the bible and God’s goodness to kids in a way that is fun, hands-on, and memorable.

CARRIE DART – COMMUNITY LIFE COORDINATOR

Carrie commenced in the role of Community Life Coordinator in September 2023, and loves connecting with people of all ages. As the Community Life Coordinator, Carrie links new people into the life of the church, coordinates and supports Small Tables (small group ministry) and helps manage the pastoral care network for our members. Carrie works closely with Ralph and Lauren and other leaders within our congregation.

Carrie is married to Greg and they have 3 teenagers who love being involved with the youth and music opportunities within the church. Carrie loves family time, movies, music, camping, bush walks, beach walks, and generally looks for any opportunity to have a cup of tea and a chat!

LAUREN PATE – ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Lauren, known to many as ‘Loz,’ joined Burleigh Village Uniting Church as the Administrative Assistant in April 2022. Lauren supports the Lead Minister, Ralph and other church leaders with administration support a couple of days a week.

Lauren is married to Dave and they have two young girls, aged 7 and 5 years. Lauren spends a good portion of her time raising their two girls but also loves coffee dates, getting crafty, beach and bush walks, and volunteering as one of our playgroup facilitators on a Friday. Lauren enjoys meeting new people, helping them feel like they belong and encouraging them where they’re at.