Striving to continually improve standards of care to clients must remain the key priority as BCS looks to the future, according to the new Chairperson of the BCS Board Dr Graham Henderson.
Dr Henderson, a retired gynaecologist and member of Carlingford Baptist Church has had a life-long family involvement with BCS. He has been a Board member since 1995 and has served as deputy Chairperson for the past eight years.
“I feel deeply humbled by the privilege thrust upon me and I am acutely aware of the responsibility that comes with the position,” Dr Henderson had told Trust.
“Despite some of the big challenges facing BCS at this time in our history, I look forward to the future with anticipation and excitement.”
“My passion for our mission of expressing the love of Christ to people in the community and the commitment to our vision that BCS be a passionate, innovative Christian organisation, remains stronger than ever.”
Dr Henderson has replaced former long-serving Board Chairperson John Church, who advised BCS company members at the Annual General Meeting in November last year that he would not seek re-election as Chairperson.
The Annual General Meeting elected Mr Barry Marx from Narraweena Baptist Church as a new member to the Board.
Mr Church was recognised for his distinguished service to BCS at the end of year BCS celebration dinner with presentations from the Board and CEO Dr June Heinrich. Mr Church, from Gordon Baptist Church, has been a Board member since 1984 and served as Chairperson since December 2001.
At the celebration dinner, Mr Church also farewelled and made a presentation to Kevin Leek, from Castle Hill Baptist Church, who stood down from the Board after 30 years of service.
Mr Church said there were a number of reasons he had made the decision to retire as Chairperson, but fundamentally he believed that a term of six to seven years as Chairperson was proper, before handing over the leadership to someone else.
“It has been a privilege to serve as Chairperson of the Board for this period of considerable development and expansion within BCS,” Mr Church said.
Highlights included the opening of the new Shalom Centre, extensions to Warena, Caloola and Kularoo centres and the significant growth in BCS’ in-home care programs across NSW and the ACT, as well as chaplaincy services.
“It has also been exciting to see the opening of the new Chisholm Care facilities in the Macarthur area, along with the new Crystal Street Community Shop and Darcy House community centre in Port Kembla,” Mr Church said.
“Although I have stepped down as Chairperson, my interest in BCS has not diminished and I am glad to be continuing as a member of the Board and warmly commend our new Chairperson to all involved in BCS.”
Newly appointed Board member Barry Marx said he was looking forward to playing a part in BCS’ exciting future.
“Having just retired from paid work teaching at university I count my appointment to the Board as a real privilege,” Mr Marx said.
“I have been the BCS member representing Narraweena church for many years and now having the opportunity to represent all BCS members on the Board is a real challenge.”
“I am still working out just how I can best serve the Board but am sure this will become clearer in the coming months as the Board continues to make extremely important decisions concerning exciting plans for the future.”
The BCS Board comprises 12 elected members, who voluntarily give significant time and energy in the oversight of BCS’ mission and vision. All Board members must be members of congregations affiliated with the Baptist Churches of NSW and the ACT.
The 2009 Board comprises:
- Graham Henderson (Chair)
- Ruth Wilson (Deputy Chair)
- Robert Dunn (Treasurer)
- John Church
- Judith Carpenter
- Catherine Ellis
- Corrine Glasby
- Alan Rice
- Gary Lear
- Paul Watkins
- Deborah Boston
- Barry Marx
Moving into her second year on the BCS Board, Deborah Boston, from Mortdale Oatley Baptist Church, said she was particularly excited by the work of BCS LifeCare and the potential for growth.
“It was the work at Warilla North and Chisholm that really struck a nerve a few years ago and a desire to play a more active role in BCS began to grow, leading to me accepting a position on the Board,” Mrs Boston said.
“BCS is impacting thousands of lives on a daily basis and it’s humbling to look back to where BCS began 65 years ago, exciting to see where God is taking us, and satisfying to know that I am able to play a part in the decisions made at Board level.”