Welcome
As Autumn draws to a close, we take this moment to reflect on the work carried out over the past three months—work that continues to help shape a world where the healing, liberating, and life‑giving mercy of God is truly felt.
We are pleased to share the progress made along our journey of sponsoring ministries and upholding the values of compassion, justice, respect, and hope.
Newsletter Highlights
In this edition, you’ll find a collection of updates, insights, and stories that highlight our ongoing work and reaffirm our steadfast commitment to our mission.
These include:
- The everyday ways compassion is brought to life within our health ministry, Mater.
- Reflections from our Ministry Board Chairs Gathering held in March.
- Formation as Connection: Walking Together in Mission
- On April 17, the Mercy Partners Board and Steward/Member Representatives came together to discuss what does widening the tent demand of governance, leadership and advocacy.
- We reflect on how Mercy Partners has connected with our ministries over the past three months, including engaging in industry events to stay across key trends and enhance the support we provide.
- We are pleased to share our newly released 2025 Annual Report detailing the work completed across the 2025 year.
- We continue to share inspiring stories from our ministries in our Mission in Action series.
Additionally, we would like to share some recent personnel updates within Mercy Partners and at our Ministries.
Changing of the guard at Mercy Partners
On 30 June 2026, Mercy Partners will mark a significant moment of transition as our long‑serving Chair, Dr Ricki Jeffery, who will conclude her tenure on the Mercy Partners Board. We offer our deep gratitude for Ricki’s 12 years of unwavering dedication and service to Mercy Partners. Throughout her leadership, she has embodied integrity, wisdom, and steadfast commitment, guiding our organisation with exemplary governance and a spirit grounded in mission.
The Mercy Partners Board and Steward/Member Representatives gathered on 16 April to acknowledge and thank Ricki for her dedicated 12 years of service.
We wish Ricki all the best for the next chapter in her life. Enjoy a well-deserved rest, Ricki.
New Deputy Chair Appointment
In December 2025, Mercy Partners Board Director and Deputy Chair, Kieran McCarthy, stepped down after 13 years of dedicated service. Following his departure, Board Director Les Jones was appointed Acting Deputy Chair while the process to appoint a permanent Deputy Chair was undertaken.
The Mercy Partners Board and Steward/Member Representatives are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Lee Anne Perry as the new Mercy Partners Deputy Chair who commenced in the role on 1 May 2026. We thank Lee Anne for her interest in assuming this role and for her continued dedication and support of Mercy Partners.
Our thanks are extended to Les Jones for acting as Deputy Chair during the appointment of a permanent replacement and for taking on the extra responsibilities during this time.
The Mercy Partners Board and Steward/Member Representatives held a commissioning ritual on 17 April to welcome Lee Anne as the Deputy Chair and the new incoming Chair, Jenny Parker. The ritual was led by the Chair of the Steward/Member Representatives, Sr Margaret Endicott rsm.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Mercy Community who have been awarded a $7.5m grant from the Queensland Government to fund a three-year pilot program to assist pregnant women and new mothers via their Two Hearts Program in Brisbane.
Congratulations to Mercy Community who have been awarded a $7.5m grant from the Queensland Government to fund a three-year pilot program to assist pregnant women and new mothers via their Two Hearts Program in Brisbane.
This funding will allow Mercy Community to build upon previous programs they have run to support “at-risk” new mothers and to also extend the scope to allow support for women during their pregnancy as well. It is expected that the program will be ready to commence by mid-2026 and will be a wonderful service to support the Brisbane community.
Mercy Community will deliver accommodation, mental health services and parenting support to vulnerable pregnant women and new mothers to help them maintain a healthy pregnancy and safely care for their baby.
Ministry Board Updates
As the sole member of its ministries, the Mercy Partners Board has thoughtfully discerned and approved the following appointments and tenure re-appointments over the past three months.
Mr Laurie Rogencamp – Holy Cross Services
Ms Helen-Anne MacAlister – Our Lady of Mercy College
Mr Kent Burbridge – St Patrick’s College Townsville
Ms Erin Longbottom – Mercy Foundation
Ministry Departures
Mercy Partners sincerely thanks the following ministry Board Directors and Executives who have recently completed their service. We are profoundly grateful for their leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the mission of the ministry they served.
- Justin Lorenz – CEO, Mercy Community Services
- Janet Rhodes – CEO, Mercy Community Services
- Ms Bridget Wells – Board Director, St Ursula’s College
- Annabel senior – Chair, Mercy Foundation
- Sue Mowbray – CEO, Mercy Foundation
Ministry Anniversaries
During the last three months, we have recognised the transition anniversaries of the following ministries.
We give heartfelt thanks to the ministry’s founding Congregations and Orders for the faith and trust they have placed in Mercy Partners, entrusting us with the sacred responsibility of guiding the future governance of their ministries.
Holy Cross Services – On 1 March 2026 marked five years since they transitioned
Mercy Community Services – On 11 April 2026 marked eight years since they transitioned
Whitefriars College – On 18 April 2026, marked two years since they transitioned
All Hallows’ School – On 23 April 2026 marked 13 years since they transitioned
Mater – On 23 April 2026 marked 13 years since they transitioned
St Rita’s College – On 27 May 2026 marked 12 years since they transitioned
Mercy Partners is thankful to the ministry’s founding Congregations and Orders for entrusting for entrusting their ministries to be governed by Mercy Partners into the future.
Ministry Staff Updates
We are pleased to welcome the Mercy Foundation’s new Chief Executive Officer, Maeve Brown.
Maeve brings more than two decades of leadership experience from the not-for-profit and community sectors, and a strong commitment to building organisations that are responsive, accountable, and grounded in community need.
Maeve will continue the vital work of the Foundation to end homelessness and modern slavery, and to address other social justice issues now and into the future.
