CEO - Evonne Paddison

Current:

Evonne Paddison commenced her role as CEO of ACCESS ministries in 2006. Her appointment coincided with one of the most profound events in the 65 years of ACCESS ministries’ presence in Victorian schools; the advent of government funding for chaplaincy in every state school. As a result of the 165 million dollar funding for school chaplaincy programs nationally, Evonne has actively managed the doubling of chaplains to over 200 throughout Victoria, while continuing to oversee and encourage growth within the Christian religious education (CRE) program.

Evonne demonstrates a unique and clear insight for ACCESS ministries' target social group, Generation Z. Evonne’s ability to ground concepts and ideas into practical outcomes for young people and their families ensures Evonne is more than a visionary.

'We are about the business of transforming the lives of school kids. This is an occasion that we want to celebrate with everyone, our staff, our volunteers, our friends and supporters. Helping children to find hope and build resilience is significant and inspiring.' Evonne Paddison

On a practical level, Evonne acknowledges the best way to achieve this vision is by ensuring that ACCESS ministries has a robust infrastructure to deploy chaplains and CRE teachers effectively throughout Victorian state schools.

History:

Initially qualifying as an English Teacher, Evonne’s skills in leadership were soon recognised and she was appointed as the Head of English in a Sydney based boys’ school. It was excellent preparation for a missionary appointment as an educator for the Church Missionary Society in Tanzania.

Returning from Tanzania in 1981, Evonne took up an appointment at the Macquarie University as Assistant Anglican Chaplain. Evonne continued at Macquarie University as the Deputy Master of the Robert Menzies College until 1990.

Revisiting her passion for teaching, Evonne took up an appointment as the foundational director of the School of Christian Studies Macquarie University teaching New Testament and Koine Greek. Evonne then became head of New Testament Studies at the Sydney Missionary and Bible College.

In 2002, Evonne was appointed Warden of Ridley University College, Melbourne. She lectured within their Theological College in New Testament studies. Evonne was ordained into the Anglican ministry in the Diocese of Melbourne in 2004.

Board Memberships:

Evonne currently serves on a number of boards and committees including the Arrow Leadership Board and as Vice President of the Church Missionary Society.

After Hours:

Evonne values time away to relax and re-energise. She finds inspiration from a weekend at the beach with good friends, that must include coffee, swimming and walking on the beach.

Canon Dr Evonne Paddison BA BD MLitt PhD Dip TG Dip RE