The Heads of Tasmanian Churches are grieved by the atrocities of the terror attack in Bondi on Sunday. On behalf of our churches we extend our deepest sympathy to and stand with the Jewish Community in Tasmania.
We stand against any form of antisemitism and condemn violence and the horror of terrorism, in any form. We believe that the way of love is the way to treat others. Jesus said: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luk 6:27-28).
We invite anyone in the community to join us to mourn, lament, pray and express our solidarity at St David’s Cathedral at 5pm on Wednesday evening.On behalf of the Tasmanian Heads of Churches,
Bishop Richard Condie, Anglican Church of Tasmania
Archbishop Tony Ireland, Catholic Archdiocese of Hobart
Ralph Terry’s journey in ministry began with an unlikely question about a watch in a cave.
By the age of 34, Ralph had owned 34 cars, a testimony to his passion for all things automotive. When he married Nelleka, he made her a promise: he would attend church once a month. True to his word, he did.
During that time, someone gave Ralph a book that contained a simple but profound question: if a caveman found a watch in a cave, what would they conclude? They would conclude it was made by someone.
That thought took root in Ralph’s heart and his journey of faith began. The following year, he was baptised. Not long after, Ralph, Nelleka, and their young family moved to New South Wales so Ralph could study at Morling College to become a minister.
What followed was 46 years of faithful service across three states and twelve churches.
Ralph’s ministry began in 1979 at Clemton Park, followed by successive positions at Bankstown (1980), Punchbowl (1981), and Macquarie (1982) while studying. During his studies, he also served six-week placements at both Ulverstone and Launceston.
His ministry then took him to Wynyard (1983-87), Launceston Memorial (1988-92), and Eastwood (1993-2007), where he served for 14 years. After pastorates at Gosnells in South Australia (2008-10) Ralph retired, yet spent a six-month placement at Sheffield (2011). Then he and Nelleka embarked on what might be called an “encore career” at Latrobe Baptist Church, where they faithfully served for 14 years.
Last Sunday, 30 November 2025, Ralph and Nelleka were honoured for their decades of ministry and a journey well travelled that has left legacy in every community they served. Ralph’s shepherd’s heart, demonstrated in his commitment, passion, and the countless lives he has touched, was acknowledged.
After 46 years across New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania, Ralph Terry has faithfully served God. As he and Nelleka enter this new chapter, they do so with the gratitude of countless lives touched and communities transformed. And all because a simple question about a watch that planted a seed that grew into a lifetime of ministry.
Leaders from 8 Northern churches participated in the Devonport course, and key leaders from Hobart Baptist church participated in the Hobart pilot.
The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with most reporting that the training highlighted new information that they had not previously understood.
The Director of Professional Standards for NSW Baptist Churches, Jonathan Bradford, joined Nicholas Alexander (in Devonport) and Matt Garvin (in Hobart) to deliver the training. Several participants indicated they wished that more of their church leadership had been able to participate.
The good news is that Nicholas and Matt can now deliver the training wherever it is needed. Any Baptist church in Tasmania can apply to host a course by filling out this form: https://creatingsafespaces.org.au/hosting/
Previously, people in responsible church positions were required to participate in safe church training every 3 years. This more comprehensive training moves it to once every 4 years, following graduation from the Creating Safe Spaces course.
Tasmanian Baptist records show that a large number of people will need to do the training in 2026, so we recommend that churches plan and coordinate training opportunities with other churches in their areas.
Verl Alice Murfett was born in Burnie on March 22nd, 1941, to Daphne and Ken Murfett. Verl was the second of the three Murfett girls, Loys, Verl and Valma.
Growing up in Yolla, Verl was involved in school, Sunday School, and Christian Endeavour, leading to a desire to become a teacher, eventually being posted back to Yolla School.
After meeting Ivan, Verl and Valma and Ivan began to sing together, making recordings and singing on local radio.
Both Verl and Ivan felt the call to be involved in Christian ministry and after two years training at the Melbourne Bible Institute, they were married in Yolla Baptist Church. They then moved to Blackheath in NSW, where from Ivan commuted to NSW training college and pastored at Blackheath Baptist Church.
Their call to service eventually led them to the Mission field with the Baptist Mission, to Lajamanu, on the edge of the Tanami Desert, and the Warlpiri people. With five year old twins, Geoff and John, and nine week old baby ,Joy, the family moved for what was meant to be two years…..but ended up being 31, working with the ingenious community to encourage an indigenous approach to church organisation , structure and leadership.
As well as family responsibilities, Verl worked with the local Warlpiri women, teaching literacy and leadership. She was also agent for Connair, the airline that serviced remote communities, as well as being the local Bank agent for 14 years.
When the children eventually went to Boarding School in Bendigo for their secondary education, Verl wrote to each one faithfully each week as well as a weekly phone call ( which the entire Northern Territory could’ve listened to!)
By the end of 1989, Verl and Ivan spent some years ministering in Victoria, then were called back to Central Australia to Yuendamu. Verl built close relationships with Warlpiri women and non- indigenous women.
It was during this time that Verl and Ivan were honoured with the Order of Australia for service to the indigenous community of the Northern Territory and to the Australian Baptist Missionary Society. This was announced on Australia Day 2011.
At the end of 2004, Verl and Ivan moved back to Yolla, pastoring the church there and enjoying a time of reconnection with friends and family.
After moving to Penguin, on New Years Eve 2019, Verl suffered a stroke from which she never fully recovered. She and Ivan moved to Independent Living at Karingal in 2024. After some months , Verl contracted COVID, spending time in hospital and Meercroft Nursing Home, where she passed away with Ivan faithfully by her side, on November 20th, 2025,
Verl Jordan lived a full life. A life of faith, of prayer, of love and care, and of service.
Members of Baptist churches and pastors are warmly invited to attend our Annual Assembly on October 18, which will be held at Perth Baptist Church for the first time in many years.
One of the distinctive features of Baptist life is that leadership rests with the local congregation rather than with a pastor or bishop.
At the same time, we recognise that many things are best achieved when churches work together. It was for this reason that the Baptist churches of Tasmania formed a Union in 1883 and appointed leaders to help coordinate our shared mission.
Now, 142 years later, the Baptist Union has asked Matt Garvin to take on that coordinating role as successor to Stephen Baxter.
We are delighted that Mark Wilson, National Director of Australian Baptist Ministries, will join us to participate in Matt’s induction and share updates on national and international developments. We will also be joined by Scott Pilgrim, National Director of Baptist Mission Australia, who will be with us for the day.
The induction service will take place after lunch (from 1:30 to 2:15 pm) to allow visitors who wish to attend only that portion of the program to do so.
Before lunch, from 11:45 am to 12:35 pm, we will also share exciting updates from churches around the state and honour the significant contributions of Maddy Svoboda and Laurie Rowston to our movement.
Every Baptist church has a set number of delegates who are eligible to vote at any Assembly. Pastors are also automatically eligible to vote. Visitors, in addition to official delegates, are always welcome.
