The Anglican Parish of Waterloo Bay has a new rector
Reverend Scott Gunthorpe and his wife Gisela and children Hannah, Madeline, Caitlyn and Archie re-located to Redlands from the Parish of Roma in September.
Rev Gunthorpe said he was looking forward to working with parishioners from St George's Church, Thorne Road, Birkdale, and St James's Church, Station Street, Wellington Point.
He said the move to Redlands came after he felt the need to challenge himself in a new ministry setting after living in Roma for four years.
"When my family arrived in Roma, it was just in time for the 2011 floods so it was like a baptism of flood rather than fire," he said.
"To see the community come together in such a time of diversity strengthened my faith in society and it was a real privilege to serve the people during that time of crisis.
"One of the things I hope to achieve as my time as rector of the parish of Waterloo Bay is to foster that sense of community I experienced in the outback.
"I have a love of coffee and am looking forward to catching up for a cuppa and chat with anyone who is willing."
He said he was also looking forward to serving the whole Redland community.
"I think this is particularly relevant these days as we look at what is going on around the world and our own back yard."
Reverend Gunthorpe's commissioning will be at St George's Church, Birkdale, on October 8.
