Thank you to Harold & Chris Small

Harold Small has served Greenhills as Executive Officer since taking over from Max Hill in 2000. Chris has provided great support to Harold and also contributed directly throughout this period. With the recent appointment of CEO Daryl Smeaton, Harold’s retirement from Executive Officer responsibilities is an opportunity to commemorate and give thanks for his wonderful service to Greenhills. The rebuilding since the 2003 bushfires, the landscape restoration, changes to governance and staffing, the great increases in accommodation and events at Greenhills during the past decade have been accomplished by Harold and his team. Harold and Chris will continue to contribute their talents through the Board and the Committee.

 Special Events

Dedication of the Norma Heath Lounge, on 27 September was a wonderful occasion shared by nearly 100 guests and family. UCA Moderator Niall Reid and our Founder Max Hill conveyed the love and devotion that Norma and Herb have to Greenhills and the substantial contributions that they have made. The beautiful paintings and decorations by Norma’s daughters in this special lounge will provide a fitting reminder of Norma to us all.

A Service of Commissioning of CEO Daryl Smeaton on 8 November was again facilitated by Moderator Niall Reid, Rev. Alistair Christie and Chairperson Averill Edwards. It provided a special occasion for the board, committee, staff and volunteers to welcome and pledge support to Daryl in the special ministry at Greenhills.

Staff News

Bruce Buckman has joined the Greenhills staff, working with Maree Richards in the cleaning and landscape team under Manager Ed Challenger. Bruce has come from Living Simply, the garden and landscape firm with enthusiasm and knowledge most valuable to Greenhills site development.

Customer Service Manager Beth Monk will complete her interim duties later in November when a permanent CSM assistant will take up this appointment. Beth has provided an important service in this role throughout 2009, especially in complementing Paula Challenger’s role during months of heavy bookings.

Ross Monk, as a Duty Manager has also made a major contribution to property maintenance and operation this year.

Thank you to all staff, contractors and volunteers for 2009 achievements in service, accommodation, building of the Max & Zeta Hill Building extensions, loading dock, storage shed, tree clearing and other landscape restoration works, staff appointments and working bees. Work is now starting on the landscape changes to the central area in front of the Murrumbidgee Centre where the elms had to be removed.

The Weeks Ahead

The Greenhills Centre will close bookings from 11 December 2009 until 4 January 2010 to allow for annual major cleaning and maintenance works. Security and office facilities will be provided during this period.

Proposed meeting dates are:

Board            3 February 2010

Committee      1 February 2010.