b'After retiring from Parliament in 2012, Bronwyn continued her service within the Church, holding senior governance roles before becoming the second CEO of Uniting Vic.Tas in 2018.I really believe the Church made a courageous decision to bring together all the agencies to form Uniting Vic.Tas, she said. It wasnt entirely without controversy. Not everyone loved the idea. It was an enormous task. I think much bigger than anyone ever imagined.And I want to pay tribute to Paul Linossier, who was the inaugural CEO.He did an absolutely amazing job in setting the framework for a unified organisation and putting the building blocks in place.Under Bronwyns leadership, Uniting has grown into a powerful expression of the Churchs call to serve. She helped consolidate the vision of Uniting as a single, united organisation with a shared purpose. She continued to bring advocacy, policy and frontline service into alignment, always asking: what kind of world do we want to live in?Farewell to Bronwyn Pike:In 2022, Bronwyn was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her contributions to Parliament and social welfare. Yet those who know her understand she is far more interestedA life of faith and service. in celebrating the efforts of those around her.The thing I miss the most and the greatest joy Ive had in the job is to bring together and see At the end of June, Bronwyn Pike stepped down as CEO the growth of this amazing group of people who can now lead the show without me, she reflects. of Uniting Vic.Tas, concluding an extraordinary career That has been so rewarding. of public service shaped by faith, compassion and justice. Bronwyn often says the Uniting Church standson three legs: worship, witness and service.If one is missing, the stool falls. Through her Raised in the Methodist Church by parentsBronwyn stepped into public advocacy at atime at Uniting, she has ensured that our service who were deeply committed evangelicalcritical moment, just as the Kennett government continues to stand strong, grounded in faith and Christians, Bronwyn grew up with a strongbegan sweeping privatisations and cuts.expressed through action.moral framework and an early awareness Kennett got really mad because it was theBronwyn notes that she has never really had a of inequality.Church criticising him, she said. He said welife plan, so she will be open to what comes along Her mothers working-class upbringing should stick to our knitting!Of course, that following her time with Uniting. In the short term, during the Great Depression and experiences just got me more fired up because I believed she is looking forward to enjoying the freedom of hardship instilled in Bronwyn a lifelong that social justice was our knitting. of travelling with husband Bob in their converted passion for social justice. Bronwyns outspoken opposition led her to statecombi and reading lots of good books. We wish her well for the break. Few could be more It is these two intimately connected threadsherpolitics, where she was elected as the Memberdeserving after an exemplary lifetime record of Christian sensibility and commitment to fightingfor Melbourne in 1999 and became one of thecommunity enhancing public service. for the disadvantagedthat have animatedstates longest-serving female ministers, holding Bronwyns public life. They shine through in themajor portfolios including Health, Education and many positions she has held within the UnitingCommunity Services. The thing I miss the most and the greatest joy Church and in her political career as a minister I was so fortunate to be the Member for in a Victorian Labor government. Ive had in the job is to bring together and see the Melbourne and a government minister for allBronwyn began her career as a teacher,that time, she said. I really found it wonderful growth of this amazing group of people who can later joining the Uniting Churchs Somervilleto go into politics and work and meet people now lead the show without me, she reflects. Community Services in Darwin. When a socialwho shared the same passions and commitment justice role opened with the Church in Victoria,that I did.That has been so rewarding. 4 Supporter Newsletter Spring 2025 Supporter Newsletter Spring 2025 5'