Born into a Christian home I was raised with my older sister and younger brother in the western suburbs of Brisbane. Looking back, I can see that my parents lived their faith daily. Jesus was their daily companion.

I gave my life to Christ as a very early teen at a Billy Graham Crusade in Brisbane. My Christian journey did not stick to the freeways. It had been a meandering pathway of ups and downs. Like many, I had to hit a significant road block before God really got my attention. This was the unexpected death of Stephen, our 10yo son. God’s love flowed abundantly and His compassion was palpable. Just a few months later, God spoke to me through a visiting International Speaker – it all made sense, Christ was real and the Holy Spirit dwelt in my heart. Today He guides me in all I do and say. He has set me free, to be what He always planned for me to be.

When we moved to northern Toowoomba to retire in 2022, we believed God wanted us at Highfields Baptist Church. My passion is to see all Christians growing to be more Christlike and building a living relationship with Jesus, free of the limitations sometimes placed on us by formalised religion.

I see myself as an all-rounder! I have enjoyed a diverse career, from a trade to senior corporate management.

Wendy, my wife for over 50 years is my biggest supporter. We have two daughters and two grandchildren. All are deeply loved.                           

Jenni is originally from Newcastle NSW. She met her husband John in Newcastle where he was serving  with the RAAF. She has been married for 50+ Years, having two children Leah and Kurt.

 She became a Christian in 1983 at Tarro-Beresfield Baptist Church. She moved to Qld and was the   Treasurer at Bribie Island Baptist, after many years. We swapped the sea change for a tree change and  she became the Treasurer of Crows Nest Uniting Church before coming to Highfields Baptist.

Her main career was in banking for about 30 years. The last 4 years before she retired, she worked at Fresh Hope, a Christian based rehabilitation centre for mothers with children. This was a very rewarding time for her and she still have contact with some of the mothers she met whilst working there.

She and John live in Crows Nest with our two dogs, Wilson and Coco and cat Bailey.

she enjoys Lawn Bowls, occasionally play golf (badly), reading, gardening, and craftwork.

She enjoys her Treasurers role in the Church, witnessing firsthand how God provides for and blesses our Church and the fellowship of our congregation.​

Jonathan immigrated from the UK with his family when he was eleven and they settled in Toowoomba. He commenced his Nursing career at Baillie Henderson Hospital in Toowoomba after he believed that God was calling him to serve Him through nursing. He has continued his career as a registered nurse in Brisbane, Alice Springs, Rockhampton, Brisbane again in a nurse manager role, and then Highfields. He moved into management in aged care in 2007. He is now semi retired and continues to work casually in Aged Care. He is married and has three adult children and nine grandchildren. 

He came to faith in Jesus as a child and was baptised at what was then, Toowoomba Central Baptist Church as a teenager. He used to accompany his parents to Highfields Baptist in the early to mid 1970s when they came out from Toowoomba to help with services on Sunday afternoons. He was brought up in a home where helping others in need was an important part of living out their Christian faith. On returning to the Toowoomba area in 2021,  he and his wife have been worshipping at Highfields Baptist.

Deborah is mother of three grown children and grandmother of eight, aged between thirteen years and 18 months. She has over thirty years experience as a high school teacher and recently retired to move to the local area with her husband about 18 months ago. She has been involved in children’s ministry as a Girls Brigade leader and Kids Church leader. She has attended Highfields Baptist Church for the last 15 months. Helping children learn to love Jesus and live for Him is one of the most important things. She also enjoys reading, gardening, spending time with grandchildren and other family.

Maureen first felt called to youth and children’s ministry at a previous Baptist church in Pine Rivers. This led her to serve in and lead 2nd Pine Rivers Girls’ Brigade Company.

On moving to Highfields opportunities to serve in similar ministries opened up within the

community through Highfields Baptist Church ie Religious Instruction at Highfields State School, leadership of Youth Group and Sunday School .

She co-ordinated youth activities within the church supporting and overseeing all youth and children’s ministries as well as organising training and support for leaders and helpers.

Maureen says, “Having grown up in the local area without the benefit of Christian teaching or support, I see how valuable these are for our local kids. How good it is to be able to speak God’s Word into young lives, to play a part in their development and to see them grow into the young people God intended them to be. What a wonderful privilege.”

I have only lived in the Toowoomba area since 2022. However before settling in the district we had visited on many occasions during the years my husband’s sister and brother-in-law were in ministry here. We had always found the parks and gardens and less humid climate very appealing. Living in Toowoomba, we enjoy being a little closer to our daughter and her family who resides in Chinchilla

My walk with the Lord has led me to many memorable and joyous occasions. It has also sustained me and guided me through some times of challenge. It is in these times you begin to understand the immenseness of Jesus’ love for us.

I have always enjoyed Children’s Ministry and have served as a Girl’s Brigade Officer and also directed school holiday Day Camps. Now I have the pleasure of being involved in the wonderful Mainly Music programme.    

Just on 12 months ago, my wife and I moved to Queensland to live on a property owned by our daughter and her family. Prior to the move we had lived in Victoria most of our life. Since coming to HBC, I have become active in several of the Church's ministries, including Mainly Music. I have several longstanding passions, including Reading, mainly the Bible, but also spiritual books, to assist me grow in my spiritual life. I also enjoy praying, serving the Church family, Listening to  Gospel music to lift my own spirits. ​

Elizabeth attends the Hub Community Church. She is involved with morning devotions and a craft group. Elizabeth is a mother of 2 and a grandmother of 4. She has lived in Highfields for 4 years near her daughter and family. Elizabeth is a retired Family Day Care Mum and aged care worker. She has also volunteered at an age care Home. Her hobbies are sewing and any sort of hand work, knitting and crotchet, and gardening. She loves talking to people too.