Special guests for the evening Dale and Gaelle Broad, Liz Spicer, Steve Webster and (back) Cr John Zobec and Richard Korlega.
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Kyabram’s annual chaplaincy dinner was held on Friday, October 24, and it once again proved it isn’t just drinks and a nice dinner — it’s an essential fundraiser for students in Kyabram.
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The sold-out event, held at Parklands Golf Club, raised funds for the Kyabram P-12 College’s chaplaincy program, allowing chaplain Liz Spicer to deliver vital services across the school to students and staff.
On stage, college students and staff expressed their support of the program, including principal Marina Walsh and Year 7 student Riley Morgan, who both spoke about the important work Ms Spicer did as chaplain.
Campaspe Shire councillor John Zobec also spoke of the influence the program had with the wider community.
Student Riley Morgan with Liz Spicer.
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Riley Morgan highlighted Ms Spicer's well-known free toasties for students who might otherwise go without a meal, explaining this caring gesture represented just one aspect of her support.
“There is a real sense of belonging when you’re in the chaplaincy room, it’s a safe place to go,” Riley said.
Guest speaker Steve Webster, an electrician turned evangelist, began his pastoral work in youth outreach in 1986 before being ordained an Anglican minister in 1991 and becoming Carlton Football Club’s chaplain in 2004, and then with the AIS/AFL in 2010.
His key message was despite what many thought about elite athletes, they were just normal people, with the same ups and downs as everyone, and often learnt to deal with that while living in a public fishbowl.
During the evening, Ms Spicer was celebrated for her recent recognition as Victoria’s longest serving chaplain — a remarkable achievement that follows her Order of Australia Medal in 2024 for outstanding services to chaplaincy.
Sue Walley presents Liz Spicer with flowers.
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She thanked the school and the wider community for all their support over the years.
“Without their faithful support, and without the support of the many churches in Kyabram and the people on our committee, we would not be able to achieve anywhere near as much as we do,” Ms Spicer said.
“In the end, we are here first and foremost for the children and then the community beyond the school gate as part of that commitment.”
