Mission and Value

UnitingCare SA: Living the Mission of Justice, Kindness, and Service in South Australia

The mission of the Uniting Church is actively embodied through the work of UnitingCare organisations. As expressed in Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God?” (RSV).

At UnitingCare, we are committed to doing justice by providing vital community services that support vulnerable individuals and families throughout South Australia. Our network of organisations, including schools, colleges, aged care providers, hospitals, community services, and emergency relief centres, plays a pivotal role in uplifting those in need and ensuring that all members of the community have access to opportunities for growth and healing.

The second charge upon us is to “love kindness”. As we witness the rise of loneliness, isolation, and their impact on mental health and suicide rates, we recognize the importance of showing compassion and kindness to each other and ourselves. Our UnitingCare organisations are dedicated to addressing these challenges by offering support, counseling, and services that foster a sense of belonging and wellbeing in the community.

Each day, our organisations work on the frontlines, serving with humility and love, and embodying the values of justice, kindness, and community care that are at the heart of the Uniting Church’s mission in South Australia.

MEET THE TEAM

Mark Waters, Director, UnitingCare SA

UnitingCare SA Director Mark Waters has always had a passion for social work. Mark’s career serving others spans from the Hindley Street Youth Project, and later on in his life at Reconciliation SA and Palliative Care South Australia. In April 2023, Mark was commissioned as the Director of UnitingCare South Australia, and as a pastor.

Through the 2000’s, Mark was employed at Uniting Care Wesley Port Adelaide as the Manager of Employment Access (EA) where the service supported people with mental health issues to find and stay in open or supported employment. He is a life member of SACOSS and is a strong advocate in the community sector and for consumer participation in health having helped to establish the Health Consumers Alliance in SA.

Mark has 40 years of experience working in the community sector in board, management and delivery roles as well as lifelong involvement in local Uniting Church congregations.  Currently, in his role as Director at UnitingCare SA, Mark has a particular interest in First Nations matters and the Voice to Parliament, CALD, consumer health, young people, mental health, social policy and advocacy, workforce, skills and training.

Maria Maratos, Relief Centres’ Liaison Officer, UnitingCare SA.

Maria has worked in business development in the not-for-profit sector, for eight years, with a focus on accreditation within health and human services, supporting clients across S.A. and W.A.

She enjoys helping organisations to build capacity by developing sound frameworks, engaging in collaboration and partnerships, and enabling them to deliver better services and outcomes for their clients.

As a passionate volunteer for various causes and organisations, Maria’s has been involved in wildlife care, community rebuilding after devastating fires, phone crisis support, homelessness services, and currently is part of the team for Trinity Sessions and Stop By Op Shop, at the Church of the Trinity.

Johanne Manning, Administration Officer, UnitingCare SA

Johanne brings extensive administration support services to the UnitingCare SA and its network of services.

She has worked in administration in the Not-for-Profit Christian Organisations and Christian Higher Education sectors for over 20 years, including roles with Mission Resourcing and Uniting College for Leadership and Theology within the Uniting Church of South Australia and Personal Assistant to the Principal/CEO at Tabor College.

She also loves volunteering at her local church, Red Dove Café (Royal Show), Green Team (Recharge) and St Andrew’s By-the-Sea in Mary’s Kitchen.

BECOME A BOARD MEMBER

UnitingCare SA organisations are governed by volunteer boards and councils. UnitingCare SA builds a pool of board members who are Uniting Church members and are available to join boards of UnitingCare SA organisations.


   Nigel Hall, Chair, Uniting Communities

Joining the Uniting Communities (UC) board four years ago was an opportunity I deeply appreciate. Invited by a fellow director, I was eager to contribute to a purpose-driven organisation after completing multiple terms as Treasurer and Chair of the Intellectual Disability Accommodation Association.

At this stage in my career, I seek to support ethical, sustainable organisations that create meaningful change in people’s lives. Serving on the UC board allows me to do just that, leveraging my diverse professional background while collaborating with passionate, insightful individuals who inspire me daily.

Coming from a commercial and technology-focused career, I initially wondered whether my perspective would add value to an organisation so deeply rooted in community services. However, I soon realised that my experience as a business owner and strategist provided a complementary lens—offering fresh insights into UC’s strategic discussions and operations. This blend of perspectives has strengthened my understanding of the sector and reinforced the importance of diverse expertise in guiding impactful organisations.

Being part of UC has been incredibly fulfilling. Witnessing the dedication of those who work tirelessly to support individuals and families reminds me why this work matters. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute in my own way, knowing that together, we are making a real and lasting difference in our community.

Nigel

Who we are looking for:

Large associated organisations:

  1. Uniting Church members or members-in-association
  2. An academic or work background in education, clinical governance, law, finance, or management is desirable.

Small associated community-based organisations and agencies of the Uniting Church:

  1. People who live, work and/or are passionate about the local community
  2. People with additional skills such as governance, finance, management are enthusiastically encouraged to apply.

We ask leaders in the Uniting Church to encourage people, who might be a great fit for this type of mission in the Church, to apply.

Interested – Please contact Mark Waters, Director UnitingCare SA for an informal conversation.
(08) 8236 4255 or email unitingcare@sa.uca.org.au with your expression of interest.