St Anne's Ministry Team
Reverend Dane Courtney (Rector)
Dane trained as a teacher (Mathematics), taught briefly, and worked for the Crusader Union before studying for ordained ministry.
He has served in the Anglican Churches at St Ives, South Carlton and Quakers Hill, and became the minister at St Anne’s in March 2007.
He and his wife, Bronwen, have three adult children.
Dane’s other interests include sailboards, computers, music and Rugby.
His responsibilities in the wider Christian sphere include being a Ministry Chaplain in the Diocese of Sydney, a member of the General Synod (Australia), and the General Synod Liturgy Commission. He is a Council member of Trinity Grammar School, and was chairman of the Council of Rouse Hill Anglican College from its commencement in 2002 until the end of 2007.
‘The greatest need for all men and women is to know and trust in Jesus Christ. We would love to see you at St Anne’s - you will be made most welcome.’
Reverend Vanessa Bennett (Assistant Minister)
Vanessa has experience and qualifications in education and ministry. She has held positions as a high school teacher, teaching Mathematics, Geography, Studies of Religion and Christian Education; has served as Chaplain at Meriden, an Anglican School for Girls; and has ministered in the Anglican parishes of Avalon with Palm Beach and St Andrew’s Wahroonga, before joining St Anne’s Strathfield.
Vanessa also serves as a member of the School Council of Barker College and as a member of the Anglican Education Commission.
Vanessa is married to Paul and has two cats. She plays competition squash and loves following the Australian cricket team. In her spare time, Vanessa enjoys reading, taking photos and going for walks with Paul.
Vanessa is passionate about encouraging members of the community to consider the teachings and example of Jesus for life and faith.
Ben Adamo (Student Minister)
Ben is involved in all three services at St Annes. He occasionally preaches and leads at 8am, 10am and 7pm, and also helps lead Grounded Youth Group at 10am.
Ben previously worked as a lawyer, but is now studying at Moore Theological College and training for ordained ministry.
Ben's greatest joy is to know and love Jesus, and help people do the same. After that, Ben loves soccer, surfing, running, reading, West Wing, Xbox and the occasional mountain bike ride!
Mark Earngey (Student Minister)
During the week I'm at Moore Theological College, learning about the great truths of Scripture with a view to parish ministry in the future. On Sunday's I'm here at St Anne's as part of the 8am congregation, Grounded Youth Group at 10am, and then serving the 7pm guys and girls. I'm quite nocturnal, so enjoy going to live gigs, spending time at coffee shops with friends, and watching movies. I'm a big fan of pretty much all sports, but my favourite thing right now is discovering good second hand bookshops! But in all of these things, my deepest love is for the one who accomplished my salvation at Calvary: Jesus Christ.
David McLennan (Student Minister)
David is a student at Moore Theological College. He spent the last decade working for the Commonwealth Government in Canberra (mostly in Defence), and also served as an infantry soldier in East Timor. David is married to Catherine, and they have four young and energetic children. He likes travelling, reading biographies and following politics – and wishes he had more time to watch the cricket.
David wants to devote the rest of his working life to helping others discover what it means to follow Jesus.
Dave McPhail (Student Minister)
Dave is married to Marieke and together they love sharing the good news of Jesus with people. Dave became convinced that the words of Jesus were true at the age of 12 – Jesus came so that we might have “life to the full”! During the week Dave studies at Sydney Missionary and Bible College (SMBC). At St Anne’s Dave is involved in leading the 7pm evening congregation, and with Marieke they co-lead a young adult Bible study group on Wednesday nights.