INF Australia is excited to welcome Steve Barnett to its team. As the Australian Programs Manager, Steve will play an important role in developing relationships with individuals, churches and other groups around the country in support of INF. He comes to the role with a lifetime of experience in teaching, connecting with others and encouraging them to live out their faith, particularly a biblical response to poverty.
Steve is married to Diana and has three adult children: Alex, Jonathan and Gemma. They belong to Common Groundz Cafe Church in Lalor Park, in Western Sydney. They like to make noise, ride bikes, go camping, keep chooks and attempt to grow things in their backyard.
Steve has travelled to Nepal before and is looking forward to supporting INF’s work and its Australian supporters.
“Our family visited Nepal in 2010 and were smitten by its natural beauty and rich culture,” says Steve. “We were also impressed by the way organisations like INF work to empower and equip Nepali communities, bringing positive change in often very challenging circumstances.”
“I’m really looking forward to connecting with the INF community in Australia and exploring how together we can champion and support this amazing work.”
While beginning his working life as a geologist, Steve spent many years as a high school teacher and then as a chaplain and scripture teacher in a local government high school. Most recently he worked in the Community Engagement Team for Christian development organisation TEAR Australia.
“Steve has great experience working in different roles with churches, schools, community development organisations and community groups.” says Ben Thurley, INF Australia CEO. “His enthusiasm is infectious and he has a real passion for INF’s life-saving and life-transforming work. I’m excited that he is part of the INF Australia team and look forward to seeing how God will make use of us all to bless our supporters, the Australian church, and the people and communities we serve in Nepal.”
If you’d like to meet Steve for a coffee or give him a call to find out about how you can support INF, you can get in touch via steve.barnett@au.inf.org or 0406 855 423.