The Ven. Ruth Hanlon appointed Rector of Bass/Phillip Island
April 15th, 2024
The Diocese of Gippsland is delighted to announce that Ruth Hanlon has accepted the position of Rector in the Parish of Bass/Phillip Island. Ruth (pictured here with husband Michael, a retired priest) is the Rector of St Luke’s Anglican Church, Parish of Sandy Bay and Taroona in Tasmania, where her ordained ministry has been set.
Ruth and Michael have always had a heart for Gippsland, and value their personal links with the region, as Ruth explains: "For the past eight years we have been living and serving in Tasmania, but my husband Michael and I both have historical connections with Gippsland.
"I spent the first seven years of my life in Churchill where my father was the first Co-operating Church Minister. His last parish was at Bunyip and I completed my HSC at Drouin High School. Michael’s grandparents lived in Wonthaggi and we regularly holiday there as a family.
"Prior to being ordained in 2016, I worked as a Social Worker. Initially this was with children and families, including as a family therapist in the UK, where we lived for eight years. I then worked in community based palliative care for eleven years in Melbourne.
"I completed a Master of Divinity at Ridley College in 2015 and we moved to Hobart in 2016 where I was Assistant Minister at St David’s Cathedral. In 2019 I was appointed Rector of St Luke’s Taroona. During this time, I also took on Diocesan roles including Archdeacon for the southern mission region of Tasmania, and Diocesan Ministry Development Officer for Women.
"I am passionate in my faith and desire for others to know the gift of God’s amazing grace. I love to revel in God’s creation, including cold water sunrise swims! I also love to walk, read, sing, enjoy good coffee while building relationships, and I love to spend time with family – we have four young adult children. I look forward to serving the people of Bass / Phillip Island, and together exploring the opportunities to grow God’s kingdom, proclaiming Christ and sharing hope in the community."
Information regarding Ruth’s Induction will be available in the coming weeks.