Heather Watson has been appointed Chair of the UnitingCare Australia Board by the 17th Triennial Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia.

National Director, Claerwen Little, said Ms Watson brings extensive experience in legal, risk and governance, as well as a deep commitment to the mission and vision of UnitingCare Australia.

“Heather is a highly respected leader who has worked tirelessly in many roles across the Church and UnitingCare network. We are very much looking forward to Heather’s leadership in this next chapter of UnitingCare Australia.”

Ms Watson said she was deeply honoured to be appointed as Chair.

“As a lifelong and committed member of the Uniting Church, I look forward to contributing to the vital work of UnitingCare Australia and advancing its role in the life of the Church, the community, and the country.”

Heather Watson is a specialist charity lawyer and non-executive director with more than 35 years of commercial, governance and legal experience spanning aged care, health and community services, transport, affordable housing and First Nations communities.

She is the Chair of Uniting NSW.ACT (until conclusion of her term in October 2024) and has held governance roles in community service agencies of the Church over more than 20 years and across Queensland, NSW and ACT, Victoria and Tasmania, and in the Northern Territory. She currently also holds directorships with Queensland Rail, Children’s Health Queensland (Chair) and the ACNC Advisory Board (Deputy Chair).

The 17th Assembly recorded its deep appreciation for outgoing Chair, Geoff Batkin AM, with a formal Minute of Appreciation. The UnitingCare Australia Board also gave thanks to Mr Batkin for his significant contribution and dedication to the life of the Uniting Church in Australia.

About UnitingCare Australia

UnitingCare Australia is the national body for the Uniting Church’s community services, the largest social services network in Australia. The UnitingCare network delivers 5.8 million service interactions every year across 1,600 sites in urban, rural and remote communities, through the incredible work of 55,000 staff and 17,000 volunteers.

Media contact: Anna Page, 0432 560 975, annap@nat.unitingcare.org.au