UnitingCare New Director

By Emelia Haskey

Mark Waters, the new Director of UnitingCare, has always had a passion for social work. Growing up, his mum would take him along on her trips to the mental health service facility, aged care facility, and the alcohol drying-up centre to provide support and a listening ear for patients. It was this type of exposure, plus the influence of his Minister father, that shaped his desire to help others.

‘I was weighing up whether I go into health or go into social work,’ said Mark.

‘I think there was that sense of profound understanding of need, while also recognising the humanity of people who are disadvantaged or in trouble … and so I set my course on social work.

Mark has had a long career serving others through his work at the Hindley Street Youth Project, and later on in his life at Reconciliation SA and Palliative Care South Australia. In April, Mark was inducted as the Director of UnitingCare South Australia, and as a pastor.

UnitingCare oversees organisations with the Uniting Church brand such as Uniting Communities and Uniting SA, to ensure they are maintaining the polity and ethos of the Uniting Church.

The transition in the role has been mostly a smooth one for Mark, but what has been most striking to him is the work that is already happening between churches and UnitingCare.

‘Some parts are a natural fit – I bring connections and contacts into this role and there’s still lots of learning to do. I’ve been surprised by the level of commitment and faithful delivery from little congregations who are providing emergency relief services. The amount of food and support, linking with homeless services, the contribution is significant.’

Becoming a pastor is also an important transition for Mark, and something which has had a profound impact on him.

‘It’s quite special for me, it’s a rounding out of a number of aspects in my life. As a preacher’s kid I grew up with a sense of what the family and dad was involved in, and through his journey you get to see the backrooms of that,’ said Mark.

‘As a pastor a whole lot of my life experiences and work have been brought together into one. I made a commitment to Christianity at age fourteen, and I haven’t ever relinquished that.’