Congratulations, Liz!

Kyabram P-12 community chaplain Liz Spicer has been recognised for 25 years of unbroken service at the Korus Connect 80th anniversary celebrations in Melbourne.

Liz is the longest serving chaplain in the Korus Connect program and her “dedicated service to her school and community” saw her presented with a plaque recording her quarter of a century of pastoral leadership.

Korus Connect chief executive Dawn Penney says the organisation honoured “Liz’s unwavering commitment, leadership, and compassionate service across all of those 25 years”. She says Liz has faithfully embodied the values of Christian character, energy, and grace throughout her years with Korus Connect.

“Liz is dynamic and engaging – determined yet so full of joy,” Dawn adds.

“She’s a natural encourager who leads through example, inspiring those around her to live with purpose and kindness,” she says.

“Liz’s influence extends far beyond the school gates, shaping and strengthening the wider Kyabram community and her approach to chaplaincy has fostered hope, belonging, and resilience among students, staff, and families alike.”

Dawn says alongside her chaplaincy, and her work through Korus Connect, Liz’s commitment to public service is further reflected in her hard work as a Justice of the Peace and says her selfless work at the grassroots level – where it really counts – was further celebrated last year when she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the 2024 Australia Day Honours.

For Liz the role has always been about today and tomorrow – she says she doesn’t have time for yesterday, or last year “because there is still so much to be done for so many people”.

“For me it has been an absolute privilege to walk alongside people in their everyday journeys,” Liz explains.

“To listen to them, to really hear what they are saying, and to then support them, and hopefully celebrate with them,” she says,

“This recognition from Korus Connect is deeply humbling, but it’s really a celebration of the communities I have the joy of serving.”

The Melbourne anniversary was attended by a packed house of more than 200 current and former chaplains, staff, and community partners, marking, Dawn says, not only the 80 years of community service by Korus Connect but also celebrating the “remarkable dedication of people such as Liz, who continue to live out the organisation’s mission with heart and integrity”.