Our Ministry Staff
Ben Woodd
Senior Pastor
Ben Woodd has been the pastor at Barneys since 2014. Ben came to know Jesus as a teenager in the UK. He is passionate about sharing God’s love with others and is constantly amazed at the privilege of being set aside to teach and pastor people with the word of God. Ben is married to Corinne and together they have three children. He loves running, eating Asian food, playing games and watching movies. Ben currently works 4 days / week. His days off are Thursday and Saturday.
Kate Hamer
Assistant minister
Kate Hamer has been the assistant minister at Barneys since 2021. Kate first recognised her great need for a saviour, and the salvation graciously offered to her in Jesus, as a university student. She loves seeing Christians – and especially Christian women – encouraged and equipped to live out their faith, and delights in helping with this at Barneys. Kate and her husband Jack have three young kids and spend a considerable amount of time in pursuit of quality coffee and playgrounds. Kate works for Barneys 2 days / week and does most of her work on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Sowmya Roy
Ministry Apprentice
Sowmya Roy started her Ministry Apprenticeship at Barneys at the beginning of 2024. Sowmya was introduced to the good news about Jesus through the faithful witness of many family members, friends and teachers. She came to know Jesus personally as a teenager. Sowmya was born in India and has spent most of her life living in Australia – making her a third culture kid! Some hobbies that Sowmya loves are singing, watercolour painting, pottery and salsa! Sowmya’s Apprenticeship is 4 days/week and she works in the office on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Tess Waskiel
Administrator
Tess Waskiel has been the church administrator at Barneys since 2023. Tess came to know Jesus through the loving care and faithful witness of her parents, and through God’s grace, as a teenager was convicted to continue on in that faith for herself. She is married to Mike, and has 3 children. Her hobbies include running, cross-stitching and baking sourdough bread. Tess works one day a week across Monday, Wednesday and Fridays.
