New to TV: ‘Wesley Impact with Stu Cameron’
5.30 am Sundays, airing nationally on Nine and NBN from 4 July and weekdays on ACCTV
Sunday mornings have traditionally offered an opportunity for connection with family and local community. But as many Australians face heightened restrictions and lockdowns, social connection and hope can feel in short supply.
From Sunday 4 July, Wesley Mission’s CEO and Superintendent Rev Stu Cameron will take Australians behind the scenes at the reputable charity to see the positive impact its programs are having on lives and communities.
Stu introduces viewers to the real people behind some of our society’s most challenging issues, including the national housing crisis, preventing suicide deaths, supporting young people leaving foster care and helping people to find meaningful employment.
Each 30-minute episode features a unique 10-minute topical documentary, candid interviews and closes with a hope-filled sermon.
“I meet a lot of people in my role, and I’m blessed to hear their stories,” says Rev Stu Cameron. “Many begin with heartbreaking circumstances, and for the people we have the privilege to journey with and offer support, they can end in just the most amazing transformations. They are the kinds of stories that fuel your faith, and you can’t help but acknowledge that God is good, even when life is not.”
Series one features twelve episodes:
- Episodes 1 and 2: Journey with Stu to meet passionate Wesley Mission staff in nine locations across NSW and a special interview with Danny and Leila Abdallah
- Episodes 3, 4 and 5: Meet tenants living in Wesley Community Housing in Western Sydney and learn about International Justice Mission’s work to end slavery and poverty.
- Episodes 6, 7 and 8: A thought-provoking discussion with social researcher Mark McCrindle and join Wesley Mission’s teams in Wollongong as they help people overcome homelessness and find employment.
- Episodes 9 and 10: Go behind the scenes with Wesley Dalmar’s specialist program helping to prepare young people for independence and success in life after foster care.
- Episodes 11 and 12: Meet the volunteers who answer crisis calls at Lifeline and find out how more than 4,500 Wesley Mission volunteers are changing lives in communities.
“I believe that every person has a story and that each story matters to God,” says Rev Stu Cameron. “That doesn’t mean that every person you’ll meet through Wesley Impact shares that understanding because we welcome people of all backgrounds and beliefs. And that’s true for our staff, volunteers and for the people we support.
“But I hope that for anyone who chooses to share their Sunday mornings with us, they will get a sense of the adventure of faith that we’re on at Wesley Mission. It’s an adventure that Jesus calls each of us into, to become people with soft hearts, sharp minds, hard feet and open hands. It’s how we live out the gospel in both Word and deed. And you can join us.”
Media interviews: Anne Holt | 0418 628 342 | anne.holt@wesleymission.org.au
Rev Stu Cameron – biography
Stu was welcomed as CEO and Superintendent Minister of Wesley Mission in January 2021, having served for almost 15 years as Lead Minister for Newlife Church, the largest church in the Uniting Church in Australia. Based on the Gold Coast and Brisbane, Newlife has an extensive community services ministry including emergency relief, counselling, recovery and homeless services, and support for people experiencing domestic and family violence.
Tertiary qualified as an Accountant, Stu worked in a Chartered Accounting firm upon graduation, and later as a Systems Analyst for Mitsubishi Motors in Adelaide. He was ordained as a Minister of the Word in the Uniting Church in May 2004.
Stu served as General Secretary for the Uniting Church – South Australian Synod from 2000-2005 and has served on numerous Uniting Church Boards and Committees. From 2012-2019 he served as Board Member and Chair for the Global Leadership Network Australia.
Stu was a Founding Member and inaugural Chair of the Gold Coast Pastors Roundtable that, in partnership with the Gold Coast City Mayor’s Office, hosted large annual events and pioneered a new city-wide domestic and family violence initiative. He is a founding Board Member for Propel Network Inc.
Stu is a purpose-driven entrepreneur, a collaborative leader and is passionate about advocacy and stewardship. A gifted preacher and communicator, Stu has spoken at leadership events and numerous churches across Australia.
Wesley Mission
Wesley Mission is a leading not-for-profit employing more than 2,300 people, supported by more than 4,500 volunteers and welcoming more than 1,500 congregation members every Sunday.
Its truly diverse range of community services includes housing and accommodation, gambling and financial counselling, child and parenting support, education and training, suicide prevention, professional mental health services, supporting people with disability to foster care, retirement living, home care, aged care and beyond.
Wesley Mission is part of the Uniting Church in Australia. It has been connecting with Australians through TV since Rev Sir Alan Walker launched the topical program, ‘I Challenge the Minister’, that first aired on the Nine Network in 1958. Wesley Mission is thankful for the continued support of the Nine Network to bring stories of everyday Australians and issues of public interest to homes across Australia.
