The Commission is staffed by:

Dr Mark Copland, Executive Officer

Sr Sue Flood osu, Social Justice Educator

Sr Deirdre Gardiner rsm, Administrative Officer

 I grew up in the Diocese in the township of Goondiwindi. I am married to Amber and we have three sons, Callum, Sean and Jonah. I have worked as a teacher in the Kimberley Diocese of Western Australia. I have also worked as an historian with a local Aboriginal land council. In 1999 I worked as a senior researcher on the Forde Inquiry into Child Abuse in Queensland. 

In 2005 I was awarded a PhD in Australian History through Griffith University. My thesis titled “Calculating Lives”  is a history of forced removals of Aboriginal people in Queensland between 1859 and 1972. I am currently a member of the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council.  I am constantly inspired by the stories of hope in our region. 

I passionately believe that my faith calls me to form  respectful relationships with those at the margins of society and to act in solidarity to challenge existing structures of injustice.  In my spare time I enjoy following and coaching junior cricket. I also enjoy being part of my local faith community and being a part of the grief and joy, hope and dreams of my local neighbourhood. One of these hopes is that one day the mighty Parramatta Eels will one day win another premiership!!! 

I am an Ursuline sister, and have worked in education for over 30 years, as teacher, principal, and pastoral carer.  I have a long term in issues of Social Justice, and in working to make a difference for good in the world. Particular areas of interest and concern are the circumstances of refugees and asylum seekers, environmental concerns, and issues of Indigenous justice.  Recent studies in Theology and Social Justice through the Melbourne College of Divinity - Yarra Theological Union, have reinforced my belief that action for justice is central to being Christian, not just an added extra.  As Christians we are called to transform our world. Peace is possible and is built through genuine respect for the dignity of all. Justice grows out of relationships that are based on reverence for the giftedness of each person. I believe that change happens within communities, and have a strong commitment to nurturing community within any groups of which I am part. I look for ways to encourage and empower others to contribute their gifts and skills to make a difference for good. I am also keen to explore the role of spirituality as a means of integrating personal faith and the daily experience of living. In particular, I see it as important to develop a spirituality, grounded in hope, that allows us to move beyond the boundaries within which we are comfortable, and which sustains the commitment to work for justice and transformation.

I am a Sister of Mercy with a history of involvement in health care as Medical Laboratory Technologist, Ethicist and Mission Director. From 1999-2002 I worked part time at the Social Action Office, a project of the Queensland religious orders.  I have a belief that Christianity calls us to respect the dignity of each person. As Christians we have a responsibility to see that whenever this does not occur, we must act. My faith constantly challenges me to become involved in overcoming prejudice, injustice and insensitivity wherever it is manifest. I am particularly interested in the issues surrounding our Indigenous people and those who have come to this country as refugees. These two groups are often treated with less than respect and dignity.  I see that justice towards our planet earth is one of the major issues that we need to address at this time in our history. I believe that the Good News that Jesus came to preach is that good does triumph over evil. Each one of us is called to witness to this in our own lives. We are to be the face of a loving, compassionate, caring God. That is the real challenge.