20 Years. One Story Of Hope

There are moments in life when you pause long enough to see just how far a small yes can travel. Last Sunday night (26th October 2025) was one of those moments.

We gathered to celebrate 20 years of Devonport Chaplaincy, and the story that has grown into many strategically placed arms of one mission: chaplaincy and wellbeing, mentoring, and Loaves & Fishes Tasmania. It was a night filled with gratitude, laughter, and reflection — hearing stories of quiet faithfulness, local innovation, and thousands of unseen acts of care that have shaped communities across Tasmania.

We were honoured to receive a heartfelt greeting from the Premier, who acknowledged the profound impact of Devonport Chaplaincy and Loaves & Fishes Tasmania across our state. His words were a powerful reminder that the work we do here — serving with dignity, hope, and care — is not only changing individual lives but is contributing to the social fabric of Tasmania.

The Heart of Partnership

One of the most humbling reflections from that night was recognising the central role of the Devonport Church in this journey. Devonport Chaplaincy is not just an initiative supported by the church; it is, at its heart, a ministry of the Devonport Church, born out of its vision to serve our city with the love and hope of Jesus.

From the very beginning, the church’s yes to stepping into local chaplaincy and community outreach laid the foundation for everything that has followed. Their faith, generosity, and willingness to go beyond the walls of Sunday have shaped a mission that now touches lives across the state.

Through prayer, volunteerism, leadership, and financial commitment, the Devonport Church has been the steady heart behind this work — a living example of what it means to be the church for the city. It’s in the heart of that community that the true spirit of Devonport Chaplaincy and Loaves & Fishes Tasmania was born: a commitment to relationship, care, and connection that still fuels our mission today.

Their example reminds us that when the church chooses presence over platform, and service over status, whole communities can be transformed.

That spirit of partnership has continued through the years in many forms. Both Grant Armitstead (pictured in our feature photo presenting on the night), former Assistant Principal of Devonport High School, and Roger Eadie, former Principal of Devonport High School, were present on 26 October to celebrate with us.

Both played key roles in helping to establish what has become our highly successful mentoring program — a model that now operates right across our organisation. Their wisdom, faith, and commitment to young people have left a lasting legacy that continues to shape how we support students and families today.

By the Numbers — 20 Years of Impact

These milestones tell a story far bigger than numbers — a story of people, community, and hope made tangible.

• 271,000 hours of chaplaincy and wellbeing invested across the Devonport region — reaching schools, workplaces, and communities throughout Tasmania.
• 75,000 hours of mentoring delivered since 2011 — every hour a story of guidance and growth.
• 6 million kilograms of fresh produce rescued and shared.
• 1.5 million ready-to-eat meals prepared and distributed to Tasmanians in need.
• And in the coming months, we’ll serve our one-millionth school meal through the Tasmanian School Lunch Program.

As I looked around the room on Sunday night, I realised again that our story has never been about buildings or budgets — it’s about people.

Every number represents a meal shared, a conversation that changed direction, a student who found courage, or a family that felt seen.

It reminded me of a young man who came up to me recently and said quietly,

“You look after Devonport Chaplaincy, don’t you?”

He went on to tell me about the day his school chaplain sat with him — the very day he had planned to take his own life.

“If it hadn’t been for my chaplain,” he said, “I wouldn’t be here.”

Moments like that stop you in your tracks. They remind me exactly why we do what we do.

If all the work of the past twenty years — all the hours, the meals, the mentoring, the meetings — had only changed that one life, it would have been worth it.

But we know it hasn’t just been one. There are thousands of stories like his — stories that will never make a headline but have changed the future of families, classrooms, and communities across Tasmania.

A R.A.R.E. Approach to Enduring Leadership

Someone asked me that night, “How have you managed to keep this going for twenty years?”

The answer? It’s been a R.A.R.E. approach — one that’s kept us grounded and genuine.

Relationship — Everything begins with relationship. It’s never been about numbers or outcomes first, but about people and connection. When relationships are strong, everything else follows.

Act Like Ourselves — We lead best when we’re authentic. I don’t need to be someone I’m not; I’m surrounded by gifted people who bring what I can’t, and together we build something lasting.

Return to Real Joy — Joy keeps us going. It’s found in the small wins — a student smiling again, a family supported, a team laughing in the kitchen after a long day.

Endure Hardship Well — The journey hasn’t always been easy, but faithfulness and perseverance have shaped our strength.

Who We Are Now

From those small beginnings, we’ve grown into two connected organisations working as one:

Devonport Chaplaincy – Chaplaincy & Wellbeing Department
Relationship • Community • Hope

Loaves & Fishes Tasmania – Social Food Enterprise
Food • Community • Jobs

Together, these two arms carry one mission: to serve Tasmanians emotionally, practically, and spiritually — building communities where dignity, purpose, and belonging flourish.

None of this has happened alone. It’s been the work of countless people — principals, chaplains, teachers, volunteers, farmers, donors, and business partners — all pulling in the same direction.

To everyone who has prayed, partnered, cooked, mentored, driven, taught, or simply believed in the vision: thank you. You are part of this story of hope.

Looking Ahead

From a $5,000 beginning to a multi-million-dollar mission, from two pastors and a handful of volunteers to a statewide movement of care — every step has been sustained by God’s grace and provision, with the generously provided assets simply adding strength and stability for what He continues to do through us.

But the story isn’t finished.

The next chapter is about multiplication — food, community, and jobs — woven together so that every act of care becomes a pathway to dignity.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing more stories, photos, and reflections from across Tasmania. We’d love for you to follow along, share your own memories, and keep walking with us as this one story of hope continues to unfold.

Twenty years behind us — and, by God’s grace, a whole new chapter ahead.

Andrew Hillier
CEO — Devonport Chaplaincy & Loaves & Fishes Tasmania

Network Leader – Devonport Churches