•  

• OUR PROFILE

  Introduction

  GFS Australia Limited is an organisation within the Anglican Church which seeks to minister to children, youth and their families. Our Vision Statement gives us a clear direction for the work we undertake in the name of GFS:-
  
  'To provide a vital ministry which will empower people to build a continuing relationship with Christ, to value themselves and one another, and to experience life within a faith community.'
  
  We are passionate about Children's Ministry and believe it has much to offer parishes and communities across Australia. If you want to 'grow your Parish', GFS is certainly an avenue which can assist with this.

  History

  Originally known as the Girls Friendly Society, GFS came to Australia from England in 1875 with the daughters of the new Governor to South Australia, the Ladies Jervois, and since that time has spread to all States in Australia, operating in 14 Anglican Dioceses. A number of years ago, the Australian National Executive made the decision to change the name to GFS - An Anglican Ministry. The reasoning for this was that the original name was deemed to be no longer a relevant or appropriate name in today's society. We retain the initials as part of this revised name, as GFS is a world-wide family and we are members of that world community.
  
  In recent years to accommodate both the boys and girls now attending our groups in branches across Australia, the name Kids Plus+™ has begun to be used.

  Membership

  • Membership to GFS Australia Limited is open to all who have paid the prescribed fee and completed a registration form, however there are additional requirements for those who wish to pursue leadership within the organisation. Children from 4-6yrs are generally known as Teddybears and adult members who do not participate in the leadership area may be known as Townsend members, named after Mary Elizabeth Townsend, the founder of GFS. The adult membership is a growing area within GFS and a number of Dioceses are actively encouraging this growth.
  • GFS has a corporate wardrobe which members may choose to wear with many articles available in the range for both children and adults. You can download an order form here.
  • Membership communication across Australia is conducted through the GFS Australian Newsletter , in association with regular updates between the Australian Executive and Dioceses.

  Leadership

  • The core basis of our ministry of reaching out to children, youth and their families, is our leadership across Australia. From the excellent material provided by GFS Australia Limited, every Diocese provides training, both regular and ongoing for its adult leaders from 18yrs, which is essential for their continued development.
  • Before they undertake working with children and youth, all leaders must sign a copy of the GFS Australia Limited Code of Conduct in accordance with the Constitution and Policies of the organisation and where applicable, must comply with current government legislative requirements.
  dance with the Constitution and Policies of the organisation and where applicable, must comply with current government legislative requirements.

You can find out more about GFS from their Web Site:

http://gfsaustralia.org.au/