We had a wonderful opportunity in Adelaide on November 26 where the Board, staff, volunteers and supporters gathered to farewell Val Zerna before her role with GMP concludes on December 23. Val has worked with GMP for almost two decades!

Over the past 19 years, Val has been involved with GMP in an executive assistant role, communications, being a Partnership Coordinator in South Australia where she was well known and appreciated throughout the churches and, most recently, as our Church Engagement Coordinator. 

Val’s contribution goes beyond her job title and descriptions, and she has for many years organised volunteers for mailouts and assisted the finance team with processing payment requests. For many supporters, hers is the voice that is synonymous with GMP. She has also been active in engaging with GMP’s international partners, particularly on the ground in Vanuatu, as well as being a trusted person for our global partners to communicate with. 

Val is the kind of employee every organisation needs: focused on people, generous with her time, a passionate believer in what GMP does, competent, adaptable and resilient. Above all that, however, is Val’s ability to value the people she works with and to love them. It’s not just that the roles Val does will be missed – it is Val herself that will be missed, with her positivity, care and faithfulness. 

GMP wouldn’t be what it is today without you, Val, and we wish you all the best for your retirement.