WEAVING HOPE – AUGUST 2025
Theme: “Weaving Hope”
When: Friday, August 29 – Sunday, August 31, 2025
Where: Hartzer Park Conference & Retreat Center, Bowral, NSW, Australia
Who: Anyone! AAANZ members, non-members, Anabaptist-curious, and others – all are welcome.
Schedule
Registration
Tickets are now on sale for Weaving Hope.
Full program + accommodation at Hartzer Park + all meals: $440
Full program + all meals (make your own accommodation arrangements): $300
Cancellation Policy
100% refund in the unlikely event of the gathering being postponed or cancelled.
Change of mind refunds:
50% of your registration fee, up until August 8 (3 weeks before the gathering begins) – no refunds after that date.
In extenuating circumstances, please contact us to discuss exceptions to this cancellation policy.
Why should you come?
We’re planning a relaxing and encouraging weekend with an emphasis on spending time with other Anabaptists.
The full program, including guests, discussion facilitators and topics, will be announced in the coming weeks.
We’re planning:
- Conversations and discussions (not lectures!);
- A range of speakers and discussion facilitators to get us thinking and talking;
- To focus on topics related to justice and peace-making, including First Nations justice and climate justice;
- A balance between programmed time and unstructured time, with space for organic conversations and activities.
Special Guests
Tim Costello
Rev Tim Costello is one of Australia’s most respected community leaders and a sought-after voice on social justice issues, leadership and ethics.
Tim is currently the Executive Director of Micah Australia which works to raise awareness and support for overseas Aid and Development. He is also Director of Ethical Voice through which he speaks in many contexts. For 13 years until October 2016, Tim was Chief Executive of World Vision Australia (WVA).
Other positions Tim currently holds are Senior Advisor for the Centre for Public Christianity, Chair of the Community Council of Australia. In 2021 he was appointed by Monash University as Chair of Peninsula Campus Community Advisory Committee. Tim is a spokesperson and advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, which campaigns for law reform to prevent harm from poker machine and online sports gambling.
In 2006 Tim was named Victoria’s Australian of the Year, in June 2005 was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO); in 2004, was named Victorian of the Year; and in 1997 was named as one of Australia’s 100 National Living Treasures.
And closer to home – Tim was part of the first AAANZ committee in 1995, and AAANZ’s first Public Officer after we became an Association in 1998.
His books include:
A Lot with a Little, Faith, Hope, Streets of Hope: Finding God in St Kilda; Tips from a Travelling Soul Searcher; and Wanna Bet? Winners and Losers in Gambling’s Luck Myth (co-written with Royce Millar).
Aunty Sue Hodges
Micah Hurst
Bio pending
Fiona Tito Wheatland
Fiona Tito Wheatland is a Quaker and an Anabaptist, and these nests have been her spiritual home for about 2 and a half decades. Her passions include her husband, 2 adult children, and one delightful grandson. She also loves cooking from scratch.
Fiona enjoys singing in choirs; knitting, crocheting and using textiles to make useful things. She works twice a month at repair cafes in the local communities, helping people with textile repairs of many different kinds. She is active in local democracy, law reform and has a particular interest in helping establish and operate restoratively in her community. She is also involved in on the ground reconciliation work with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, particularly in the areas of health, prison and child removals.
She does volunteer advocacy work for a number of families and friends, helping navigate the complex systems set up to provide assistance in our society. Much of this draws on what she has learned in her working life and PhD studies, which she completed in 2017.
FAQs
Q: Why is AAANZ planning this gathering?
A: In surveys and conversations over the past 12 months, many of you have expressed interest in gathering in person. We’ll celebrate the last 30 years of AAANZ – and look forward to what might be in the future for us all. Additionally, 2025 is the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism, and we think that’s worth celebrating, too.
Q: Why did AAANZ choose this venue?
A: We’re very aware that every location will be easier for some to reach than others. We chose Hartzer because it’s beautiful and contemplative, offers full-package deals (accommodation, catering, and meeting space), and is within driving distance of two large cities (Sydney and Canberra). It’s also on a train line.
Q: Travel and/or ticket costs are going to be a deal breaker for me! How can I possibly consider attending?
A: We want this gathering to be as affordable as possible, and we know that everyone’s circumstances are different. What’s more, we know that travel to Bowral is a lot further for some than for others!
We have a fund in place to help subsidise ticket costs and/or travel costs if needed. You can contact us to express interest or to ask a question, or check the box during the registration process so we can get in touch with you. There’s also the opportunity to donate to assist someone else in getting to the gathering – find details on the registration page.
Q: I’m not an AAANZ member – can I still attend?
A: Absolutely YES. Anyone interested in Anabaptist values and beliefs is welcome. Invite your friends!
A look at our venue
