Hello Everyone
My name is Richard Murray and I have been Vicar at St George’s since May, 2017.
I was born in Kew and grew up in East Kew, attending East Kew Central School and University High School. After studying Arts at Melbourne University and Education at LaTrobe, I worked as a teacher, school administrator, and regional education administrator for nearly 40 years. During that time I completed a Masters degree in Education, researching curriculum development in Victorian public schools. Having explored the idea of ordained ministry over a number of years, I studied Divinity and Ministry at Melbourne College of Divinity through Trinity College Theological School, completing a Master of Divinity and an Advanced Diploma in Ministry. I was ordained in 2005 and have served in school chaplaincy, university chaplaincy and parish ministry since. I retired as Senior Chaplain at RMIT University at the end of 2017 and now, while I am still involved the Human Rearch Ethics Committee at RMIT, my ministry involvement is as vicar at St George’s. I am also a member of the Council of Anglicare Victoria and a board member of Hotham Mission.
I am a ‘sort of local’, having lived in Moonee Ponds for 45 years. My wife, Gayleen, and I love this area of Melbourne and our two daughters really enjoyed growing up here. Elizabeth is now a priest, the Vicar at Holy Trinity, Williamstown. Christine is studying silver and gold smithing at RMIT.
As a pastoral minister, I believe that my work draws on my experience in schools, university, and a variety of parishes and I am keen to lend a listening ear to anyone who needs or wants it. As an intentional interim priest in five parishes before commencing my very different ministry as vicar here at St George’s, I encouraged parishes and individuals to explore prayerfully their lives and aspirations and I believe that this is an important part of the life of any parish community. I am enjoying my time at St George’s and look forward to many exciting and rewarding experiences with the folk here as we walk God’s road together.
I enjoy robust relationships across the faith communities of Melbourne and also have strong ties with several interdenominational networks within the Christian community.
Outside working hours I am an avid reader and listener to music and, to relax and refresh my mind, I enjoy playing music as a member of the Western Region Concert Band, watching rugby and cricket (both of which I played in my younger years). I also enjoy cooking, and making things with wood. I am the guardian of a reasonably extensive wine collection which I like to combine with cooking and eating good food (not with my wood-working). At home, I enjoy the company of my beagle, Harley, and Gayleen’s cat Whiskey.
Recent sermons
Recent sermons preached by Father Richard can be found as YouTube presentations at St George’s ONLINE on this website.