Search for new Rector has been successful

We are delighted to share that our search for a new Rector has been successful.

St Matthew’s Anglican Church warmly welcomes Rev Shane Dirks, along with his family, to our parish community. We give thanks to God for His guidance throughout this discernment process and are grateful for the care, prayer, and patience shown by our congregation along the way.

Born and raised in North Western Sydney, Shane can’t wait to return. "Living on the South coast has been wonderful for the last 8 years, but something in my DNA feels right when I’m in Western Sydney.”   Shane met Jesus in 1995 in high school, and began studies at Moore Theological college in 2003, before being ordained in 2007. Shane’s ministry experience as has seen him serving in both large and smaller churches in the western, northern and Wollongong regions of the Sydney diocese. He has enjoyed ministry experiences in the USA, Bangladesh, Thailand, Israel, and most recently Rwanda. 

The Dirks family are Shane, Rachel, Levi, Mia, and Riley.  Rachel works with Bush Church Aid and is a graduate of Youth Works College with many years specialising in Children’s ministry. Levi was promoted to glory in 2024 and continues to praise Jesus in the heavenly assembly of Christ’s church. Mia is in her senior years of high school and serves enthusiastically in children’s ministry. Riley is also involved in Kid’s ministry, and as a keen footballer (Soccer) is seeking opportunities in Sydney.  Outside of ministry Shane has been a competitive track cyclist, winning a Masters World Championship in 2019. He is quite sure his competitive cycling days are behind him, at least for the time being, and remains open to what his new hobby will be. 

"Jesus has taught me, that the peace (shalom) we have in Him is wonderful, keeping us grounded and knowing who to praise in our triumphs, and holding us up with hope in our hardships. Romans 5:1 is a scripture that I feel equips me for all the seasons of life” 

We look forward with great anticipation to the next chapter of ministry at St Matthew’s under Rev Shane’s leadership and pray God’s blessing upon him and his family as they prepare to join us.

Please keep Rev Shane and his family in your prayers, and we look forward to welcoming them in person very soon.

Discover the History of St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Windsor

Step inside one of Australia’s most significant historic church sites. St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Windsor has been serving the Hawkesbury community since the early days of European settlement and remains a place of worship, heritage, and quiet reflection today. Our guided historical tours offer visitors the opportunity to explore the church’s remarkable architecture, learn about its convict-era origins, and hear the stories of the people and events that have shaped this unique site over more than two centuries. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor to the region, a guided tour provides a deeper appreciation of the church’s place in both local and national history.

For more information, please see PDF in link below.

St Matthews Tours