Sanctuary Canberra

Dear Sanctuary Community,

After much reflection, I've decided to hand back the stewardship of the St Aidan's Uniting Church Hall to the Canberra Presbytery at the end of August, bringing my five-and-a-half-year journey managing Sanctuary Canberra to a close.

When I first walked into the hall in 2021, I saw more than an empty building - I saw possibility.

I dreamed of creating a place filled with hospitality, celebration, creativity and community - a place where people could gather, connect and belong... and that's what we created.

As I've reflected on the past five and a half years, one thing has become so clear.

Sanctuary was never just a building... it was always about the people.

Every booking, every celebration, every workshop, every conversation over tea, every creative project and every community gathering became part of its story.

Thank you to every person who hired the space, attended an event, partnered with me, encouraged the vision, or simply believed in what Sanctuary could become.

A special thank you to my team, Elena, Mariah and Tania, for walking alongside me and helping carry the vision of Sanctuary. Your encouragement, creativity, generosity and willingness to serve behind the scenes have shaped this place in countless ways. So much of what people experienced here was possible because of your care, your hard work and your belief in what Sanctuary could become. It has been such a gift to share this journey with you.

I'd also like to sincerely thank the Canberra Presbytery of the Uniting Church for entrusting me with the stewardship of St Aidan's Hall. Their support made it possible to open the doors wide and demonstrate what can happen when community spaces are made available for people to gather, create, connect and flourish.

I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make Sanctuary what it became.

This community will always be part of its story.

Although my leadership of Sanctuary is coming to an end, my work creating places where people belong is not.

In many ways, Sanctuary has become the foundation for everything that comes next.

I'll be working with churches and purpose-led organisations to activate underused spaces and create places of hospitality and belonging at Spaces For Good.

At Her Table Ministries is entering an exciting new season as a registered charity, equipping women to gather with confidence, cultivate meaningful conversations and create authentic communities where people can belong, grow and flourish.

While these expressions of my work may look different, they're connected by the same heart: creating places where people feel seen, welcomed and connected.

Thank you for walking this journey with me. I'm excited for what lies ahead, and I'd love to keep in touch as the next chapter unfolds.

Please connect with me via my website laurenharkness.com.au

With thanks,

Lauren Harkness