Simon Richard Hansford (born 3 June 1963) is an Australian Uniting Church minister who served as Moderator of the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of New South Wales & ACT between 2017 and 2023. He is known for his advocacy of changing drug laws in New South WalesThe Northern Daily Leader Simon Hansford leads case for drug law reform Retrieved 7 June 2024.The Guardian We will save lives in regional Australia by treating drug use as a health issue, not a criminal one Retrieved 7 June 2024. for his support of the 2023 Australian Indigenous Voice referendumSMH Tension over church stances on Voice Retrieved 7 June 2024. and that there is there is no place for domestic and family violence in his church.NSW Communities and Justice Retrieved 7 June 2024.
Birth and family Hansford was born in Sydney, the son of Barbara (née Grove) and Richard Hansford. His maternal grandfather was Rupert Grove (1906–1982), of whom the Australian Dictionary of Biography states: "in the progression towards the union of the Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian churches in Australia, Grove made a decisive impact."Australian Dictionary of Biography – Rupert Howard Grove (1906–1982) Retrieved 24 January 2017, Rupert Grove and his son-in-law, Richard Hansford, were partners in the Sydney legal firm McCoy, Grove & Atkinson.History of McCoy, Grove and Atkinson 1887—2014 Retrieved 24 January 2017.
Education Hansford attended Newington College (1970–1980) commencing in the Preparatory School at Lindfield.Newington College Register of Past Students 1863-1998 (Syd, 1999) pp 82 He studied for the ministry at the United Theological College (1988-1990) at North Parramatta, which is now a part of Charles Sturt University.
Clerical life His first ministry placement was in Dubbo, New South Wales, in 1991. After 12 years in DubboDaily Liberal – Reverend Hansford to step down from St Andrew's pulpit Retrieved 8 November 2016. he spent three years in Queanbeyan. He then served as Presbytery Minister in north-western NSW for seven years before his 2012 appointment as the Minister of Southside Uniting Church in Tamworth.
Marriage and children Hansford is married to Fiona and they have two daughters, Rachel and Miriam.Insights – Rev. Simon Hansford is Moderator Elect Retrieved 8 November 2016.
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