Salt Church Council

We have a Church Council that works with our Pastor to ensure we stay focused on our mission to:


grow a healthy church

that prayerfully proclaims the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ

calling people to trust in the perfect saving work of Jesus

and to humbly obey God’s Word, 

in the strength of God’s Spirit,

to the glory of God in all things.


The members of our Church Council are:


Matt Sharpe  Pastor

Barb Varcoe  Treasurer

Garry Gannell  Secretary

Paul MacBride  Member

Jenny Schouten Member

Tim Smead Member



Matt Sharpe

Matt and his wife Mel joined Salt in March 2025, having served leading a church in New Zealand for the past 5 years.

Barb Varcoe

Barb and Chris live in Port Macquarie and have been involved in Salt since 2019. Barb runs her own bookkeeping business, working for a wide variety of businesses in the district  She loves mixing with people living diverse and interesting lives. Barb and Chris love the local lifestyle, keeping busy walking, golfing, surfing, cycling and enjoying meals with friends. Barb and Chris are involved in many ministry areas at Salt, including Barb serving as our Treasurer.

Garry Gannell

Garry and Liz have been part of the Lake Cathie/Bonny Hills community since December 2017. They have both retired from careers in teaching (almost). While they enjoy travelling and seeing outback Australia, and connecting with their scattered family from time to time, they also enjoy gathering and serving among their church family at Salt. Garry is serving Salt as our Church Secretary.

Paul MacBride

Paul and his wife Sheree live in Port Macquarie and have been “refugees”from Sydney since 2017, although Sheree originally comes from Port. Both have had corporate careers, Paul in packaging and waste management, and Sheree in law firm administration.


Both love being part of Salt, hearing God’s word well taught and enjoying the acceptance and fellowship that is a hallmark of a true Christian community.


If you don’t see them at Salt, they’re probably travelling somewhere in Australia in their caravan.

Jenny Schouten

Jenny and her husband Rob have always been a team, sharing their passion for family, community ,education & adventure. Jenny was born & raised in the Hastings and never gets 'Home Sick' ...only when Rob takes her on another crazy adventure. Jenny loves any opportunity to share her love & gratitude to God for the life He has given her.  

Tim Smead

Tim and his family have been with Salt since 2017 and Tim joined council in March 2025. Tim has also been very active in leading Salt groups and as member of the church's review panel.