Rockhampton NET team - Hope on the Road

HOPE ON THE ROAD

As October draws to a close, I find myself filled with deep gratitude for all that God continues to do through the missionaries and partners across Australia and New Zealand. From Central Queensland to Central Australia, from school retreats to youth conferences, our teams have once again lived out the call to inspire young people to follow Jesus and find a home in the Church.

It’s been a month of incredible movement and meaning — full of travel, ministry, and moments of grace. Our teams have journeyed far and wide — from Mackay to Alice Springs, Yeppoon to Hokianga — running retreats, leading youth groups, and walking alongside students and local communities. Each encounter, whether in a classroom, a parish hall, or under the desert sky, has been a reminder that mission happens most powerfully when we walk together.

Here in Brisbane, preparations are well underway for our Annual Fundraising Dinner — a night to celebrate the fruit of this mission and to look toward what’s ahead. I want to thank everyone who has registered, donated, or shared the invitation. Your generosity sustains this ministry and ensures the next generation of missionaries can continue to go where they are called.

Amongst all the travel and ministry, our teams have also found time for simple joys — birthdays, community celebrations, and the gift of friendship shared on the road. These moments remind me that being “on mission” isn’t just about what we do; it’s about who we become together as disciples of Jesus.

As we look ahead to November and the conclusion of another incredible year of NET ministry, my heart is full of hope. I have the privilege of seeing a Church that is alive — vibrant, youthful, and deeply grounded in Jesus Christ. These young people are incredible! Thank you for being part of this story — through your prayers, your encouragement and your partnership.

Looking Ahead

November will mark the final chapter of this year’s ministry before our teams return home to celebrate and give thanks. It’s a time for reflection, reunion, and rejoicing in all that God has done. As we prepare to welcome new applicants discerning missionary life in 2026 and continue to form young leaders through the 10X Leadership Program, I invite you to keep NET Ministries in your prayers. May the seeds planted this year continue to grow and bear fruit in hearts, homes, and communities across our nations.

Peace,

Mark Lysaght

Executive Director

TEAM UPDATES

NET Missionaries - Inspiring their generation!

Hope is on the move! Across Australia and New Zealand, our missionaries are bringing the Gospel to life — building friendships, leading prayer, and sharing Jesus wherever the road takes them. Because hope isn’t something we wait for; it’s something we carry.

Auckland Team

This past month in Auckland has been all about youth groups! Our team had the privilege of serving at five different youth groups across the region—sharing testimonies, leading activities, and praying with young people in each community. We also loved connecting with local young adults through a Young Adult Worship Night and hosting Brotherhood and Sisterhood events in the park, which created great spaces for conversation and fellowship.

To wrap up our time in Auckland, we celebrated our final Mass with the parish communities of St Joseph’s and St Joachim’s, followed by a heartfelt morning tea. Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare for a ministry trip to Panguru in the northern Hokianga Harbour, about four hours north of Auckland.

Rockhampton Team

October was full of adventure and ministry across Central Queensland! Our team travelled to Mackay, Sarina, Springsure, Emerald, Biloela, and Gladstone—sharing in school ministry days, youth groups, community Masses, and presenting at the Life in the Spirit Seminar in Mackay. At our local college, we wrapped up the term with Masses, farewells, and plenty of connection time.

We also helped lead a young adults’ weekend retreat in Yeppoon, spending time in prayer and reflection through Holy Hours. Along the way, we celebrated Sarah’s birthday with hiking and creek swims in Byfield, and Kali’s belated birthday with horse riding, dirt bikes, and baby lambs—a joyful reminder of God’s goodness in friendship, fun, and community.

Maroochydore Team

October has been a beautiful month filled with deeper connection, joy, and a touch of bittersweetness as the year draws to a close. Our team has been visiting parish Masses on Sundays to say goodbye to parishioners—it’s been both moving and uplifting, with so many expressing gratitude for our presence and the ways we’ve helped build community among young people. Through it all, we’ve truly felt God’s guidance and grace.

We’ve also enjoyed some wonderful young adult events, including open houses full of games, a ladies’ movie night with cheeseboards and roses, and a sunny, relaxed NET Alumni BBQ. In schools, we ran three primary school retreats, spending full days journeying with students and witnessing them open their hearts to Jesus. We also led Year 6 faith talks and joined senior classes in thoughtful discussions about creation, Jesus’ saving love, and what true freedom really means.

It’s been a month rich in connection, reflection, and faith—and while we’re sad to say goodbye, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for all that God has done this year.

Darwin Team

September has been packed! We began with a return to the Tiwi Islands, reconnecting with students and staff, leading senior retreats, and immersing more deeply in their beautiful culture. Some of our team even joined students fishing on Country—a real highlight.

We then travelled to Wadeye, another Aboriginal community, where we ran activities, prayer sessions, and classroom ministry. We were blessed to learn more of their culture; one day overflowed with hours of singing and dancing. As it was our first visit, we’re especially grateful to the staff and locals for their warm welcome—we already love this community.

Between community visits we also ran retreats at St John’s College, and have now delivered retreat days for every year level. During the school holidays we’ve loved connecting with Darwin young adults—hosting a ladies’ trivia night, a men’s pool night, an open house, and a praise-and-worship night. It’s been a joy to journey with these young adults, and we can’t wait to see where the Lord leads us next month!

APPLICATIONS OPEN

If you or anyone you know is interested, could be interested or you think they would make a great missionary serving with NET Ministries - let us know! 

More information can be found here

COMING UP

10X LEADERSHIP LAUNCH

Step into a bold new season of leadership with 10X, a 10-month journey from NET & Ignite Youth. Starting this January, 10X will equip you with formation, coaching, and community to multiply your impact and lead with faith. Don’t miss the chance to grow and be part of shaping the Church’s future.

Thank You for Your Incredible Support

Ticket registrations for the NET Ministries & Ignite Youth Fundraising Dinner are now closed — and we’re so encouraged by the incredible response!

Your enthusiasm shows just how many share the vision of inspiring young people to follow Jesus and find a home in the Church.

Every dollar raised goes directly towards supporting the missions of NET Ministries and Ignite Youth - helping young people encounter Jesus, grow in faith, and be transformed for life.

Together, we’re building a future filled with faith, courage, and hope.

Your generosity makes this mission possible, and we are deeply grateful for your continued partnership in prayer and giving.

MISS THE DINNER, NOT THE IMPACT

If you weren’t able to register in time, you can still be part of the mission.
Your gift today helps young people discover a hope that lasts.

MAKE FAITH POSSIBLE

At NET Ministries, we are committed to inspiring young people to encounter Jesus, follow him and find a home in the Church. Your support—both financial and prayerful—ensures that this mission continues to transform lives. Here’s how make faith possible: