cmaa – pulse941.com.au

Vale Media Legend Roger Climpson OAM: 1931-2025

CMH Team — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 01:44:26 +0000

Roger was known as one of the most trusted faces in Australia, serving a lengthy career in both radio and television, as a journalist and reporter, announcer, newsreader, weather presenter and host. He started his career as an actor in radio, but also appeared in theatre and television productions.

Climpson was a television news presenter with both the Nine Network and Seven Network for Seven News in the 1980s and 1990s and hosted Seven Network TV shows This Is Your Life (1977–1980) and true crime re-enactment series Australia’s Most Wanted (1997-1999).

However, it was Roger’s strong Christian faith — “his love for God” and “love for communicating” — that saw him Chair the Board of the Christian Broadcasting Association in 1995 (now Hope Media), faithfully serving in the role for two decades.

In 2014 Roger received CMAA’s Legacy Award for a Lifetime of Service to Christian Media and the Arts. This added to a long list of awards for his TV work, various charity, rotary and community projects. On Australia Day 2004 he was honoured for “his services to the media, particularly through the Christian Broadcasting Association and to the community through a range of service groups” with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

Colleagues remember Climpson as “an utterly gracious man driven entirely by his very deep faith, but also the consummate professional.”

This humble Media Professional had many fascinating stories about the inside workings of the media would often share about the experience that deepened his Christian walk.

Roger also loved sailing and authored Elinda, a story of survival and celebration of life.

He was married to Claire, who died last month. The 17th September would have marked their 70th wedding anniversary.

A private family service will be held to farewell and honour his memory.

Article supplied with thanks to Christian Media and Arts Australia

Feature image: Supplied (Christian Media & Arts Australia)

The Day She Called Me Dad

CMH Team — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 04:05:44 +0000

By: Andy Wells

This year, I had the privilege of returning to Uganda for the third time with Feed The Hungry, visiting the refugee settlement in the Kiryandongo district.

Uganda was never a place I’d imagined travelling to. In fact, before my first trip in 2023, I was nervous. I didn’t know what I might encounter, and was even more unsure of how I’d handle hearing the heartbreaking stories of those who now call the settlement home.

But fast forward to 2025, and I was genuinely excited to return. Not just because I’d seen the incredible impact Take Away Hunger Day has had- how Australians responded so generously- but because I hoped to reconnect with some of the children I’d met before. One stood out in my mind: Elizabeth.

Elizabeth is 14 and full of charisma. When she sat down for our interview in 2024, the first thing she asked me was, “Can I call you Dad?”

I laughed and asked, “Why?”

“You just look like a dad,” she said with a smile.

I played along, saying, “Well, I am a dad, so sure, why not,” and showed her a photo of my two daughters, aged 17 and 22.

It felt like friendly banter, but I wasn’t prepared emotionally for what came next.

As Elizabeth shared her story, she told me that she hadn’t seen her mother since fleeing South Sudan. Her father has been missing since she was born. “When I see children playing with their fathers,” she said, “I feel sad.”

My heart immediately felt heavy. Her matter-of-fact words carried a weight I wasn’t prepared for. Yes, Feed The Hungryis providing her with meals at school. And while those meals mean she’s able to learn in class, and have hope for a better future, nothing- no donation, no program- can bring back the parents she’s lost.

When I met her again this year at school, it was clear that she remembered me and our earlier conversation, as she called out to her friends: “Hey, my dad is here!”

That moment will stay with me forever.

Meeting Elizabeth again reminded me why we keep going back.

Feed The Hungry feeds children like her, day in, day out. And education opens doors. But sometimes, what matters most is simply showing up, being a familiar face, a sign that someone cares.

I couldn’t be her father. But for a moment, I could be someone who stood in the gap. Someone who listened. Someone who reminded her that she matters and she’s not forgotten.

Elizabeth prays daily, asking God to provide for her future. And thanks to a daily meal and a safe place to learn, that future feels possible.

Feed The Hungry doesn’t just fill empty stomachs. They nourish hope, resilience, and the simple dignity of being seen.

So as long as I can, I’ll keep showing up and finding ways to make support this important work. Because children like Elizabeth are worth it.

Article supplied with thanks to Christian Media & Arts Australia.

Feature image: Provided and used with permission

Choirs Invited To Enter International Celebration

CMH Team — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 03:51:40 +0000

By: Kim Wilkinson

A $5,000 prize is up for grabs in this prestigious International event for choral groups.

Entries are now open for the 2025 International Christian Choral Celebration

Choirs from around the world are invited to take part in the 2025 International Christian Choral Celebration (ICCC) — a global online event hosted by Excelsia University College in Sydney, Australia.

Celebrating the richness of Christian musical tradition across all denominations, the ICCC welcomes church, school, community, college, and professional choirs of all sizes and styles. From acapella to gospel to traditional choral works, the event is open to anyone with a heart for singing Christian texts.

Winner of the 2024 Prize – The Choir of St Paul’s College, Sydney

Participation is free and easy

Choirs simply submit two video performances of pieces with a Christian theme — in any genre or language. One piece should be based on or inspired by the Psalms. All submissions must be unaccompanied.

The $5,000 William Byrd Prize is on offer, awarded to the performance that most deeply moves the judging panel. Finalists will be showcased during a live-streamed event in September 2025, coinciding with the LUMEN Conference in Sydney. The panel will also lead a discussion on the role of music in worship and how diverse traditions can learn from one another.

This celebration is more than just a competition—it’s a platform to showcase the richness of choral music, foster community spirit, and highlight the values that Excelsia University College stands for.

Excelsia University College, with its 40-year legacy in creative and performing arts, invites choirs everywhere to raise their voices in unity and praise.

Submissions close 1 July 2025.

Apply now and view full details

Article supplied with thanks to Christian Media & Arts Australia.

Feature image: Excelsia University College Choir – Supplied