Spiritual Companioning Referrals

Bernadette Byrne

Bernie did her initial training as an Ignatian spiritual director as part of the Campion Arrupe Program in Kew, and is now also a Spiritual Companion with Wellspring and Coordinator of the Referral Team. Bernie loves to offer silent retreats, and has given the Full Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius over 35 days on a number of occasions. “I love the dynamic of the Retreats and the silence which draws people into deeper relationship with God”. Bernie has a background in occupational therapy and has worked with older people and people with disabilities for over 40 years. Bernie’s interests include being with family and friends, music. Pilates, dining out and attending films and plays, social justice, and reading and praying with the mystics.

Cathy Elkington (Director of WellSpring)

Cathy has dedicated her life to fostering spaces where individuals can explore their spiritual journeys with authenticity and depth. As a Spiritual Director since 2011 and a Pastoral Supervisor accredited by the Australian Association of Supervision (AAOS), she has guided countless individuals and groups in deepening their connection with the Divine and discerning their vocational paths.

Cathy’s leadership is well-rooted in both spiritual and educational settings. As a Lecturer at the University of Divinity and the Australian Catholic University, she has helped shape theological and spiritual learning for many. Her time as Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development with The Salvation Army saw her developing initiatives that nurtured spiritual depth across diverse communities.

Beyond spiritual leadership, Cathy brings extensive experience in operational management, overseeing ministry placements, community programs, and strategic faith-based initiatives. Her work as Mission & Ministry Coordinator at Eva Burrows College exemplifies her commitment to fostering inclusive, reflective, and thriving faith communities.

Holding a Master of Spirituality from the Jesuit College of Spirituality, Cathy’s formation has been deeply grounded in the contemplative tradition, shaping her approach to leadership, discernment, and communal growth. Cathy is committed to nurturing WellSpring as a dynamic and flourishing community, where people can continue to find inspiration, belonging, and spiritual nourishment.

Leslie Hanger

Leslie is a Spiritual Companion. She has a Master of Spiritual Direction and a Grad Cert in Teaching Meditation. She is also a Giver of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. Leslie has recently completed her study and training as a Professional Supervisor. Leslie finds it an honour to be part of the WellSpring Referral Team which is a point of contact for those who seek to find a Spiritual Companion. She fondly remembers her own experience of seeking a Spiritual Companion and how it has helped her in her spiritual journey. Leslie facilitates a monthly group at WellSpring Centre called Growing in Silence with a focus on spending time in silence through meditation, personal reflection, and journaling. She has 2 adult children and is a step-grandmother of 6. She enjoys her spaces of silence, reading, walking, spending time with family and friends, and a good cup of coffee.

Steve Jackson      

After working nearly 30 years in the IT industry in the UK and Australia, Steve trained for ministry in the Churches of Christ, and discovered an interest in the contemplative side of faith along the way. He subsequently completed a Master of Spiritual Direction degree through WellSpring, and has been a member of the Referral Team since 2017. Most mornings see Steve walking the beach with a camera in hand, and a dog roaming around - all of which serve that sense of connectedness that pervades his experience of life. In his ministry he offers a weekly contemplative evening gathering, where Centering Prayer and other practices such as Lectio Divina and walking the labyrinth are explored. He has a strong interest in ancient and early medieval history, along with reading science fiction and exploring the ways in which experiences shape our views of the world, faith and ourselves over time.

Jenny Moore

Jenny Moore became involved with Wellspring in its early years, loving the call to silence and the mysteries that are discovered. As an extravert her life is filled with people and activities and it was through Spiritual Companionship that she found a place to discern the things that were to be valued most.  She has worked in many fields but most recently in aid work with gender-based violence and gender equality in Fiji and Indonesia. She spent 4 years working from Alice Springs and loves the outback.  She and her husband spend a few months every year far from the busy cities treasuring the big skies and desert sunsets. She trained as a spiritual director at Wellspring and studied Theology and Psychology at ACU. She is now retired and has joined the referral team.