The Rev. Canon Naomi Cooke was appointed the ninth Dean of Grafton on August 12.

Describing herself as very excited to join the vibrant community of the Clarence Valley and the Christ Church Cathedral, she is looking forward to engaging with residents and the diocese in supporting and leading the Cathedral parish’s commitment to compassionate action for the common good.

Since 2016, she has been School Chaplain at Bishop Druitt College, an Anglican School in the Diocese of Grafton in Coffs Harbour, and a member of the Cathedral Chapter since 2020.

Her appointment was announced by the Bishop of Grafton, the Right Rev Dr Murray Harvey, who said she has a strong sense of vocation to the task and brings more than two decades of ministry experience to her new role as Dean of Grafton.

Dean Naomi has also been instrumental in developing a Reconciliation Action Plan for the diocese and building reconciliation with First Nations communities. 

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 16 August 2023.