THE Uniting Church of Warwick and Killarney has welcomed a dynamic husband and wife duo to the fold.

Reverend Ansie Liebenberg and husband Willie, along with their two daughters have recently immigrated from South Africa after accepting positions in Warwick.

With 25 years in the ministry behind them, Rev Liebenberg was inducted as the new minister for the two congregations, with Mr Liebenberg the new chaplain for Scots PGC College.

The Liebenbergs will be assisting each other in their new roles, with the team also taking on a support role for one another.

“We will be working together,” Mr Liebenberg said. “We believe that some overlapping will serve the community best.”

The Liebenbergs chose Warwick over other positions in Hervey Bay and Bundaberg.

“It was the people that made the decision,” Rev Liebenberg said.

“We were completely blown away by the beauty and the people of Warwick and Killarney.

“(Scots PGC) was like wow and the combination just worked well for us.

“We have been very warmly welcomed. It’s been quite overwhelming.”

Rev Liebenberg said if she had been asked a year ago where she would be, she would never have said Australia.

“It was just not a thought in my mind,” she said. “It is vastly different to South Africa, where issues like aids, poverty and unemployment are rife but most issues come back to a void or emptiness in life.

“It all comes back to the grace and love of God offered around the world.”

The Liebenbergs said they were impressed with the programs here, particularly messy church and mainly music.

“It fits into what we believe church should be like - a family inclusive approach,” Mr Liebenberg said.

“A holiday club could be on the cards later, but for the time being, it is vital for us to meet and connect with the people.”