Q&A with Group Manager — Human Resources, RAP Working Group member, mum and poetry devotee, Nicole Hall
Spotlight Q&A
Meet Nicole Hall and find out about her current projects, her thoughts on National Reconciliation Week, her faith journey, what she would write on a billboard and what she does in her free time
Where did you grow up and where do you currently live?
I grew up in the Hunter Valley and lived an alternative lifestyle. My parents were hippies and until I was 15, I lived without electricity. My parents were focused on living a 100 per cent sustainable lifestyle. We lived on a large property where we produced our own food and bartered for the things we could not produce.
How long have you been involved in the Anglican Church Southern Queensland and in what roles?
I am the Group Manager — Human Resources and have been part of the team for six months. I am based in the Finance and Diocesan Services Commission (FDSC) at the Cathedral Precinct. I have a very fulfilling role looking after the human resources (including recruitment, industrial and employee relations); work health and safety; payroll; culture; learning and development; and, injury management. I have the privilege of working intimately across all multiple areas of our Diocese, including parishes.
I also very recently started serving on the Anglican Church Southern Queensland’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group.
ACSQ Human Resources Group Manager Nicole Hall presenting at a parish training session at St Bart’s, Toowoomba in 2025
What does your primary Anglican Church role involve?
My role is to partner with wider parts of our Diocese, including parishes, in providing advisory services across all functions in the human resources group. Ultimately, I support our Diocese to ensure that we function as efficiently as possible in all areas related to our people — employees, consultants, contractors and volunteers.
What projects or activities are you currently working on in your role?
I have a number of projects on the go at any point in the time because I love to be super busy; however, my passion projects at the moment are focused on improvements to our Flourish line to make it easier to access confidential counselling support and the implementation of an injury reporting phone line. I am also overseeing the rollout of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment, retention and professional development strategy — an important RAP Working Group initiative that was led by the FDSC Executive Director, Joanne Stone.
What has been one of the highlights of your time role so far?
Spending time with our people who are doing such amazing work in our faith community. I have been privileged to spend time with people in our organisation solving some complex issues.
ACSQ Human Resources Group Manager Nicole Hall is based at the Cathedral Precinct
Why is it important for all Australians to celebrate National Reconciliation Week?
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is important to ensure that all Australians learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements. As an employer, the Anglican Church Southern Queensland needs to celebrate NRW as part of our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respect for all in our workplaces, especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
What are some ways that parishes and ministries can commemorate National Reconciliation Week?
Parishes and ministries can use National Reconciliation Week as an opportunity to educate their congregations, staff and members about the history of First Nations peoples and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation. They can do this by encouraging prayer or activities focused on National Reconciliation Week themes; organise a Traditional Custodian to give a Welcome to Country at a service or other gathering; and, start supporting First Nations-owned businesses, such as those on Supply Nation.
Can you tell us a little about your Christian faith journey?
I found my pathway to Christ later in life, through my own journey. My parents did not believe in the Christian faith, and it wasn’t until I was old enough to find it myself that I found comfort in the Church. I remember when I was 16 getting up early, leaving the house and sneaking off to the local Anglican church because I had a burning need deep inside to be closer to something. I now know that the something was my faith. It is now a core part of who I am.
How does your Christian faith inspire you and shape your outlook, life choices and character?
I use my Christian faith as a guiding principle or compass for my life and the decisions I need to make. I think about whether the path I am taking and the decisions I am making are in line with my Christian commitment and whether they are what the Lord would expect of me, so I can remain on the path with the Lord.
What are the primary strengths of the Church and what is the best way to make the most of these for the benefit of our communities?
The Anglican Church is committed to social justice and advocacy and this is an immense support for raising awareness of important social concerns and advocating for marginalised communities. The Anglican Church has been a leading voice nationally for decades in the journey of reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Church’s commitment to justice and advocacy supports those in our wider community whose voices need to be heard more. Proverbs 31.8-9 says: “Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
What is your favourite scripture and why?
My favourite Bible scripture is Joshua 1.9: “Be strong and courageous, do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go”. I have always found this to be one of the most touching verses, as I strive to be guided by the Lord’s plan for me. The scripture isn’t about physical strength it is about inner fortitude, unwavering faith, being confident and accepting of God’s faith despite your fears as he will be with you wherever you go.
What person of faith inspires you the most and why?
It would have to be my aunt. She is as dedicated to the faith as myself and we are really the only two people in my extended family with the same level of connection to the Lord. We both feel the same sense of peace and enlightenment when we are in prayer.
Nicole Hall’s Aunt Yvonne is the person of faith who inspires her the most
What is the bravest or kindest gesture you have ever received or witnessed?
I get to see examples of bravery and kindness all the time. In my role, everyday there are people who take time to step up and do things that are examples of this. I am of the belief that it shouldn’t be a big gesture — you should simply try to bring love and kindness into every day. So, I try to live my life like this every day — so that when I go to bed at night, I can ask myself, “Was I brave? Was I kind? Do I feel like I ensured that my time has purpose and matters?”
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received and who gave you this advice?
It was from my aunt who told me to “start each day with a new page, using my faith as the foundation for the story”. She has been one of my greatest champions and guides in my life.
What do you do in your free time to recharge and relax?
I collect books and read. I enjoy biographies and poetry and I have been known to write poetry on occasion. It is another thing that gives me a sense of peace.
“I collect books and read. I enjoy biographies and poetry and I have been known to write poetry on occasion,” says Nicole Hall
If you found yourself on a deserted island, what three things would you choose to have with you?
This is really easy — a really good book of poetry (because I could read it over and over again), a very comfortable chair, and an unlimited cup of black coffee.
If you could have a billboard with any text on it, what would it say and why?
“Success is not found in material possessions, a job, or a title; it is found in inner peace, faith, love, and kindness.”
I think society tends to be very focused on material items, prestige and profit, and I have a view that success is much more about you (what is happening inside you) than what is happening outside you. People should focus on being better people in themselves and to other people.
What book have you given away most as a gift and why?
This is a hard question, but definitely Wolfpack: How to come together, unleash our power, and change the game by Abby Wambach. It is about being brave enough to walk your own path and not be expected to follow the path that others expect.
Where do you do your best thinking?
In the early morning over my first cup of coffee when I feel most at peace with the world, before the day gets started. I find this an opportunity to think clearly and without pressure of meeting others’ needs. It is when I have the most innovative thoughts.
ACSQ Human Resources Group Manager Nicole Hall does her best thinking in the morning with a coffee
What is your karaoke go-to song?
“Lights on the Hill” by Slim Dusty. I used to sing this song with my uncle for many years. He played the guitar and I would sing along. I have a very ordinary singing voice, but he never cared — he was just happy to have someone to sing Slim Dusty songs with him.
If you are having a bad day, what do you do to cheer yourself up?
I listen to an inspirational musical or a motivational podcast. I don’t tend to spend a lot of time being in a bad mood, as I am quite good at compartmentalising things.
What day would you like to re-live and why?
I think it would be lovely to relive the significant milestones in your life — at the time you are so caught up in the event, what happens next and the activity that in hindsight you don’t saviour it enough. So, I would love the opportunity to relive my wedding day back in 2003 and the births of my two children.
“I would love the opportunity to relive my wedding day back in 2003,” says Nicole Hall, pictured with her groom, Tony
What makes you nostalgic and why?
Going to second-hand bookshops and touching used books. I love the energy that comes from really old books. You can feel if they have been loved or not and I especially love it when you find old Bibles or books of poetry and they fall open to certain pages or passages where you know they have been well read. It is especially beautiful to think that someone cherished this before you.
What is your secret skill?
Coaching and reconciliation. I have a natural way to bring people together and resolve problems. I see this as a challenge and it is so rewarding when parties are reunited to a common goal.
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would that be?
Definitely ocean-fresh seared scallops. I absolutely love scallops and when they are cooked beautifully it is absolute perfection.
Nicole Hall and her husband, Tony, at Noosa in 2025
What’s your unanswerable question — the question you are always asking yourself?
Are you listening to him? What is your legacy? Are you following his plan and what will you leave behind? I want to be sure that when I leave this world, I have achieved the plan God has for me.
Editor’s notes: Visit the National Reconciliation Week website for resources and posters; to find out what events are happening in your area; and, to add your event to the NRW calendar. Please remember to use “#NRW2025” on your social media posts.
Hear First Nations and community leaders share why Truth-telling and Healing are so important, particularly for the Stolen Generations. Hosted by ACSQ Reconciliation Action Plan Coordinator Aunty Sandra King OAM. Thursday 29 May at 12.30pm in the Darnell Room, Cathedral Precinct. Free event. Refreshments provided. RSVP online by 5pm Wednesday 28 May for catering purposes.
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