News Release

New Australian Latter-day Saint Public Affairs Leader Announced

The Pacific Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the appointment today of Robert Dudfield as Assistant Area Director of Public Affairs (Pacific Area) and Director of Public Affairs (Australia and Papua New Guinea).

Mr Dudfield comes to this position from Europcar where he was National Learning and Development Manager; and External Media and PR Communications Manager. 

In his new role, which he will start next month, Mr Dudfield will oversee public affairs efforts for the Church in Australia and Papua New Guinea.


Mr Dudfield also serves as a lay ecclesiastical leader (Pacific Area Seventy) for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and his wife, Darice, have five children and live in Melbourne.

Elder S. Gifford Nielsen of the Pacific Area Presidency said, “We are delighted that Robert is taking on this role. He is dynamic, compassionate, and full of faith and enthusiasm. He loves the Lord and the work of bringing people closer to God and to each other. We congratulate and welcome Robert, and wish him and his family happiness and success.”

Pacific Area Director of Public Affairs, Richard Hunter, said, “I’m thrilled that Robert is joining our team. He loves the gospel of Jesus Christ, is a wonderful communicator, and loves people.  I look forward to working with him to help those not of our faith to get to know our church and our members much better.”

Mr Dudfield’s predecessor in this position was Alan Wakeley, who is currently on assignment at the Church’s headquarters in Salt Lake City. Mr Wakeley recently announced his upcoming retirement after 25 years as a director of public affairs in the Asia-Pacific region.

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