Two stakes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Victoria received new leadership on 14 February. A stake is the Church term for a group of congregations in a defined geographic area, similar to a diocese. The leadership is called a stake presidency and consists of a president and two assistants called counsellors. Stake leaders are called from their congreations and serve for approximately eight to ten years. Stake and congregational leaders earn their own living and receive no pay for their voluntary church service.
President Riki P. Tukukino (centre) of the Melbourne Australia Narre Warren Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, flanked by his counsellors, Sione F. Lavaka (left) and Gary Gilbert (right)
President Graham F. Smith (centre) of the Melbourne Australia Gippsland Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, flanked by his counsellors, Tofiga Asiata (left) and Matthew D. Phillips (right)