Our Ministry Team

Rev. Andrew Wong

Teaching Elder/Pastor

Andrew was originally from Auckland, New Zealand, and moved to Melbourne when he was five years old. He completed his theological studies at the Presbyterian Theological College (Melbourne), graduating with a Bachelor of Theology and Ministry. Before coming to Dandenong, Andrew served as a pastoral worker at Canterbury Presbyterian Church and later exited to Flemington Presbyterian Church where he served as minister and missioner for the Presbyterian and Scot’s Joint Mission. Andrew joined the team in mid-2023. He is committed to the faithful preaching of God's Word and loves seeing how God transforms lives through the gospel. Andrew is married to Garam, and together they have three children.

Rob Paix

Elder/Session Clerk

Rob is passionate about many things, from aeroplanes to languages, but above all he is passionate about Jesus and helping others grow in their knowledge and love of Him. Rob is well travelled and enjoys connecting with people from different cultures and backgrounds, bringing a broad perspective to his ministry and relationships. He is married to Teresa and they have two lovely daughters.

Majid Soltanzadeh

Elder

Majid is the newest addition to our eldership team. Originally from Iran, he came to know, love, and live for King Jesus after coming to Australia, where he came to understand the truth of the gospel and experience the grace and love of Christ. He is passionate about helping others grow in their faith and follow Jesus faithfully. He is married to Jeanie and they have four beautiful children.

Saturnino Onyala

Elder

Saturnino Onyala is a South Sudanese who came to Australia as a refugee in 2003 and joined Dandenong Presbyterian Church the same year. He studied Philosophy and Theology at a Catholic Major National Seminary in South Sudan. He is committed to seeing the gospel spread and lives transformed by Jesus Christ.

Mairi Girgis

Women's Ministry/Safe Church Coordinator

Mairi is a qualified Christian counsellor with a particular interest in supporting neurodivergent individuals, couples, and families, as well as helping Christian communities better understand and support one another. This passion began through her own family and marriage, and she values helping people gain the support and self-understanding needed to flourish and reach their God-given potential.

Mairi serves in a variety of ways in the life of the church, particularly in women's ministry and as our Safe Church Coordinator. She enjoys crafting, especially knitting, and has a special fondness for camels! Mairi is married to Bassem, our Treasurer, and together they have three children.