WHETHER it's at church, during a community ceremony or just down at Double Picc cafe, Scott Dulley is one of the most recognisable faces in Muswellbrook.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Having resided in the town for almost eight years after moving from Queensland, the reverend and his family - wife Sarah and daughter Georgia - have integrated and become hugely-influential and likeable locals.
Father Dulley is being relocated to East Maitland from November 25 to become the parish priest at St Peter's, which he admits will be an interesting experience having not lived in a suburban setting for 12 years.
As per usual, he had nothing but kind words for the Muswellbrook region and the people he has grown to know over that time.
"We've really enjoyed being part of the community here, it's been a good place for all of us to down roots and become a part of the community in different ways," he said.
"The churches in Muswellbrook parish have all been really embracing of us and welcoming of us and made us feel very much part of the place."
The 47-year-old has gone above and beyond what would have been expected of him upon arrival.
He has had a significant impact on proceedings at St James' Primary School, the Muswellbrook RSL sub-Branch and is also the president of the Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music, which is a role he will continue to fulfil after his move.
Father Dulley said there was an element of disappointment that came with leaving, despite being excited by his new adventure.
"There's a bit of sadness involved in leaving because the place has just been so good for us as a family," he admitted.
When pressed as to what moments have stood out the most during his time here, he said the 150th anniversary celebrations for St Alban's Anglican Church were special.
"One of the great things that happened in my time was that we celebrated the sesquicentenary of the establishment of the church," he said.
Coincidentally the interview with the Reverend actually took place on the building's birthday, which falls on Remembrance Day each year.
The work of the ministry centre and revitalisation of the St Alban's Spring Fair were two of the other matters he felt had been highlights of his stay.
His last service will be on Sunday, November 24, at 8.30am, which will be followed by a morning tea.
He invites anyone from the community who the Dulley family has had an association with to come along and say farewell.
His replacement is yet to be decided, but they will certainly have big shoes to fill.
