A GLOBETROTTING clergyman has left New South Wales for South Wales, to become a council and college chaplain.

The Rev Graham Sawyer, (pictured) 40, who is English-born, travelled from Down Under to take up his new post as an industrial chaplain with the Council Chaplaincy Service. He will also double as chaplain at Coleg Gwent, as well as vicar of St John's Church in Wainfelin.

As industrial chaplain working for Torfaen council, he joins five other chaplains representing the different denominations and providing confidential advice and support to council staff.

Mr Sawyer said: "We are giving the industrial chaplaincy service a relaunch. We are not forcing religion on people, and have no axe to grind, we simply provide workplace support, as well as guidance for those new to management on how to cultivate successful work relations."

He added: "It is wonderful to be here in Torfaen.....coming from New South Wales to South Wales has been a smaller jump than I had expected and everyone is very welcoming. I don't think I shall be having many barbies here though! It was a bit warmer in Sydney."

His appointment came from a chance meeting with Archbishop of Wales Rowan Williams in Australia earlier in the year.

Impressed by Mr Sawyer's work with ITIM Australia - a pioneering non-profit provider of counselling and care in the workplace - Dr Williams referred to a possible opening in Torfaen.

A citizen of Australia, England and New Zealand, he has worked in all three countries teaching, broadcasting with the BBC World Service, standing as a parliamentary candidate and working at the Royal Opera House in London.

Now he provides round-the-clock support from an office in Pontypool civic centre and aims to make St John's Church accessible to local clubs and groups.

But, despite his busy schedule, he is determined to maintain links with the Antipodes - by following his favourite sport, Australian rules football.

Torfaen mayor Councillor Collette Thomas said: "I would like to offer a warm welcome to Graham. To move from the other side of the world to Torfaen is a great compliment to the area. He will be a valued member of the community."