Mount Gambier Anglican parish priest Father Neil Fernando (pictured) has been promoted by the church.

He will also serve as the Archdeacon of the Limestone Coast in addition to his pastoral duties in the Blue Lake city and at St Luke’s Church at Mount Schank.

The married father of two young sons migrated from his home country of Sri Lanka to Australia five years ago.

He has been active in the community, regularly visits the Mount Gambier Prison and hosts interfaith services in Christ Church on Bay Road.

A number of Father Neil’s predecessors have been archdeacons including the late Ross Lenthall and the late Brian Ashworth.