Darwin Baptist Church Pastors
Our Pastors
A Great Place To Make A Fresh Start
Senior Pastor
Ox Roberts became our Senior Pastor in August 2024 after being part of the DBC family since mid-2019. Before this, he spent 15 years in para-church ministry, serving with Scripture Union, Nungalinya College, and the Baptist Union of NSW.
Ox is married to Kaz, and they have two adult daughters who also call the NT home. He is deeply passionate about sharing the good news of Jesus throughout the Northern Territory and beyond. His heart beats for the mission, and he is committed to training, discipling, and mentoring the next generation of believers.
In his spare time, Ox enjoys fishing, watching sports, and working on DIY projects around the house and garden.
Associate Pastor
Vandana Thavare began serving as Associate Pastor at DBC in July 2025, following God’s leading to minister here. She first sensed God’s call to preach and teach His Word in early 2022, as she was nearing completion of a Graduate Diploma in Divinity. After serving for a time as an Associate Pastor at a church in Perth, Vandana pursued further study and completed a Master of Theological Studies through Morling College in Perth, Western Australia, in 2025.
Vandana grew up in India before her family moved to Fiji in 2001 to serve as missionaries. She has worked as a physiotherapist for more than 15 years while actively serving in various churches across urban and rural communities in Fiji and Australia, including Perth, Derby, Narembeen and Merredin in Western Australia, and Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.
Vandana is passionate about helping people deepen their relationship with God and use the gifts He has given them. She loves connecting with people over meals and walks, cardmaking, reading, writing and playing volleyball.
Associate Pastor
Youth and Young Adults
Steven Miles serves as the Youth and Young Adult Associate Pastor at Darwin Baptist Church, overseeing ministry for those aged 12 to 30. Before joining the DBC team, Steven and his family spent three years on mission in Mozambique.
With over 15 years of experience in youth leadership, he is passionate about helping young people encounter God’s love and grow in their faith. He is currently completing a Master of Divinity through Tabor College.
Steven is married with three children and enjoys playing sports, board games, and sharing good food with family and friends.
Associate Pastor
Kids and Families
Jo Watson has been part of the Darwin Baptist Church team since early 2017, coordinating the Kids Ministry programs and serving as the Kids and Families Associate Pastor.
She is passionate about seeing families thrive and loves supporting parents as they disciple their children to know and follow Jesus personally.
Jo is married to Neal, and they have two children. The Watson family has called DBC home for over twenty years after relocating from Gladstone, Queensland.