About Raewyn
Chaplain | Writer | Speaker
Bringing joy to hard places.
Raewyn Elsegood is an Australian Christian author, chaplain and speaker based in Sydney, Australia. With more than 30 years in Christian ministry, including over a decade in chaplaincy, she has walked alongside individuals, families and communities navigating grief, trauma and life's unexpected challenges.
Drawing on both professional experience and the personal loss of her 19-year-old daughter, Amy, Raewyn is passionate about helping people discover that hope and sorrow can coexist, and that healing doesn't require forgetting.
From a Mother's Grief to a Ministry of Hope
In 2021, Raewyn's daughter Amy, a passionate young dancer who dreamed of Broadway, died following an unexpected illness.
Through her own journey of grief, Raewyn began discovering unexpected gifts of grace, love and hope. These reflections became her debut book, 21 Gifts: A Sacred Dance Through Grief and Healing, published by Redemption Press and launched in Australia and the United States in 2026.
The book received an Honourable Mention for Inspirational Gift Book of the Year at the 2026 Advanced Writers and Speakers Association Golden Scroll Awards.
Amy never danced on Broadway. But her story is dancing across America.
Chaplaincy, Writing and Speaking
Raewyn's chaplaincy experience spans sports, community and disaster recovery settings. Having previously served in leadership with Sports Chaplaincy Australia, she continues to serve through chaplaincy networks and faith-based community initiatives.
Her approach is grounded in three simple practices: Listen. Honour. Accompany.
As a Christian speaker and author, Raewyn shares practical wisdom and personal stories about grief, resilience, courageous faith and finding purpose through adversity. Her message has reached Australian and international audiences through conferences, radio, television, podcasts and Christian writing communities.
She is also the creator of Grief Unwrapped, a free six-week, faith-based grief support program inspired by 21 Gifts, designed to equip churches and communities to walk compassionately alongside grieving people.
At the heart of all her work is one conviction:
"Chaplaincy is not only a place we serve. It forms the person we become."
A little more personal
A Note from Raewyn….
Beyond the books, microphones and chaplaincy conversations, I'm an Aussie wife, mum and very proud Nan. I love Jesus, people, travelling, the ocean and a good adventure. And I have a particularly enduring relationship with Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate!
Losing Amy changed the way I see the world, but it didn't take away my joy. Instead, I've discovered that joy and sorrow can dance together, and that even in life's hardest places, God continues to reveal unexpected gifts.
I'm happiest wandering along the shoreline with the water tickling my toes, where I often feel closest to Amy — a little touch of heaven on earth.
My hope is that through my writing, speaking and chaplaincy, others will discover they don't have to navigate life's hardest seasons alone.
You don't always need the right words. Sometimes you simply need the right gift.
May the sacred dance continue.
Raewyn
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Get in touch.
It would be my privilege to connect with you. Please reach out if you have a question, a story to share or to discuss chaplaincy, speaking or writing.