The years that followed saw him move to Victorian parishes for close to the past 20 years served in Melbourne at South Yarra. Fr John significantly shaped the character of that inner-city parish community through his enthusiasm and support for social justice projects, and in particular, the provision of transitional housing for the disadvantaged. The sadness felt at his parting will no doubt be off-set by a welcome from friends both old and new as he returns to the Northern Beaches.