- Who We Are
- What We Believe
- SU Global
- Keeping Children Safe
- Protecting Privacy
- Governance
- Our Staff
- Contact us
- Emergency Contacts
Who We Are
Scripture Union NSW is part of an international, interdenominational movement of Christians founded in 1867. We are passionate about Jesus, and seize the opportunity to share his amazing message of hope with the people of NSW.
We are a movement of volunteers, and in NSW alone over 3,000 people of all ages are involved in Scripture Union NSW’s ministries every year.
Those ministries are diverse and take place in all sorts of places. It could be your local school, your favourite beach, a paddock in the bush, or an island in the South Pacific. Wherever we are, whatever we do, we long to share the love and the hope of Jesus – and have some fun!
Scripture Union has a small team of staff in support of our volunteers. We have ministry coordinators based in the South Coast, the mid North Coast, in the North West and in the west of NSW as well as in the Sydney metro area. These staff are available to help you get a ministry idea off the ground.
We have a support office in the western Sydney suburb of Rydalmere that provides training and meetings room for our volunteers as well as some centralised support for all of our ministries.
What We Believe
See our Aims, Beliefs and Working Principles
As the Scripture Union family throughout the world, we accept and proclaim the historic truths of the Christian faith, including the following:
We hold that the Lord our God is one,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and that He fulfils his sovereign purposes – in creation, revelation, redemption, judgement, and the coming of his kingdom -by calling out from the world a people united to himself and to each other in love.
We acknowledge that though God made us
in his own likeness and image, conferring on us dignity and worth and enabling us to respond to himself, we now are members of a fallen race; we have sinned and come short of his glory.
We believe that the Father
has shown us his holy love in giving Jesus Christ, his only Son, for us, while through our sinfulness and guilt, we were subject to his wrath and condemnation; and has shown his grace by putting sinners right with himself when they place their trust in his Son.
We confess Jesus Christ
as Lord and God;
as truly human, born of the virgin Mary;
as servant, sinless, full of grace and truth;
as our only Mediator and Saviour, dying on the cross in our place, representing us to God, redeeming us from the grip, guilt and punishment of sin;
as Victor over Satan and all his forces, rising from death with a glorious body, being taken up to be with his Father, one day returning personally in glory and judgement to establish his kingdom.
We believe in the Holy Spirit
who convicts the world of guilt in regard to sin, righteousness and judgement;
who makes the death of Christ effective to sinners, declaring that they must now turn to Christ in repentance, and directing their trust towards the Lord Jesus Christ;
who through the new birth makes us partake in the life of the risen Christ, and
who is present within all believers, illuminating their minds to grasp the truth of Scripture, producing in them his fruit, granting to them his gifts, and empowering them for service in the world.
The Scriptures
We believe that the Old and New Testament Scriptures are God-breathed, since their writers spoke from God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit; hence are fully trustworthy in all that they affirm; and
are our highest authority for faith and life.
The Church and its Mission
We recognise the Church
as the body of Christ held together and growing up in him; both as a total fellowship throughout the world, and as the local congregation in which believers gather.
We acknowledge the commission of Christ
to proclaim the Good News to all people, making them disciples, and teaching them to obey him.
We acknowledge the command of Christ
to love our neighbours, resulting in service to the church and society, in seeking reconciliation for all with God and their fellows, in proclaiming liberty from every kind of oppression; and
in spreading Christ’s justice in an unjust world…until he comes again.
SU Global
Scripture Union NSW is a member of the worldwide Scripture Union International community.
Within Australia there is active collaboration across all states and territories to achieve our common aims across our nation.
Keeping Children Safe
SU is committed to providing a safe and child-friendly environment in any program, event or activity conducted in its name. We’ve policies for:
Safe Ministry
SU is committed to the physical, emotional and spiritual welfare and safety of people, particularly within our areas of activity, and zero tolerance for any form of child abuse.
Safe Working with Children, Youth and Vulnerable People (ChildSafe)
SU is committed to providing a safe and child-friendly environment in any program, event or activity conducted in its name and adopts operational policies and procedures for the safe working with children, youth and vulnerable people participating in such.
Our safe practices cover:
- volunteer screening & training;
- accountability and performance;
- permission to proceed;
- codes of conduct;
- media representation;
- incident reporting;
- record keeping; and
- management review and audit.
Work Health & Safety
In accordance with work health & safety legislation, SU undertakes to do all we reasonably can to ensure the health & safety of its employees, volunteers, contractors and those attending programs, activities and events held in its name.
Protecting Privacy
SU undertakes to protect your privacy. Our policy covers:
- The nature of Personal Information we collects and retains
- The collection of personal information
- The disclosure of Personal Information
- Specific Matters
- Protection of Personal Information
- Access to and update of Personal Information
- Privacy Complaints
The Scripture Union Privacy Policy (Sept 18) describes how Scripture Union protects privacy in compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Privacy Regulation 2013.
Contact with SU in regards to privacy should be directed to the State Director / CEO who serves as the SU Privacy Officer (ph. 02 9638 9000)
Governance
Scripture Union NSW Limited (ABN 71 000 089 583) is a company limited by guarantee. Full details, including Constitution, Financials and the names of Board members, are available on the ACNC portal .
SU operates two deductible gift recipient (DGR) funds for the receipt of tax-deductible donations.
- Scripture Union Schools Ministry Fund
- Scripture Union (NSW) Benevolent Fund (ABN 27 303 768 068)
Governing Members
Scripture Union NSW has around ninety members who appoint the Board and, on behalf of all of our volunteers, help hold the movement true to its purpose. The Annual General Meeting of Members is generally held on the last Monday of October.
Board Directors
Robyn Gillespie
- Board Chair
- B.Nursing (Flinders), MPH (Adv) (UoW)
- Casual academic and PhD candidate in the School of Medicine at the University of Wollongong.
- Past involvement ISCF, SUPA club and Shoalhaven Heads SUFM
- Home in the Illawarra, married to Ian and attends Keiraville International Church.
- Joined the Board in 2014 and became Chair in 2018.
Steve Billington
- B.A.Dip.Ed (Usyd), M.A (Pysch-Usyd) M.Ed (Usyd)
- Retired State Secondary Schools Principal and presently works with Sydney University in mentoring students during their practicums.
- During his years with the Department of Education he has also worked in Special Education and was a Senior Independent Reviewer for Staff Efficiency and Conduct.
- Past involvement ISCF, Leadership Conferences, SU Council, SUFM.
- Married to Bronwyn
- Joined the Board in 2018.
Taani Kruik
- B. App Sc. (Sydney), M. Div. (SMBC/ACT)
- Taani has been serving on The Bridge team at Sydney Missionary and Bible College and is in charge of pastoral care.
- She loves seeing God at work in the lives of the young people, and is passionate to see them grow to know and love Him more.
- Taani served on Old Bar SUFM for 9 years.
Timothy Lihou
- B.PESS (USyd)
- Works for the NSW Department of Industry in the field of industry development.
- Past involvement ISCF, SU Cricket Camp and Camps Reference group.
- Married to Clare
- Joined the Board in 2018.
Elizabeth Moll
- B.Accounting (University of Technology, Sydney), LLB (University of Technology, Sydney), B.Div (Moore Theological College), Grad. Dip. Legal Practice (College of Law).
- Worked as a management consultant with L.E.K. Consulting in their Sydney, Los Angeles and Boston offices. Former Workplace Evangelist, City Bible Forum, Sydney. Completed Practical Legal Training at the Professional Standards Unit, Sydney Anglican Diocese.
- Past involvement ISCF, SU HSC study camps, Currarong SUFM.
- Married to Nick, with three daughters. Attends All Saints Anglican Church, Oatley West.
- Joined the Board in 2010.
David Mitchell
- Hon. Treasurer
- B.Ec MBA CA
- Risk and assurance professional.
- Current involvement with Tanilba Bay SUFM.
- Past involvement with Budgewoi SUFM.
- Home in Sydney, married with three children and attends St Thomas Anglican Church, North Sydney.
- Joined the Board in 2018.
Our Staff
Ian Altman
STATE DIRECTOR
Ian is married to Carolyn and together they have two adult children Melina and Bryce. Ian came to faith on a camp in 1985 where he committed to be “all in” in following Jesus, wherever that might lead. After meeting Jesus in 1985, Ian, aged 17, met Carolyn who was 16 at the time on a ski camp, they have been serving Jesus together ever since!
For the past 25 years, Ian has been serving Jesus as an Ordained and Accredited Baptist Minister in both rural and city churches, he has been a Regional Minister for the Baptist Churches, and prior to taking on the role as State Director for SUNSW, Ian served as the Associate Director for the Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT. With strong prompting for the Lord, Ian has taken on the role of State Director (CEO) and the responsibility of leading SUNSW.
Outside of ministry Ian has a passion for Photography, loves a good coffee (and can tell a bad one), and likes to travel.
With strong gifts of leadership and evangelism, a strategic mind, Ian has a strong passion to see children, young people, and families come to know Jesus in a personal way. Ian is looking forward to this new season of leading the team and empowering the volunteers who make up the family of SUNSW.
Cheryl Burton
SCHOOL MINISTRY TEAM LEADER
Cheryl committed her life to Christ as a student and was strengthened in her faith through a vibrant student-led ISCF group. Her love of ministry grew at SUFM, Bible College, local church ministry and her university Christian group. Cheryl started an ISCF group in her first high school and she is still just as passionate about discipling youth and empowering volunteers (2 Timothy 2:2).
Cheryl has experience as a teacher in high schools, primary schools, TAFE and SRE teaching. She previously worked for an international aid agency in recruiting and empowering volunteers to help fight human trafficking. Cheryl is married to Rob and has two lovely adult daughters. She enjoys relaxing with her family and friends, playing with her two mischievous puppies, and exploring new parts of the beautiful Central Coast.
Latisha Buttsworth
MINISTRY INTERN
Latisha was raised on a farm in Clarence Town region as the eldest of four children. She became a Christian after watching the Jesus video at a young age. She has a heart for sharing God’s love with those around her in the most practical way possible.
She loves to worship God through music and share that experience with others around her. When she isn’t serving at her local church, Latisha can be found, hiking, sewing, cooking or attempting to learn a new instrument.
Her favourite scripture is Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Jenny Carnaby
MID-NORTH COAST REGIONAL CO-ORDINATOR
Jenny lives in beautiful Port Macquarie with her husband Pete and 7-year-old daughter Remy. They love kids and have been foster parents to over 20 disadvantaged kids aged 2-16 in the last 6 years.
Jenny has a long association with Scripture Union and was first introduced 25 years ago to SU’s awesome ministry to kids through a beach mission on the Sunshine Coast in Qld. Since then, she has served in a variety of SU high school camps in QLD including a Girl’s Horse-riding camp, Youth Outback camp in Central QLD, “Splash Out” Beach Camp and a Schoolies Camp in the Whitsundays (tough, hey?). Jenny has a real heart for schools’ ministry and has worked as a High School Chaplain and Primary School Student Support Worker, lead ISCF groups, taught Scripture to high school and primary kids, and been involved in pancake breakfasts and other fun school programs so kids can have the opportunity to hear God’s Good News.
Jenny is very passionate about inspiring and encouraging Christians to reach out to kids with the Gospel in their local communities and to see families transformed by the Good News of Jesus.
Joanne Faletoese
SOUTH COAST REGIONAL COORDINATOR
Jo was raised in a Christian home and as a young child accepted Jesus as her Saviour. At the age of 12, she was keen to share her faith and together with another friend, she started up a Christian lunchtime club in her primary school. This was the start of a lifelong passion for sharing the gospel with children and teenagers.
Jo has been teaching Scripture in primary and high schools and serving in a wide range of children’s and youth programs for over 25 years. She loves finding creative ways to present the stories and big themes of the Bible. And she loves empowering the next generation to continue to pass on their faith to others!
Jo is married to Tepa, and they have three beautiful daughters, two adults and one in high school, and they are currently serving God in Batemans Bay. Jo enjoys Monday morning breakfast dates with her husband and late afternoon beach walks with her three toy poodles.
Thom Gardner
SYDNEY INTERN
Thom grew up in Cherrybrook in a non-believing home, but he and was introduced to Jesus along with his twin sister through their leaders at Crossfire Youth at St Paul’s Castle Hill. Thom has studied a Sport Management degree as well as a Diploma of Theology and has a passion to reach children for Jesus. He loves playing and watching sports, especially soccer and cricket!
Bronwyn Jackson
RELATIONSHIP MANAGER
Bronwyn is married to Stephen and together they have two teens and a tween. In the year 2000, Bronwyn became a Christian through a Christianity Explored course, where she accepted the salvation given to her through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Since then, the Holy Spirit has been guiding and changing her life for his great purposes!
Deborah Kemper
FINANCE MANAGER
Deborah is married to Nathan and has 3 children. They have recently relocated from the outer suburbs of Melbourne to Penrith where Nathan has joined the Pastoral team at Nepean Baptist Church, leaving behind their eldest son to complete his cabinet making apprenticeship. Deborah has been actively involved in her local church since accepting Christ as her Saviour at a Christian camp, at the age of 17. She has used her accounting skills for many years as a church treasurer and in various Christian Evangelical organisations.
Deborah is very pleased to have the opportunity to continue using her skills to the glory of God, here at Scripture Union.
Luca Kent
SYDNEY INTERN
Luca was raised in a Christian home and came to faith through her own revelation at 11 years of age at an ACC kids conference in 2015. She has always been actively involved in her local church community, serving in worship and kids ministry, currently serving as the Kids Church Leader at LifeSpace Church – Marsden Park. She has a real heart to see young people come to know Jesus and loves spending time supporting them on their walk with God.
When she isn’t serving Luca will be seen reading a good book, listening to and making music or binging Netflix. She enjoys engaging in activities that push her out of her comfort zones such as hiking, camping, horse riding, surfing and motor-biking.
Luca aspires to be a primary school teacher, currently studying a Bachelor of Education (Primary). She can’t wait to connect with students in a secular environment and show the love of Jesus to those she encounters!
Kylie Letcher
WESTERN DISTRICT REGIONAL WORKER
Kylie is married to Matt and has 2 daughters, Natalie and Katie. After growing up in cold Orange, living on a beautiful farm in Yeoval, surviving the Big Smoke while at Sydney Missionary Bible College, and supporting her husband in pastoral ministry in hot and dry Broken Hill, she now lives back in Yeoval enjoying God’s amazing creation of birds, trees, sunsets, green grass with 5 kelpies and a house dog!
She grew up with the blessing of a Christian family. She enjoyed her local church Sunday school, youth group and school scripture and started leading youth group at 17. She first led on Wairo Beach SUFM, and has since been involved with SUNSW in several ways. She is very thankful for the great impact that SUNSW Girls Ag camp has had on her daughter. She was very committed to teaching and training volunteers for SRE in Broken Hill and is very passionate about kids and youth camps, especially in rural/outback areas.
If you want an easy conversation starter with her, just mention cricket, camping, gardening or her family and you’ll be stuck for hours!
Andrew Parkinson
CENTRAL WEST REGIONAL COORDINATOR
Andrew (Parko) lives in chilly Blayney in Central West NSW with his wife Jo, daughters Caitlyn & Philippa, and son Isaac. He came to faith at Billy Graham Crusade in 1979 and in 1989 he felt God’s calling to ministry and entered theological college. He is an ordained Baptist Minister with over 30 years of youth ministry experience in churches, schools, camps, and even ran Sydney’s first and only Christian Night Club, featuring live Christian Bands every Friday and Saturday night! Andrew is a gifted speaker and communicator and has a passion for teaching and growing kids and young people for Christ. He can allegedly also make a mean coffee!
Jo Parkinson
SAFE MINISTRY COORDINATOR
Jo lives in Blayney in Central West NSW with her husband Andrew and her kids Caitie, Pip, and Isaac. Jo has been a RAAF Kid, Youth Leader, Girls & Boys Brigade Leader, Office Manager, Pastors Wife, School Canteen Manager and a Childcare Cook. In her downtime, she loves to binge-watch Netflix, cook yummy food (with the help of her two trusty Thermomix’s, Audrey and Heston), holiday in the caravan and watch MOTOGP. Christ has always been the centre of Jo’s life having grown up in a Christian home and she now feels truly blessed to work for a Christ-centred organisation!
Jasmine Ruigrok
HUNTER REGIONAL COORDINATOR
Hunter Valley native and country born and bred, Jasmine was raised in a Christian home as the eldest of seven kids where her relationship with Jesus was nurtured until it became the focal point of her life. Her first experience with SU was cooking for an ag camp, where she was instantly hooked on the mission of working with churches to make God’s Good News known to children, young people and families. Since then, along with directing Hunter girls ag camp, Jasmine has contributed to the Kempsey FM, Tamworth Country Music Festival FM, and songwriters’ retreat.
Jasmine is passionate about seeing people’s lives transformed by a genuine faith in Christ, and has a deep love for the local church. Her heart is to see her generation rise to the call of the Gospel and become stirred toward mission and discipleship that goes beyond the four walls of a church building. She is excited for the ministry opportunities and leadership development SU offers, and is eager to discover new ways to partner with churches across the Hunter to bring the Gospel to life in the hearts of its people.
When she isn’t serving at her church, she can be found doing freelance design, songwriting, reading, blogging, drinking coffee, hiking the Australian wilderness, or chasing her nieces around her family farm that she calls home.
Olivia Ruigrok
NORTH WEST REGIONAL WORKER
Olivia was born in Singleton, raised a middle child in a Christian family of seven kids, where she learned the value of hard work and what it means to do everything as unto Christ, from the menial to the major.
Olivia has a compassionate heart for the lost and hurting, and is a firm believer in sharing the message of the Gospel, finding immense joy in seeing the transformative power of Christ’s love manifest itself in young peoples’ and families’ lives.
God has stirred up within her a love for the people of Northern NSW, and has now moved to Tamworth, she is excited to contribute to the mission work and discipleship opportunities throughout the North West & New England region in her supportive role to the coordinator.
Before her position with Scripture Union NSW, Olivia had been working in church administration, out of school hours child care, bookkeeping for the family business and short term chaplaincy.
In her spare time, Olivia gets involved in ministry opportunities within the local and wider church, cooking, catering & leading on SU camps/mission, meeting new people, whilst maintaining hobbies such as playing bass guitar and piano, tennis comp, hiking, exploring, reading, baking, and spending time with family & friends.
Dave Tankard
NORTH WEST REGIONAL COORDINATOR & REGIONAL TEAM LEADER
Dave is married to Jude with four children, three adults and one in high school. He became a Christian in 2008 when after several years of watching Christian friends and attending their church services and Bible studies, he finally understood the Good News of what Jesus had accomplished for him.
Dave’s work background to that point included gardening and retail management. He has since moved into SRE teaching, and began with SU NSW in 2014. He has studied visual arts and horticulture, and more recently earned a diploma in theology through Morling College. He is a member of an Anglican Church in Tamworth. He enjoys playing and watching cricket, reading, and gardening. He loves getting to know the beautiful people and places around the North West region, and is passionate about showing the relevance of Jesus for modern Australia.
In his role as regional coordinator Dave supports volunteers to use their gifts and experience to run fun activities which enrich the lives of young people, and help them to explore the Christian faith. It is his joy to help connect people of all ages and stages in their Christian journey, helping to form them into effective communities for sharing Jesus with children, young people and families. He recently became the team leader of our very gifted regional staff, and seeks to encourage them in their roles.
Merrin Telfer
BUSINESS MANAGER & ADMIN TEAM LEADER
Merrin is married to Scott with four grown-up children and six grandchildren. Growing up in a Christian family, she has been involved in church all her life and is currently worshipping at Holy Trinity Wentworth Falls where she enjoys being part of a weekly Bible study group. Prior to joining Scripture Union, she and Scott ran their own printing business, which they have just sold. Merrin is pleased to be able to use the skills learned there in her new role with Scripture Union.
Merrin loves a good road trip, camping, playing with her grandchildren, knitting and other crafts, drinking tea and eating cake!
Sally Trethewy
CAMPS ADMINISTRATOR
Sally works part-time as Camps Administrator, supporting volunteers on SUNSW Camps to spread the good news of Jesus!
Sally’s introduction to Scripture Union was as a new Christian in year 12, attending an ISCF group at her high school. During her four years at university, Sally was a leader on Budgewoi SUFM, where she met her husband, Chris.
In recent years, Sally and her family have been serving as leaders on Cricket Camp & Rugby Union Camp. Sally has delighted in seeing her children grow from campers to serving as leaders. She enjoys having cups of tea with friends, reading, walking, and spending time with her family.
Aimee Wilkins
SCHOOLS ADMINISTRATOR
Aimee grew up with a desire to know more about God, and as an adult sought a better understanding through a Christianity Explained course. It was through this course that Aimee was inspired by God’s love and grace to commit her life to Jesus as her Saviour and King.
Aimee is married to Gary and they have two young sons who bring much laughter, joy and wonderful chaos to their lives. They enjoy fellowship at their local Anglican Church, where Aimee also co-leads the women’s ministry team. She seeks to continue learning and maturing as a disciple of Christ and help share His light and love with others.
Aimee loves spending time in nature enjoying God’s beautiful creation through bushwalks, picnics, being in the garden and more recently kayaking. She loves getting together with family and friends and is also known to bake a great brownie!
Contact us
Phone
(02) 9638 9000
9 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday
Visit
223-227 Victoria Road, RYDALMERE NSW 2116
PO Box 209, ERMINGTON NSW 1700
Submit an enquiryEmergency Contacts
The following are emergency and other useful contact details for use by activity leaders.
| 000 | Emergency services – Ambulance, Fire, Police |
| 1800 679 737 | Bushfire Infomation |
| 13 21 11 | Child Protection Helpline |
| 1800 55 1800 | Kids Helpline |
| 13 11 14 | Lifeline |
| 13 11 26 | Poison Information Centre |
| 132 500 | State Emergency Services (SES) |