- Who We Are
- What We Believe
- SU Global
- Keeping Children Safe
- Protecting Privacy
- 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 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)
Our Staff
Glenn Coombs
INTERIM STATE DIRECTOR
Glenn has been involved with the ministry of Scripture Union NSW since 1986. From Directing Norah Head SUFM & The Entrance SUFM, to full time staff in 1998 and more recently Camps Director. Anyone who has met Glenn knows he is passionate about sharing the Good News of Jesus and the transformational ministries of Scripture Union.
Glenn’s regular role currently involves the development and support of SU camps along with nurturing the faithful army of Scripture Union supporters to assist the ongoing health and vitality of the movement.
Glenn is also seconded as a SUSTAIN partnership consultant with Scripture Union International, which takes him far and wide in his quest to connect opportunities with resources for the extension of God’s kingdom.
Sally Trethewy
CAMPS ADMINISTRATOR
Sally works part time as Camps Administrator, supporting volunteers on SU 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.
Cheryl Burton
SOUTH COAST REGIONAL COORDINATOR
Cheryl loves living in Batemans Bay, is happily married to Rob, has two lovely daughters and a sweet lab named Louis. She committed her life to Christ as a teenager and was strengthened in her faith through a vibrant ISCF, youth group, camps, Beach Mission and Bible College. Cheryl loves to support and empower volunteers to make disciples in schools, camps and mission contexts. She is an experienced teacher of middle and high school and was previously a support manager for volunteers of an international aid organisation. Cheryl enjoys supporting her husband in his role as pastor of Batemans Bay Baptist Church, relaxing with family and friends and exploring new beaches in the beautiful Far South Coast.
Andrew Parkinson
CENTRAL WEST REGIONAL COORDINATOR
Andrew was born in “The Shire” but has migrated progressively west, first to the Hill District and then to the Hawkesbury and now he lives in chilly Blayney in Central West NSW with his wife Jo and two beautiful girls Caitlyn and Philippa. 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 25 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 also make a mean coffee.
Bryce Steep
MID NORTH COAST REGIONAL COORDINATOR
Bryce hails from the Mid North Coast of NSW and has a desire to see the ministry of SU grow in the region. His background is in electronics, IT hardware/software, and the funeral industry. A Salvationist of 35 years Bryce has more recently spent 13 of those years in full time ministry as a Salvation Army Officer with appointments including corps officer (church minister/pastor), chaplaincy, PR and RSDS (providing Christian based practical support to members of our defence force). Bryce holds formal qualifications in chaplaincy, community services and mental health, and has completed a Bachelor of Ministry degree. He has a passion for sharing the Gospel with young people and has a long history of working closely with local schools and their staff, both at primary and secondary levels, through SRE teaching, volunteer recruitment, and coordination and participation in Christmas events and ministries.
Bryce has 4 children and 7 grandchildren with another on the way. He is a musician and vocalist, having helped develop a music appreciation program for preschool children. Bryce is a licenced amateur radio operator, a member of Rotary Club and also enjoys fishing, camping and travelling to beautiful places.
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.
Sebastian Mayer
SU MINISTRIES COORDINATOR
Sebastian (Aka Bas) is extremely fortunate to have grown up in a family where Jesus and His mission has been central to everything. Bas is super thankful for his parents involving him and his siblings to SU and growing up on beach mission. Bas can contribute so much of his growth and faith to Scripture Union, and was one of the driving factors of him going to Sydney Missionary and Bible College.
Bas is blessed to call Lucy his wife, and together they are living on mission as local missionaries who are making disciples.
Bas has a deep conviction for multiplying disciples and servant leadership. Bas is committed to helping SU and it’s volunteers keep prayer, Bible, discipleship and multiplication at their centre.
Bas also loves food, dad jokes, coffee and his friends and family.
Alexandra Gartner
DESIGN & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alex comes from a communications background, specialising in print, branding and digital as well as project management and art direction. She believes effective communication has the power to affect positive change for the Kingdom, and is therefore stoked to be part of the SU team. Her role is to bring clarity and vision to SU communications, as SU seeks to maintain existing support, as well engage the next generation of supporters.
Alex surrendered her life to Christ after High School, following the faithful and persistent Gospel witness of older Christian mentors during Scripture and at youth group.
When she isn’t working on her graphic novel, you’ll find her tinkering on bikes or making some mischief!
Merrin Telfer
BUSINESS SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Merrin is married to Scott with four grown up children and four grandchildren. Growing up in a Christian family, she has been involved in church all her life and is currently worshipping at Chatswood Presbyterian Church 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.
Lucy Mayer
MISSIONS ADMINISTRATOR + EVENTS COORDINATOR
Lucy has amazing parents and three wonderful sisters that have continually pointed her to Jesus. Lucy became a Christian in high school, however, it was her time at the Youthworks Year 13 Gap year program that allowed her to truly grasp the importance of living a life in service to God, in all aspects of her life.
Lucy studied a Bachelor of Management in Events and Leisure and has been seeking a role in which she can continue to serve at church, and use her organisational skills to further God’s kingdom. Lucy has been a part of Tuggerah SUFM for three years and is excited to be a part of the SU movement in a larger capacity.
Deborah Kemper
FINANCE & PAYROLL OFFICER
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.
Bronwyn Jackson
DONOR SUPPORT OFFICER
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!
Karen William
IT ADMINISTRATOR / ANALYST
Karen brings a myriad of IT skills to the SU team, supporting the hardware, software and systems needs of staff to managing the implementation and usage of Salesforce.
Amy Ziade
DIGITAL MARKETING ASSISTANT
Amy is passionate about ministry and serving children and young people. Amy believes the future relies heavily on how we interact and treat the children of today, reminding them that they can do all things through Christ! Amy has previously worked in childcare, children’s ministry and children’s entertainment. It is safe to say that her world and workplace often revolve around children and that her role at Scripture Union NSW is a natural progression of this.
Amy is married to Nick, and they have a daughter, Alessia. She loves long catch-ups over coffee, hanging with her family, and having an all-round good time, enjoying all that life has to offer.
Ella Peachey
SYDNEY METRO TEAM LEADER
Ella previously worked as the Children’s Worker at her church Dural Baptist for four years. She loved having the opportunity to share the good news with the kids in her local community. Ella also worked for ANGLICARE as a Youth Worker in the Inner West, running programs for marginalised teens. She has a strong passion for seeing kids and young peoples’ lives transformed by the good news, and is excited to be a part of the ministry SU has in schools across NSW.
Ella loves spending time with people, especially her husband Caleb, extended family and friends. Ella enjoys exploring new coffee shops around Sydney and long dinner parties!
Adam Smyth
SYDNEY METRO REGIONAL WORKER SYDNEY NORTH / RESOURCES SPECIALIST
Adam has a heart for seeing all people come to know the immeasurable love that God has for them and for people of all ages to passionately live their lives for Jesus! After fully committing to Jesus at age 25, Adam loves pursuing God’s presence and His heart, wanting everyone to have incredible encounters with God for themselves and to know Him personally. Adam has worked for many years as a guitar teacher and has studied music at the Australian Institute of Music and Macquarie University and theology at Morling College. Adam has also served in worship music ministry and preaching. He loves to see people honestly seek God and discover how much God loves them and how good He is!
Adam also loves surfing, AFL, ice hockey, coffee, music, and spending time with family and friends.
Meg McCloud
SYDNEY METRO REGIONAL WORKER SYDNEY SOUTH EAST
Meg was nurtured in a Christian home and comes from a long line of farming families from the North West Slopes and plains region in NSW. She is a Morling Theological College graduate with a degree in ministry. It was her time at college that ignited her fervour for the scriptures and avid attention to God’s hand in history. She is eager to disciple young people in a profound way that is relevant to their life experiences and demonstrably biblical.
Meg has been a faithful Christian leader in many church and school contexts, including with Soul Survivor NSW, SU Girls Ag Camp, scripture teaching and ISCF leading, an assistant chaplain with Wesley Mission and a youth pastor. She is an active church leader and enjoys a good coffee in a trendy café spot.
Meg is an advocate for young people. She enjoys helping youth engage with Bible stories and how these narratives may impact the world around them in Jesus’ name. She has particular interest in assisting young people to engage with Old Testament theology and narrative and the invitation to the kingdom of God with Jesus as the king. She strives to model Jesus to young people, who will be the next witnesses to the future hope God has promised His children in King Jesus.
Rachel Bemmer
SYDNEY METRO REGIONAL WORKER SYDNEY WEST
Rachel grew up in a Christian family but gave her life to Jesus when she was 17 years old.
Rachel’s heart and zealousness are with the next generation coming to know Jesus Christ as their saviour. She has an extensive history of working with children including: out of school hours care, Scripture teaching, and children’s ministry. She also has a heart for God’s mission field here and abroad. Through this passion for mission, Rachel has been able to be a part of Scripture Union Family Missions for the last seven years at Kioloa SUFM.
Her other passions include anything outdoors, but she doesn’t mind a good movie or two.
Contact us
Phone
(02) 9638 9000
9am to 5pm, 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) |