About Us

• Deputy Chair
• BEng Civil (Wollongong Uni), MBA (Wollongong Uni), GAICD
• Recently retired from Sydney Water, as General Manager for all Sydney Water’s water, sewerage, storm water and recycled water services.
• Married to Marion, with four adult children and six grandchildren.
• Past involvement ISCF and Shoalhaven Heads SUFM.
• Married to Marion, member of the Christian Reformed Church of Sutherland.
• Joined the Board in 2017.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.
  

Paul’s declaration in Romans that we are justified by faith alone and God declares us not guilty before him because of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice led to Eddie Ozols following Jesus over forty years ago. Scripture Union Bible Reading Notes were part of his early journey of discipleship and growth as a new believer.

Eddie has had careers in psychiatric and disability nursing, community offender management with Corrective Services (specialising in indigenous people) and as a senior executive in NSW government disability services. He has worked in rural NSW for eighteen years where he gained an understanding of the challenges facing rural communities and churches. Currently he is the Operations Manager for an evangelical overseas aid agency managing overseas activities,  compliance and daily management matters. Extensively travelled, he has an understanding of the church in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

He has previously served as a rural public hospital director, committee member of a disability residential service , Baptist Campsite chair and director of a Greek disability agency. Eddie attends an evangelical church where he is a service leader and assists with fundraising for a building program.

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 reasonability 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.

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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 relaxing with family and friends and exploring new beaches on the beautiful Far South Coast.

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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.

[email protected]au

Jacob Grey

ADMIN & COMMUNICATIONS FACILITATOR

Jacob grew up in a Christian family and officially trusted God as his Savior when he was baptized in high school. He has a passion for teaching and encouraging those around him through a diverse range of mission opportunities.  Jacob greatly enjoys serving as a leader on SUFM at Kioloa each year and on other Scripture Union Camps during the year such as Chaffey Dam Watersports Camp, Outback Adventure Camp, and Camp Conqueror, along with being one of the Directors for Board Games Camp.

Jacob has a background as a Horticulturalist and is now studying Accounting while he works at Scripture Union. With over 866 plays logged spanning over 549hrs, it is safe to say that Jacob is past the point of no return with board games, he just loves them too much!

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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!

[email protected]

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.

[email protected]

Mike Lihou

EVENTS COORDINATOR

Mike grew up in a family that taught him to keep Christ at the centre of his life. He decided to make that decision for himself when he was convicted of the authority of the Bible in high school while his family served as missionaries in Taiwan. He developed in his depth of knowledge and understanding of God and how to serve him while studying a Diploma of Ministry at Sydney Missionary & Bible College.

Mike has loved being a part of the Scripture Union Cricket Camp community over a number of years and really enjoyed having the opportunity to combine two of his great passions – ministry to kids and sports. Over time Mike has developed a love for events and is now studying a Bachelor of Event Management at UTS and is putting it to good use planning Engage.

His other passions include making tea for his wife Sammy, making and drinking good coffee, playing video games, and turning wood into beautiful and functional creations.

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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.

[email protected]

Laura Payne

SYDNEY REGIONAL COORDINATOR

Laura grew up on the far north coast of NSW and moved to Sydney while she was studying at Bible College in 2016. She lives in the Parramatta area, where she is part of a house church that seeks to make Jesus known and live on mission in their neighbourhood.

Laura previously worked in organising and facilitating Spiritual Formation programs for young adults and is passionate about equipping people to go deeper in their relationship with God. She is excited to be working with Scripture Union to support and resource volunteers serving in school ministries in her part of Sydney.

Laura loves bringing people together around the table, sharing food and life with one another. She enjoys baking, hiking and finding new cafes to explore with friends.

[email protected]

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.

[email protected]

Olivia Ruigrok

NORTH WEST REGIONAL ASSISTANT

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.

[email protected]

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.

[email protected]

Merrin Telfer

BUSINESS SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Merrin is married to Scott with four grown-up children and five 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.

[email protected]

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.

[email protected]

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!

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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.

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Amy Ziade

DIGITAL MARKETING ASSISTANT (MATERNITY LEAVE)

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.

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