Our Heart
SU Australia works alongside churches and communities to give children, young people and their families opportunities to discover life in God’s big story.
This means that children and young people are always at the heart, driving everything we do.
In a world of pain, suffering and complexity we know there is another story – a story of hope.
A story where young people are invited to be part of something bigger than themselves – to find purpose and connection.
We exist to see every child and young person given the opportunity to experience this story.
Our History
Scripture Union, or SU’s story began just over 150 years ago, when Josiah Spiers brought the Bible to life as he shared ‘God’s big story’ with 15 children in London.
In SU’s early years, Josiah wrote ‘God is love’ on the sand of a Welsh beach during the summer school holidays of 1868 and invited the children playing on the beach to decorate it with seashells.
Since then, SU has been inviting children, young people and their families to discover life in God’s big and unfolding story in more than 120 nations around the world – including Australia.
For over 140 years, countless young Australians have been discovering belonging, hope and purpose in a story bigger than themselves through SU movements across our nation.
Coming together in 2021 across different States and Territories, along with Generate (NSW), we are now a united, national movement, one body with many local expressions – because our heart is to meet local needs.
Our Board
We are very grateful for our hard-working and dedicated Board Members who bring decades of varied experience and provide prayerful guidance and direction for our organisation. Here’s a little information about them …
Peter Murphy, GAICD, FCPA, FASFA (NSW)
Principal, Jefferson & Shea Group
Peter is a financial specialist with deep experience in NFPs and education. He brings a blend of strategic insight and financial awareness, and a strong track record of transforming organisations through aligning their resources with their purpose to achieve results. After almost a decade as the CEO of Christian Super working across the full spectrum of Christian churches, he currently holds chair and directorship roles in the finance and not-for-profit sectors. Not just a numbers person, Peter has a strong passion for mission, young people, and holds theological qualifications.
“I love the mission of SU – I think it’s awesome! We’ve got to get the message of faith to young people while they’re developing their worldview.”
Michael Hotchkin (WA)
Senior Partner, Hotchkin Hanly Law Firm
Michael is an energetic and highly respected lawyer with a passion for mission. His extensive litigation experience includes industrial relations contractual disputes, trade practices, property disputes, and complex negotiations with government. Michael also provides strategic advice on planning and implementing large and complex projects. Michael has a long connection with Scripture Union. He has directed a beach mission for many years, and been an active member. He has sat on the boards of Uniting Church children’s homes, is passionate about children at risk, and once brought camels into an auditorium with thousands of students to make a Bible passage come alive.
“There is extreme dialogue about Christianity in Australia. SU is strategic because we can create a warm, positive place for God in Australia.”
Rev Dr Chris Porter (VIC)
Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Trinity College Theological School
Most people could not draw academic interests in computer science, psychology and theology, into an engaging discussion of national ministry, but Chris is not most people. Chris’ diverse work experience includes research on human decision-making and complex networked environments. He has applied his research to help large organisations make good decisions in high pressured environments, with internationally dispersed teams, and helping churches and mission agencies work well nationally. He has also been involved in church planting, Bible teaching work in Tanzania, theological research, and developing Child Protection policies.
Chris’ governance experience with CMS and the Anglican church has given him a deep appreciation of the challenges and importance of SU’s national transition.
“SU camps were where I worked out what my faith meant in practice … I’m excited about the national movement because of the opportunity for multiplication of ministry. It will mean groups that are doing similar things can be more functional and powerful for the gospel.”
Jeremy (Sunny) Macleod (VIC)
Youth Worker and TEAM Leader
Sunny is a youth worker in a highly multicultural school in Melbourne, and Team Leader of SU Australia’s MAD (Make a Difference) Camp to help young people develop a personal, local, and global vision for Making A Difference.
Harriet Smith (QLD)
Lawyer – Workplace, Minter Ellison
Harriet is a Senior Associate in a national law firm, practising in employment and work health and safety law. She acts for public, private and not-for-profit clients on a wide range of matters and has a particular interest in assisting clients to develop strong governance systems that support and promote the safety, health and wellbeing of their staff.
Harriet has strong strategic and analytical skills, is a clear communicator and has a track record of throwing herself into everything she does with energy and enthusiasm.
Harriet has been very involved with SU camps, originally as a camper, and has served as a volunteer camp leader and camp team leader.
“SU camps provided me with the opportunity to take ownership of my faith … I experienced firsthand the impact of SU camps in bringing students from a diverse range of backgrounds together as they seek and encounter God.”
Rebecca Smith (VIC)
Practice Leader, Moores
Rebecca Smith is a Practice Leader at Moores Legal providing a wide range of legal and governance advice to charities and not-for-profits. Rebecca serves on the Law Council of Australia Charities and Not-for-profits Committee as well as the ACNC Professional User Group.
Rebecca has volunteered on SU Beach Missions in Victoria, served on the SU Vic Missions Working Group and as a member of the SU Vic Board.
“The experience of serving together in Christian community on Beach Mission was formative in the development of my faith. I’m excited to journey with the SU Board as it explores new ways of connecting with an ever changing world.”
Lyn Shackles (WA)
Coordinator and Treasurer, various
Lyn’s governance experience includes chairing committees for various organisations, including Tearfund’s WA State Committee for about 10 years. She is also currently the Coordinator of the Interserve WA Working Group, Treasurer of an incorporated body overseeing a community garden, and President of her local tennis club.
“Over the years my appreciation of Scripture Union as an interdenominational organisation, which seeks to support and work alongside churches in presenting the gospel to people of ages has grown. I have valued being part of temporary communities formed on camps and Family Missions. I love seeing God at work in young people as they grow and develop their faith and gifts serving Him.”
Sophia Griffioen (TAS)
Sophia was a SU Australia Chaplain at East Tamar Primary School in Launceston until the end of 2023 and has since transitioned to a teaching position.
Sophia has been actively involved in various SU ministries, including SUPA North and SUPA and Beyond camps, as well as an after-school program. She has a talent for connecting with young people and inspiring them to take risks and embrace challenges.
Sophia is one of two Youth Directors on the SU Australia Board.
“It is the most wonderful and exciting thing to witness a young person discover Jesus. Getting to be even a small part of that is a great honour.”
Sue Hanlon (QLD)
Executive Consultant I Coach
With over 30 years of leadership experience, Sue is passionate about empowering individuals and serving God. Well-versed in not-for-profits, pastoring, church planting, and cross-cultural ministry, she excels at delivering strategic outcomes in complex organisations. Skilled in building high-performing teams and fostering collaboration, Sue creates healthy cultures with aligned values and ethical practices. Deeply committed to SU, she actively supports the organisation through prayer and fundraising, and is passionate about helping young people encounter Jesus and grow in their faith.
“I believe that SU Australia is uniquely positioned to shape the future of our nation. By investing in the lives of young people, we can empower them to become compassionate, courageous, and life-long missional leaders.”
Daniel Lee (VIC)
Education Leadership
Daniel brings over 15 years of experience in the Christian Education sector to his role as Deputy Principal. In this capacity, he oversees the day-to-day operations of the primary school, and is deeply passionate about helping others to develop their God-given potential. His expertise extends to organisational culture, leadership development, and strategy.
“SU’s rich legacy of helping the next generation to discover life in God’s big story inspires me. I am excited to be a part of this journey, and look forward to seeing how God will continue to use this incredible ministry to advance His Kingdom.”
David Shaw (NSW)
Founder & Executive Chair of WSC
David Shaw is a highly experienced financial expert and the founder of WSC Group, a leading Australian accounting firm. He has extensive knowledge in accounting, auditing, and financial advisory services, including work with Christian and non-profit organisations.
A devoted Christian, David has been actively involved in his faith for over 40 years. He recognises and appreciates the significant impact of Scripture Union on individuals of all ages, particularly in areas like camps, schools, and missions. His wife’s past involvement with Scripture Union further strengthens his connection to this mission.
“I am excited to be on the Board of Scripture Union as I always admire the great work that they do with chaplaincy, camps and helping young people all over Australia. I was excited to be able to serve on this Board because of the great work that Scripture Union Australia do.”
To contact the board click here
Our Executive
SU Australia’s executive team is passionate about our mission to see children, young people, and families discovering life in God’s big story. They provide strategic leadership and support to local teams, empowering them to see this mission realised in communities throughout Australia.
Alison Hunter
CEO
Alison is the Group CEO of SU Australia. An experienced marketing and project management professional with a background working in senior management positions with World Vision and NAB. She brings broad experience in the areas of business management, customer journeys, strategy, marketing, IT, CRM, project management, portfolio management, risk and financials.
Alison has a long connection with Scripture Union starting as a camper, mission team member, and has served as chair for both the SU Victoria board, and most recently the SU Australia board.
Luke Van Luik
Group Director, Shared Services
Luke Van Luik is the Group Director of SU Australia’s Shared Services. Originally hailing from South Africa, Luke has been working in the financial management space for over 16 years and has a real passion for working with people-focused organisations. Over his career, Luke has spent a number of years working in management positions across the United Kindgom, and he brings a logical and fresh perspective to the leadership team at SU Australia.
Ian Cumming
Group Director, Operations
Ian Cumming is the Group Director of SU Australia’s Operations Team. Ian has been involved with SU ministries for over a decade and has a real passion to see both young people and youth workers thriving and living a full life. Ian pairs wisdom with a deep commitment to SU ministries and he isn’t afraid to forge new paths to grow mission in our ever-changing society. His loyal and organised nature brings great depth to SU Australia’s leadership team.
Dave Parker
Group Director, Engagement
Dave Parker is the Group Director of SU Australia’s Engagement team. He has been involved with SU since high school, where ISCF groups and camps were a key part of his faith journey. Over his career Dave has held significant roles in systems, service, business and marketing for EMI and Universal Music — and has managed many Christian musicians, including Colin Buchanan. Dave has a heart to see missions happen across Australia; his thoughtful insights and vast experience are a great asset to the leadership team.
Robert Miller
Group Manager, People Services
Robert Miller is the Group Manager of SU Australia’s People Services team. Nurtured as a child by the loving children’s ministry of his local church, Robert has a heart for seeing children and young people come to know Christ during their formative years. Throughout his career, Robert has held senior roles across a number of industries including banking, workers compensation, and the arts sector. Robert brings to SU Australia’s leadership team a wealth of experience and expertise in the areas of human resources strategy, organisational change.
ChildSafe
ChildSafe Australia exists to serve organisations and individuals working with children and vulnerable people, with the goal of improving their well-being and safety.
As part of the SU Australia family, ChildSafe works to…
- Listen to the child safety needs of organisations
- Support organisations in their policy and practice
- Help organisations with their copliance of the National and State Child Safety Standards
- Delivering quality ChildSafe materials and services
Get involved
Whether it’s through your next career move, volunteering, or participating in one of our internship programs — there’s many ways you can get involved with SU Australia!
Careers
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of children, young people and families? Find your new role with SU Australia.
Careers
Volunteer
As a volunteer leader you can become part of a local community where you’ll serve people and grow in your leadership ability.
Volunteer
Internships
SU Internships offer a flexible learning and practical experience. Ready to transform your world? Sign up today!