About Us

About Us2024-03-06T12:12:26+10:00

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.

  • God Is Love Scripture Union Australia

A word from the board

“Thousands of passionate, talented and servant-hearted staff, volunteers, board members and church communities contribute to the rich tapestry that is our national movement.”

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.”

Sean Hubbard, GAICD, CA (QLD)
Senior Healthcare Consultant and Business Owner

After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte in the late 90’s, Sean chose to work at a local hospital, and has spent his career using his financial and business skills to invest in organisations that care for the community. Sean has led large and complex healthcare organisations through complex change, including mergers of divisions and organisations, always with a focus on improving outcomes for the people the organisation serves.  Sean has extensive, international board experience and his passion for the mission is obvious.

Sean chairs the SU Australia Finance board committee.

“I was drawn to this opportunity because of the value of what SU does, and the missional possibilities as different regions combine their resources and focus.”

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.”

To contact the board click here

OUR National Leadership Team

Our National Leadership Team oversee the delivery of SU Australia’s ministries.

James Angus
Group Manager, Mission Systems
Sally Davis
Group Manager, Finance
Alan Kingsley
Group Manager, IT
Tess Van Bennekom
Group Manager, Equip
Carl Bothma
Group Manager, Risk Compliance & Assets
Paul Chen
Group Manager, Support Hub
Jono Marshall
Regional Director, NSW Central
Craig Parker
Regional Director, Western Region
John Menzies
Regional Director, Southern Region
Jono Vandenberg
Co-Regional Director, South East
Stephanie Sebastian
Co-Regional Director, South East
Tim Fawssett
Group Manager, Cross Cultural Innovation and First Nations
Alanna Sorrenson
Manager, SU Institute of Training
Robert Miller
Group Manager, People Services
Christy Marhin
Regional Director, Northern Region
Phil Magarey
Regional Director, Northern Rivers/Southern QLD
Steve Kilah
Regional Director, South East Queensland

A word from the executive

“I love the impact that SU has on supporting children in meaningful ways, giving opportunity for safe relationships for all while sharing and demonstrating life of relevance today.”

OUR Executive

Our Executive team live and breathe SU — here’s a bit about them…

Alison Hunter
Group 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.

Sue Hanlon
Chief of Staff

Sue Hanlon is the Chief of Staff for SU Australia. She has been hands-on involved in SU ministries for over eight years, working first in regional Queensland and now based in Brisbane. Sue has a special passion for our regional communities and seeing people find rich fulfilment in their work. A natural encourager, Sue brings heart and warmth to the SU Australia leadership team, and her people-focused nature is highly valued.

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.

2023 Annual Report

We are so grateful to share our 2023 Annual Report. This report attests to the amazing work God is doing in local communities across Australia through the ongoing and faithful support of our SU Australia community of donors, prayer partners, volunteers and staff.

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.

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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.

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Volunteer

Internships

SU Internships offer a flexible learning and practical experience. Ready to transform your world? Sign up today!

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Internships

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