SU Australia Board

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 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.”

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.”

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 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 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’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 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.”

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 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 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.”