About Us

About Us2022-08-16T15:10:00+10:00

OUR MISSION

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.

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 PEOPLE

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

Peter James
Group CEO

Peter James is the Group CEO of SU Australia. He has been involved with SU since the 1990’s and is an experienced leader of for-purpose organisations. Peter has spent numerous years on various boards, legal organisations and as a young man was an enthusiastic SU Camper. Peter’s early experiences on these SU camps influenced him greatly, and now he has a big heart to see our next generation discovering life and hope in God’s big story. As SU Australia’s flagship captain, Peter leads the organisation with wisdom, empathy and a heart that is strongly rooted in Christ.

Sue Hanlon
Group Director, Chief of Staff

Sue Hanlon is the Group Director of SU Australia’s Mission Support team. 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.

Jenni Dobbin
Group Director, East Zone

Jenni Dobbin is the East Zone Group Director, and manages SU Australia ministries across south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales. Jenni is somewhat of a matriarch of SU ministries, having been passionately involved for over 25 years. She started her SU journey as a school chaplain, and brings great sensitivity and insight to the organisation. Jenni’s strong faith underpins everything she does, and her timely encouragement is a rich asset to the leadership team.

James Angus
Acting Group Director, Mission Support

James Angus is the Acting Group Director of SU Australia’s Mission Support team. Since 2008, James has worked across a variety of fundraising, systems and strategic management roles in Scripture Union. James’ heart is to help missions happen across Australia, which he delivers through his creative approaches to problem solving. He works collaboratively to see these ideas come to fruition within the team. His thoughtful insights and vast experience are a great asset to the leadership team.

Leanne Palmer
Acting Group Director, South Zone

Leanne Palmer is the South Zone Acting Group Director, and manages mission across Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT. Leanne has been involved with SU ministries since 2014 and is passionate about providing opportunities and experiences for our young people to discover joy, community and connection. Her productive and dedicated nature is a great asset to the leadership team and she brings a fresh perspective to new possibilities for the mission.

Kent Morgan
Group Director, West Zone

Kent Morgan is the West Zone Group Director. Kent is a lifelong SU participant and volunteer credits SU with many foundational influences in his life. His memories and faith walk has SU woven through it – from being a camp kid to the lifelong friendships, skills and deeper faith experience that came from SU programs and volunteering. Kent has been on staff since 2002 in community programs, risk management, training, church consultancy and leadership roles. He was the CEO/State director of Scripture Union Western Australia before the formation of SU Australia.

Ian Cumming
Group Director, North Zone

Ian Cumming is the North Zone Group Director, and manages SU Australia’s largest geographical area across the top-third of Australia. 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.

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

Generate

Generate was formed in 2005 as a joint ministry of Scripture Union NSW, Sydney Anglican Youthworks, Presbyterian Youth NSW, and the Baptist Churches of NSW and the ACT.

Today, Generate is an interdenominational Christian organisation which has worked in NSW public schools for more than 15 years, employing SRE teachers since 2005 and chaplains since 2007. Working closely with local church communities, Generate employs close to 300 staff, which are supported by a large network of volunteers.

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 to our internship program today!

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Internships

Blog Posts

Mentoring Matters: 5 keys to help your teens thrive

24 September 2020

Close your eyes for a minute and think back to your…

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Why do I celebrate NAIDOC Week?

7 November 2020

As a non-Indigenous Australian man, I confess to being a little…

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‘Crazy’ Hair Supporting Food Bank at Moe South Street in Victoria

10 March 2022

A lot of local families, including some at our school, have…

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SUPA Summa Fun at Mannum (River Mission) in South Australia

15 March 2022

What an exciting time for mission in Mannum. In this current…

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Grace is riding the waves of life

23 March 2022

Nine-year old Grace’s world flipped upside down when her Dad’s health…

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You’re helping Jade find her sunshine again

5 April 2022

Over the past year, Chappy Nancy has been co-running a lunchtime…

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Young people discover life at Camp Odyssey

19 April 2022

Your support for SU Australia is giving children and young people…

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Showing God’s love to children with disabilities

26 April 2022

During the pandemic, a passionate team of volunteers at Calvary Church…

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How your support made a splash in Lily’s life

28 April 2022

  Chappy Angus loves being the school chaplain at Lee Street State…

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Meet Joe Mullins – the 102-year-old SU Supporter

17 May 2022

In 1937, a young seventeen-year-old by the name of Joe Mullins…

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Lizzie finds her answers in the Bible on camp

23 May 2022

Across Australia your support is helping young people like Lizzie discover…

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Isabelle discovers a different story – a story of God’s love

7 June 2022

Across Australia your support is creating opportunities to partner with and…

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Equipping generations to carry the lamp of God’s love

15 June 2022

When Ruth’s mum first became an SU ministry volunteer, little did…

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Celebrating YOU – our amazing supporters

21 June 2022

  Dawn's spare change makes a big difference In 2007, Dawn…

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Innovation and connection in the Bush

21 June 2022

Across Australia your support is helping to bring creative ideas to…

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Tyson dips his toes into the waters of faith

6 July 2022

Your support for SU is giving children and young people opportunities…

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Josiah’s career change to work for Eternity

6 July 2022

Why would you leave a profession you loved and found great…

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Liam discovers God’s love through LEGO

6 July 2022

Children and families enjoyed rubbing shoulders with a TV star at…

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Fun, fellowship and faith at Melrose

6 July 2022

More than 100 campers and leaders enjoyed an amazing weekend of…

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Your support turned Marie’s life around

6 July 2022

SU Australia Beach Missions are not just events that happen over…

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Equipping local churches in Darwin

6 July 2022

At SU Australia, we are passionate about training and equipping Christian…

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Hostility becomes curiosity at Turner Family Festival Mission

6 July 2022

Championing Bible engagement goes to the very core of who SU…

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Keeping the faith

6 July 2022

For many young people who come from Christian homes, entering university…

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Scripture transforms Evie’s anger to hope

26 July 2022

SU Australia school ministry programs are many and varied. From school…

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You helped Jess discover Jesus at Merry Beach

28 July 2022

At SU, we love seeing our volunteer leaders equipped and trained…

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Easter Campers Know Jesus

3 August 2022

Despite the looming threat of COVID, Easter Camp returned for the…

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Chaplain and church connect for family in need

10 August 2022

Two weeks before the end of the 2021 school year, Shyamala,…

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