For more than twenty-six years, Sue Unicomb has cared for patients with compassion and a commitment to serving others. As a registered Nurse at the University of Canberra Hospital, she is known by patients and colleagues for her genuine care, kindness, and a willingness to go the extra mile for those she encounters. But Sue’s heart for service extends well beyond the hospital.
Each year, Sue spends months fundraising and planning before using her holidays to lead teams of health professionals, builders and volunteers to Papua New Guinea through Health and Hope, a mission she founded to support remote communities.
Sue’s personal connection to Papua New Guinea spans a lifetime. Born in PNG, where her father also served as a nurse, the country left an enduring mark on her life. After losing her father, Sue felt a strong desire to return, reconnect with the community and continue her father’s legacy.
Sue generously contributes her nursing skills to the projects, while also finding creative ways to raise funds. Among them is baking cookies, described by her colleagues as “to die for”, with the proceeds helping fund a hygiene facility for a remote PNG community.
For Sue, service is more than meeting a practical need; it is about people, relationships and showing Christ’s love through action. Her willingness to give her time, skills and resources to others reflects a life shaped by compassion and desire to serve wherever there is a need.
It is this lifelong commitment to service that has led to Sue being named Avondale’s 2026 Alumna of the Year. Her story is one of legacy, compassion and faith in action – a reminder that service can take many forms.
If you want to support Sue’s work in the Pacific, you can donate to her PNG mission here https://www.givesendgo.com/png-mission
- Aveline Adams
Over the weekend 21 - 22nd August, hundreds of alumni returned to Avondale for the annual highlight of the alumni calendar. This year’s Homecoming theme, invited graduates to look back at who they were, celebrate they have achieved and look forward to what we will become trusting that God continues to lead their journey.
The weekend began Friday evening as around 100 alumni gathered to enjoy some sweet treats thanks to Adventist Senior Living and enjoy reuniting classmates, some of whom graduated nearly 70 years ago. Our alumni were treated to a lively singalong through decades, sharing laughs and plenty of photos, stories of chaffs, favourite teachers and dorm life that still brings smiles decades later. Two of our oldest alumni, both1956 graduates reminded us that friendships formed at Avondale truly last a lifetime, and the key to happiness is to keep moving and being thankful.
On Sabbath morning, Pr Trafford Fischer led a special Homecoming sabbath school lesson, this was followed by a beautiful worship service of song and praise featuring Dr Aleta King and the Avondale orchestra and choir. During the service, three of our prestigious awards were presented: Alumni of the Year, Dr Daryl Murdoch (1876) for his contribution and outstanding dedication to education and learning. Alumna of the Year recipient Sue Unicomb (1986) honoured for her commitment to transforming lives in Australia and in Papua New Guinea. Young Alumni of the Year, Dr Ezekiel Kingston who is celebrated for his steadfast faith and service in all aspects of his life.
Professor Malcolm Coulson shared this weekend’s message, reminding alumni, that true education is preparation for the joy of service now and a higher joy of service throughout eternity. In keeping with Avondale’s legacy of student who serve, alumni were given the opportunity to support current students through giving and funding mission project both locally and overseas.
As always, the decade reunions were the highlight. Classmates were able to reconnect and remember their time at Avondale by walking around on campus, visiting old dorm rooms, classroom spaces, reminisce of years since their time at Avondale.
The final farewell for our Alumni, a unique candle-lit concert Light the Night, and presented by Avondale University, the concert and featuring the Avondale String Orchestra, the Fernleigh Orchestra and other special guests an unforgettable evening of music and atmosphere.
Homecoming remains a truly special time of year for our alumni. It has been an incredible weekend we already look forward to welcoming you back for Homecoming 2027 on 20-21 August. If you graduated in 1957, 1967, 1977, 1987, 1997, 2007, & 2017 reunions. Register now for 2027
- Aveline Adams
From Perth to Sydney on a bright-red Quad-tandem bike imported from Canada named Ruby: 4200km pedalled, 350 hours endured, over $115,000 funds raised, 11 schools reached, 10-wheel spokes changed, 3 wheels swapped, 6 tubes changed, numerous tears shed, countless lives touched, and one near-death experience. All to raise awareness for mental health fitness and suicide prevention through Gotcha4Life. Louise Ginn and her team turned faith, grit and passion into a journey of service.
See the full podcast below:
A stark evolution from the young Avondale graduate of 1991, who had just earned a Diploma in Primary teaching. While reflecting on her college days, Louise always had that passion for service: “I feel it’s something God placed in me, and Avondale certainly helped facilitate this.” She says, “Service is one of their core pillars, and there were many opportunities to be involved in meaningful service programs, which had a lasting impact on me.”
After graduating in 1991, Louise married fellow Avondale graduate Paul Ginn. Together, the newlyweds served for 12 months in South Korea as student missionaries, teaching English and Bible.
Returning to Australia, Louise taught at an Adventist school for 5 years and left to raise four boys amid frequent moves, including a challenging stint in Thailand, before settling back in Australia.
Choosing motherhood over a career, Louise recalls wanting to teach her kids the value of service: “I’ve always been service-oriented, and I wanted that for my boys,” she said. “I wanted them to understand how fortunate they were. And what better way to teach than by doing? I knew I was ready to get involved with a project again.”
Their neighbours frequently visited Vanuatu for mission work. Through that connection, Louise met Doralyn, a woman’s missionary leader, who shared a heartbreaking story about teenage pregnancies caused by abuse. As a young mum herself, Louise experienced shock and in disbelief by the stories, “How can anyone feel that they have no other option?” Louise prayed on the doorstep with Doralyn with the family, and asked God to lead them, and if God wanted to be a part of helping this cause, she ended “let’s see where God takes us from here”. She was willing to do something and put it in God's hands, asking for guidance on what she could do next.
Filled with compassion and love for strangers she’s never met, Louise and her neighbour, Jenny, began brainstorming ways they could help. “First thing I wanted to do was raise money, either through physical challenges or setting up a cupcake business.” The support of Memorial Church facilitates multiple fundraisers, believing in Louise’s ability to support her projects. Louise sought to do more than just raise funds.
Louise and Jenny initiated their own research and identified a genuine need to enhance the health and well-being of the local community in Vanuatu. Sharing their findings with ADRA, they agreed to fund a deeper needs analysis study. As a result of those findings, ADRA then partnered with Louise and Jenny to create the Blossom Project.
After raising $20,000 single-handedly, Louise continued to find creative ways to raise more money. As a family of avid bike riders, Louise wanted to involve her boys in the fundraising; inspired by his mum’s passion, 13-year-old Nathaniel wanted to be involved. The pair came up with a bold concept: 10 days, 1,000 km on a tandem bicycle. With the support of the Avondale Memorial church family, enough funds were raised to purchase the tandem bike. The local bike shop owner was inspired by their ride and supported the mother-son duo by selling the bike at cost. The inspiring event raised $50,000 for the Blossom Project.
Three years later, Nathaniel and Louise completed their tandem bike ride, calling it Ride4Rescue, raising $50,000 for the Blossom Project. Within the first couple of days of riding, Louise remembers a pivotal moment, “I remember God saying to me, ' This won’t stop here.’”
Her desire to use bike riding as a method of philanthropy steered Louise to reach out to a good friend, Tanya Lawrence.
Tanya is the co-founder of charity Restore One (founded in 2013). Operating currently in Cambodia, and the Thailand/Myanmar border, they support the restoration of communities that are experiencing poverty.
The two friends partnered on ‘Ride4Rescue’, and developed the Mountain bike charity ride from Canberra to Mount Kosciuszko. To date, over $600,000 has been raised across both charities.
In 2021, Louise’s youngest son, Matthew, wanted to break his brother's tandem bike record, with one condition: they would double the distance. This became the South 2 Centre bike ride from Ballarat to Uluru, where they raised $40,000 for CareFlight.
While seeking sponsorships for the ride, Louise recalls being prompted by God to ask her Chiropractor, Sonia, for sponsorship. Moved by the cause, Sonia shared her deeply personal story when her second child was born and fell critically ill. CareFlight provided urgent transport. Sponsoring the South 2 Centre ride, Sonia felt that she could honour her son.
“Doing all these fundraisers has really grown my faith in God,” Louise reflects, “It is amazing when you are willing.”
After a planned ride with Louise’s sister fell through, a surreal moment occurred when her friend Sonia shared that God had impressed on her heart to embark on a bike ride for another deep personal cause. As a practitioner, Sonia had seen her patients experience various mental health issues, and she felt impressed to fundraise for a mental health and suicide prevention charity.
Gotcha4life was chosen as their not-for-profit, and the plan was set in motion. At first, the two were training for a tandem ride across Australia, but the plan changed in 2024 when they met two sisters who were keen to share in the physical challenges to raise funds for mental health awareness.
Rachel and Anna – Avondale alumni – wanted to join Louise and Sonia on their ride, so the four planned to ride two tandem bikes across the country. Louise remembers, “I saw online a quad tandem bike and shared it with the girls; they all said it looks great”. Together, the four women embarked on an incredible world-first quad-tandem bike journey across Australia, raising over $115,000 for a cause close to their hearts: mental health and suicide prevention.
Louise’s extraordinary rides were built on everyday faithfulness. She transformed challenges into opportunities and served as an example not just to her boys but to the community around her. Her journey is a powerful reminder that making a difference in this world requires persistence and conviction.
So, what is next for Louise? “I get asked all the time, for me, I’ve always said, ‘God I’m willing,’ and I know God will provide.” She adds, “It’s amazing what God can do when you are willing. So, watch this space.”
He is one of a handful of Australians actively shaping the future of quantum science and technology. Now, Dr Lachlan Rogers’ research in diamond-based technologies has earned him a spot on UNESCO’s global Quantum Top 100.
Dr Rogers, a proud Avondale Alumnus, was acknowledged for shaping quantum science and technology and as a leading global researcher. I sat down with Lachlan to talk about his incredible journey and research into glowing diamonds that has earned him international praise.
“This is an exciting recognition by peers in the world of quantum science and technology,” he says, “it is opening some surprising opportunities to do exciting projects.”
From apple slices to quantum diamonds
Before he became Dr Rogers, young Lachlan had an early, unconventional head start in science, with both his maternal grandfather and his own father, Avondale adjunct lecturer Dr Lynden Rogers, being passionate science teachers.
Inspired by his academic father, who taught through everyday objects, Lachlan recalls a vivid childhood memory: learning about ratios and fractions by cutting apples on the kitchen bench. Looking back, Lachlan fondly remembers that science and maths were fun from an early age, laying the foundation for discovering how things worked, eventually leading to his passion for diamond-based quantum technology. He reflects, “I feel fortunate that the sort of childhood I had influenced that it was possible to think of it [maths] as something fun.”
Lachlan’s path to Avondale came naturally, given his close ties to the institution through his dad and a group of friends who shared his love of science. Even though living locally, he chose to live in the dorms like most first years, “just for the experience," he says, immersing himself in the friendships and social dynamics of studying and living together with his peers.
During his time at Avondale, a significant cohort of science students was unusually large compared to other years. That same class celebrated their 20th anniversary at Homecoming 2025.
Post-Avondale, Lachlan completed his PhD in experimental quantum physics- “playing with toys in a laboratory” as he affectionately puts it. It is during this time that he began developing his groundbreaking research into diamond-based quantum. His bond with his PhD supervisor became a valuable part of his studies. “In my career, I’ve had the opportunity to supervise - it’s a very tangible way... [of] transferring knowledge and ideas but also learning.” Dr Rogers' passion for being a role model and mentor to guide the next generation of academics is evident in his over 15 years of supervising master's and PhD students.
Postdoctoral work took him to Germany as a researcher, then returned to Australia as an Australian Research Council Research Fellow at Macquarie University.
Dr Rogers continued his research on diamond-based quantum technologies. It took several attempts to explain this complex area of research; however, Lachlan enjoys simplifying it in one sentence: "I shine lasers at diamonds to make them glow”.
Those lasers highlight glowing defects (impurities in the diamond) that reveal quantum effects, a discovery that can be used to measure tiny magnetic fields or temperatures with precision. It also helps create secure ways to send information and form building blocks for future quantum computers.
In 2020, Lachlan co-founded Redback Systems, a CSIRO-supported startup developing powerful scientific instruments with real-world applications. Since 2015, CSIRO has supported over 8500 researchers, giving them access to investors and over $371 million in grants to support innovation.
While growing his business, Lachlan began teaching as a Senior Lecturer in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the University of Newcastle.
Amongst all these achievements, Dr Rogers also found time to host the podcast Clear as Quantum and has become an established, published researcher.
Mentoring
His love for science and innovation placed him in front of many young students presenting at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems and the Australian and New Zealand Conference on Optics and Photonics (ANZCOP).
Frequently, you can see Lachlan advocating for the education of science and quantum physics and sharing his passion with people of all ages who are willing to engage and learn.
“I tell my students, it’s basically just deeply habitual laziness”, referring to what it means to be a physicist, “I don’t want to solve a new problem, instead, can I make this problem into one I’ve already solved?” Essentially, what Dr Rogers is describing is efficiency: utilising past knowledge to solve a new problem.
Dr Rogers continues in jest, “I’ll let you in on a secret, Physicists hate memorising lots of facts,” laughs Dr Rogers. “Being a scientist is about being efficient: they need to know how to answer the largest possible set of questions.”
Lachlan recalled a memorable road trip in 2024 with a group of science colleagues from Sydney to Perth, during which they visited regional schools to deliver programs and promote STEAM. “You see these kids in the Australian outback, and their picture of where life could go is quite different,” he says. “For some, it might be the first time they’ve thought, ‘What if I could be a scientist one day?’” This opportunity for students to interact through fun activities that also help them grasp complex scientific theories. A highlight for Lachlan was showing the kids his research in real life, the glowing diamond, along with all the lively conversations and enthusiasm that came from their interactions. A parallel memory that Lachlan once shared as a young boy on the kitchen table, learning about science.
The future
This refreshing and inspiring local Aussie is making such a global impact, while also connecting researchers and investors. It’s these innovators who can visualise emerging quantum ideas as real technologies that will shape the next wave of breakthroughs in science, right here in our own backyard.
Lachlan hopes to convey optimism about the field and the future of quantum physics in Australia to the next generation of scientists. His advice: “It's worth the effort. Many people feel that science might be 'hard', Lachlan explains, “… it is fantastically satisfying to be able to understand things about the natural world and our universe. Stick with it and stay curious.” For most of us, the ability to understand complex subjects such as quantum physics lies well beyond our comprehension. However, it’s evident that Dr Rogers' focus is much simpler, encouraging anyone to remain curious about the world around them.
The greater vision
Innovators like Dr Rogers dedicate their lives to discovery and passion, finding purpose and meaning in their work and in the beauty of everyday things. When asked how his view of a ‘greater vision’ for our world has changed since he was at Avondale, his answer reveals a thoughtful perspective shaped by his experience.
“I was a student at Avondale (just) before we all had the internet on our phones. I think back then I thought of a Greater Vision in terms of world needs "out there somewhere" - overseas in places of poverty. That is still a true part of the picture, but it seems to me that our world now is dramatically more oriented around people's attention as a sort of currency. A Greater Vision of full human experience includes having positive and fruitful ways to invest our attention. Getting excited about the deep beauty in nature (yes sunsets, but also superpositions and supernova too) is a great way to live life!”
***The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation is a specialised agency of the United Nations with its primary mission to promote international cooperation and build peace through collaboration in the fields of Education, science, culture and communication/information.
As a first-generation Australian and daughter of a Polish migrant family, Sarah Jantos observed what it meant to lead a service-driven life from her grandmother.
Despite language barriers and other limitations, her grandma ministered to people in her community through service, quietly and consistently acting as the hands and feet of Jesus. When hundreds of people came to farewell Sarah’s grandmother at her funeral, it was evident she had made a significant impact.
As a 16-year-old, Sarah continued that legacy of service and coordinated a mission trip to the Solomon Islands with the help of her primary school teacher, Mrs Hazel Eaton. “Sarah was always a free-spirited, independent young girl who cared deeply for others around her,” Mrs Eaton fondly reminisces about her time teaching Sarah at school.
Sarah found herself assisting a doctor during an emergency surgical procedure. “I was just helping with the instruments, but I could see the desperate need in those communities for healthcare and medical attention, and I wanted to do it, I wanted to be that person,” Sarah recalls. At that moment, her calling became clear: she would study nursing. “My vision was to go to Avondale and then return to serve communities around the world.”
Sarah came to Avondale in 2000 to pursue a Bachelor of Nursing degree. Without knowing anyone, she moved away from home and into the Avondale dorms. “From what I knew of Avondale, it had a service-centred worldview, and I found that to be true when I started my studies”, says Sarah. She was inspired by her lecturers, who taught her the importance of her impact: “They all really conveyed that idea well, that we should be contributing to something bigger than ourselves. I really loved that, and I wanted to do that.”
What made Sarah’s time at Avondale transformative was the practical, human-centred training. “As a nursing student, we sat by the bedside of patients, listening and conversing, learning how to minister to people, not only their physical needs, but to people’s stories. I have since learnt that this is a unique skill of Avondale Nursing Graduates.”
Sarah recalls a pivotal moment just before graduating from the nursing chapel service, a woman from the Solomon Islands sought volunteers willing to accompany her back to the islands and establish a medical clinic in the remote islands of Rennell and Bellona. Sarah immediately felt that this invitation was meant for her. “I believe this was the reason God had led me into nursing,” she recalls. Just one week later, with two colleagues and a large donation of medical supplies from the Sydney Adventist Hospital, Sarah boarded a plane bound for the islands to begin work.
Returning from the islands, Sarah's desire to serve global communities grew further abroad. She worked on nursing projects in Vanuatu, Tanzania, and Kenya, as well as in remote indigenous communities in Australia. After completing her master’s degree in international development and public health, she joined Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders. Drawn to their philosophy of impartiality and their commitment to bear no arms, Sarah reflects, “It didn’t matter what side of the conflict someone was on – our role was to treat everyone equally.”
Sarah’s first post abroad with MSF was in China as part of an emergency response team after a major earthquake. She was then deployed to Iraq during the war, tasked with introducing pain-management protocols for victims of frequent bomb blasts. “I couldn’t comprehend what these people were going through,” she says, “I just had to focus on acting quickly and doing my best – it was incredibly tough.”
Returning home from conflict zones was not easy for Sarah. After witnessing the worst of humanity, Sarah struggled to recalibrate life in Australia. She found grounding again while working as a nurse at Derby Hospital in Australia’s Kimberley region.
It was there that she met a coworker who was caring for endangered Wallabies and would bring them into the hospital, and she began sharing the care.
After 15 years of nursing and international aid work, Sarah shifted her service to protecting Australia’s wildlife. Just as she once cared for the vulnerable as a nurse, she now cared for the voiceless as a wildlife carer and advocate.
Sarah founded Green Heroes, a conservation organisation focused on empowering communities through environmental education. Her work led to partnerships with the local indigenous community, focusing on reconnecting youth to Sea Country and strengthening both cultural and environmental stewardship.
“It was during this time, I came to see that saving our planet and addressing global health issues are deeply interconnected,” Sarah continues, “when you connect the dots between climate change, water scarcity, food security, disease and poverty, it becomes clear that protecting and preserving the natural world is not only an essential part of humanitarian work- it is also God’s first-given task to humanity, entrusted to humans in the Garden of Eden to care for his creation.”
These days, Sarah partners closely with the Tweed Shire Council, the NSW Department of Primary Industries (Aquatic Reserves), and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to lead ocean conservation initiatives in the waters off Fingal Head, NSW. On any given day, you’re most likely to spot her underwater at Cook Island Aquatic Reserve — a renowned haven for three of the world’s seven sea-turtle species — guiding a group of enthusiastic students through the reef.
In 2022, her passion and impact were celebrated when she received both the Community Educator of the Year and NSW Environmental Educator of the Year awards at the Australian Association for Environmental Education’s national ceremony.
The recognition provided her with a powerful platform for her vital conservation work, underscoring the importance of interconnections between communities and their environments, which can have lasting impacts for future generations.
Sarah's work in war zones, remote communities and wildlife conservation is a continued legacy of her grandmother. Her lasting impact on those around her inspires us to be the hands and feet of Jesus, changing the world for good.
