As a Marine Biologist and Ecologist, Dr Jason Morton has spent his 20-year career examining organisms and their environment. Over his tenure at Avondale, Jason has been involved in several initiatives that have contributed positively to climate action: “some of the things that we have been doing recently is waste management… obviously recycling and also the 10 cent return bottles, just so we can channel some of that money to charities.” Other initiatives include Solar panels on the roofs of the library and 7 at Avondale buildings.
The Lake Macquarie campus is home to 7-8 kilometres of walking tracks which 15 years ago were laden with the invasive weed, Lantana. The Sandy Creek track, which spans over 1km, was covered in Lantana for most of the walk. Jason recalls, “there was no ability to walk there because of the eight-foot-high [Lantana] all the way to the creek.” Over the past 15 years, thanks to many grants and volunteer efforts the weed has been majorly eradicated from the track. While removing the weeds were the main concern, management of the tracks also ensures that the waterways, wetlands and surrounding lands remain protected.
This ongoing restoration effort aligns closely with global sustainability priorities. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasise the importance of preserving ecosystems, promoting biodiversity, and ensuring responsible land management. In particular, SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) highlight the need for conservation initiatives like this one, which protect natural habitats and improve water quality. “There are 17 SDGs, some to do with people, some to do with planet,” Jason continues, “when it comes to the people ones, [Avondale] is not doing too bad… There's some that perfectly align, things like quality education, gender equality, reduced inequalities, even wellbeing and good health. So, the SDGs very much align with the core values of Avondale.”
Incorporating them into our everyday starts with knowledge, then heart, then action as Jason explains, “[Incorporating] can be done in many ways. It can be done with the mind, that is a cognitive, so what we're teaching. It can be done on an emotional level, so the heart, and this is trying to get action from students in their heart to want to do things. And the final thing is with our hands, which is our actions.”
A new biography by Avondale University’s Emeritus Professor Daniel Reynaud sheds light on the life and legacy of one of the most revered yet largely forgotten Anzac figures—Chaplain William "Fighting Mac" McKenzie.
Titled The Man the Anzacs Revered, the book explores how McKenzie, a Salvation Army chaplain who preached against alcohol, gambling, and bad language, became one of the most beloved figures among Australian soldiers during World War I. Despite his moralistic stance, McKenzie’s dedication to the troops—whether in the trenches of Gallipoli or the battlefields of France—earned him a place of honour among the Anzacs.
Professor Reynaud’s research, drawn from archives at the Australian War Memorial and the Salvation Army, reveals how McKenzie’s tireless efforts, including his campaign for Australians to send letters “To a Lonely Soldier,” profoundly impacted the morale of frontline troops. Though celebrated upon his return to Australia in 1918, his story has since faded into obscurity.
“If the original Anzacs revered [McKenzie], then we who revere them should pay attention to his story,” says Reynaud.
Reynaud, a distinguished historian and Avondale University faculty member for 32 years, is well known for his expertise in Anzac social history. He is also the inaugural Visiting Historian at the Anzac Memorial in Sydney.
Published by Signs Publishing and distributed by Simon & Schuster, The Man the Anzacs Revered will be released on 2 April 2025.
On April 13, Professor Reynaud appeared on ABC NightLife to discuss his new book.
When Audrey got the call about a full-time role to help run the Catalyst program, she knew it was a great opportunity to step into “something that I'm passionate about, that also aligns with my purpose, and spiritual gifts.” Originally from Sydney, Australia, Audrey has spent the past 10 years in Perth, WA, as a registered paramedic working towards a career in medicine.
In May 2024, Audrey took a break from her career and completed the 12-week Catalyst program. She describes this as a time to “take inventory” of her relationship with Jesus and reflect on her personal life. During this time, Audrey reflected on her career path, values and goals. She says it took “a bit of digging to figure out my true passion, which is serving, teaching and ministry. I figured out the why behind what I do. The career path I was taking before, the why behind it was that it's stable, and I can do it and I'm good at it, but that didn't really push me on the hard days.” She realised that while her previous career provided stability and suited her skills, it didn’t give her the deeper sense of purpose she longed for.
Her time in Catalyst taught her to look beyond herself and recognise the needs in the community around her. “It's a mindset, perspective shift of ‘how can I serve myself and do what's good for myself’ towards, ‘I have a purpose, and now I'm going to figure out how I can meet a need in my local community and make a change.’”
Through Catalyst, Audrey not only deepened her faith but also discovered her true passion for serving and teaching. The 12-week discipleship program gave her the tools to step into a purpose-driven life, shifting her mindset from personal success to community impact. Designed to equip participants with practical missional skills, Catalyst partners students with pastors and churches near Avondale University for hands-on ministry experience. Whether through the full 12-week Discipleship Adventure or the shorter Catalyst Express, participants leave prepared to serve their local communities and further the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church—just as Audrey is doing now. Audrey is currently serving as senior administrative assistant for the Institute for Discipleship.
Clean up Australia Day took place on Sunday, 2 March. Over its 35-year history, more than 22 Million Australians have participated in the initiative, all for the same purpose, community and environment. The organisation provides a practical solution to help us live a more conscious life - a life with people and planet at the heart.
Orientating our lives around serving others and the world, is our core value here at Avondale. We’ve been called to be stewards, which is a calling to serve and protect this planet, and that can look different to a variety of people. For some, it’s pushing for better environmental legislation at a local or federal level. Ultimately, it’s a calling that can be as simple as picking up rubbish in your local community.
So, that’s what Avondale University staff and their families did on Sunday. The team gathered at the Morisset Showgrounds and collected 9 bags of litter that scattered the grounds. Event organiser, Marta Rutkowska said “One of our core values as a university is service and it was important to me that Avondale University contributes to Clean Up Australia Day demonstrating our passion to help contribute to the local community around.”
Environmental issues are social and economic issues, and you need all three to have a holistic view of the challenges our society faces. So, cleaning up excess rubbish may mean we need better waste management systems, or that we are perhaps consuming excess amounts of plastic packaged goods (Australians use 3.4 million tonnes of plastic per year). It could also illustrate that there are larger socioeconomic issues at play, and to help us better engage in these issues, we have the Sustainable Development Goals.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global objectives designed to promote peace, prosperity, and sustainability for all by 2030. The SDGs recognise the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental well-being, encouraging nations, organisations, and individuals to work together to create a more just and sustainable world.
While the SDGs are global objectives, we can use them to help us navigate local issues. Beyond environmental impact, the 2021 Census showed that Cooranbong, Morisset and its surrounds, have over 50% of the community stop formal education by year 10 (SDG 4), 38% of people have one or more significant health conditions (SDG 3), and less than 1000 people looking for work (SDG 8). These statistics show that our greater vision of world needs can be refocused to local needs.
Picking up rubbish is just the beginning as we look to continually serve our local community in 2025.
The energy was high as students returned to Avondale University on February 24, eager to embark on another exciting academic year. The campus came alive on Monday as new and returning students participated in a comprehensive orientation program designed to introduce them to all things university life.
One of the most notable highlights of this year’s intake is the remarkable growth in student numbers. With a 20% increase in new students compared to last year, Avondale University is experiencing a positive surge in enrolments. The residential halls are buzzing with activity, nearly reaching full capacity. Watson Hall now accommodates 128 male residents, while Ella Boyd Hall is home to 146 female residents. A significant milestone for the university is the reopening of levels 1 and 2 of Andre Hall, which, for the first time in approximately 12 years, is housing 39 female students.
To ensure students had the opportunity to connect, build friendships, and settle into their new home, the university hosted a jam-packed Welcome Week filled with exciting social events. Throughout the week, students participated in a variety of engaging activities designed to foster community spirit and create lasting memories.
The festivities kicked off with a splash at the much-anticipated Pool Party, followed by an entertaining Variety Hour that showcased student talents and performances. Speed-friending sessions allowed students to meet and mingle in a fun and fast-paced environment, helping break the ice for many newcomers. A thrilling Games Night in the Auditorium saw friendly competition take centre stage, while Dorm Connections provided an opportunity for residential students to bond with their hallmates.
One of the most cherished traditions of Welcome Week, Barn Night, did not disappoint. Students donned their best country attire and enjoyed a night of music, dancing, and games. To wrap up the week, Beach Day provided the perfect opportunity for students to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy a day of sand and surf with their newfound friends.
With such an exciting start to the year, Avondale University is set for a fantastic 2024. The strong sense of community, enthusiasm, and positive growth in student numbers all point toward a promising and memorable year ahead. Welcome to all our new and returning students—we can’t wait to see what the year holds!
Avondale University proudly congratulates Professor Kerri-Lee Krause on her appointment as the Chief Commissioner of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). The announcement was made by the Commonwealth Minister for Education, The Hon Jason Clare MP, confirming that Professor Krause will officially assume her new role on 7 April 2025.
A distinguished leader in the field of higher education, Professor Krause has amassed over 30 years of experience in senior administrative positions across both public and independent universities. Prior to her appointment at TEQSA, she served as Vice-Chancellor and President of Avondale University and was also the Chair of the Higher Education Standards Panel for TEQSA. Her expertise in quality assurance, regulatory practices, strategic development, and risk management will be invaluable in her new role.
Professor Krause will be joined by Emeritus Professor Elizabeth More AM, who has been appointed as a Commissioner at TEQSA. Together, they will play a crucial role in upholding the integrity and standards of Australia’s higher education sector.
Avondale University’s Council, administration, faculty, staff, and students extend their heartfelt congratulations to Professor Krause. Her appointment is a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing the quality of tertiary education in Australia.
As Chief Commissioner, Professor Krause will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to TEQSA, ensuring that Australian higher education institutions continue to meet rigorous quality and regulatory standards. Her leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of tertiary education, benefiting students, educators, and institutions alike.
Over 12 impactful days in November, a team of 10 Avondale University students and staff worked at the Udon Adventist International Mission School (UAIMS), a school that caters 400 students from Kindergarten to Year 8. During their stay, the Avondale Uni team contributed to UAIMS in various ways. Half the team worked on building a new fence for the school’s safety, while the others assisted teachers in classrooms. Jasmin Ringrose, Student Life/Sport Coordinator and trip leader, reflected that the classroom experience “was particularly beneficial for our team members studying education, offering them invaluable hands-on teaching practice”.
Pastor Sean Berkeley, Manager of Men’s Residence on the Lake Macquarie Campus, also attended the trip, sharing how “the team was close-knit and loved the opportunity to serve in a place that was so hospitable and grateful to have us.” The trip was marked by a strong sense of camaraderie among the team and the warmth of the Thai community. “God shone on us,” Sean noted, appreciating the pleasant weather and the hospitality extended to the group.
Beyond the physical work, the trip fostered meaningful relationships. Each morning two Avondale team members had to opportunity to take the UAIMS staff worship. With the help of a translator, faith journeys were able to reach all UAIMS staff. Jasmin recounts “everyone from teachers to maintenance workers and kitchen staff attended”, which brought a strong sense of community.
"Our students loved learning the language and culture," Sean added. He observed that the experience inspired many team members to consider future mission work, with some even contemplating dedicating a year to overseas service.
Brooke Howard, among the students on the trip, highlighted the diversity of experiences the trip offered. From the assisting in classrooms and leading after-school programs to joining local church worship, the group embraced every opportunity. Brooke described their evenings exploring temples, markets, and local cuisine, often led by UAIMS director, Udom Saengsawang. Brooke reflected, “the love of the community that we connected with in Ubon was probably the most impactful experience for me. The UAIMS community was so welcoming and loving and we all felt at home even though we were only there for a short time.”
The trip reaffirmed Brooke’s belief that serving is an important aspect of our lives as Christians: “I love being able to see different parts of the world and how God is working in those places … We're called to serve, and God will always use those who are willing.”
Brooke’s sentiment of service mirrors that of Avondale’s. Service has been our heart since 1897. We are still preparing students to make change in their world, whether on local or global scales. The team's work in Thailand demonstrates that service is faith in action. Mission work serves as a lived expression of faith, where belief is transformed into tangible acts of compassion and hope.
Daniel Alderson studied for six years and worked for three to become a solicitor practicing in family law. He left because it took a toll on his mental health. Now he is completing a master’s degree that will move him from the court to the classroom. “My professional teaching experiences have, thankfully, validated this difficult decision,” he says. We asked Daniel five questions.
What about your study motivates you?
Helping others fulfil their potential to make a difference.
Encourage us with a piece of advice.
Don’t bank on maybes—that maybe things will get better. Do what makes you happy now.
What’s one thing we wouldn’t know about you?
The first time I traveled alone, I travelled as a passenger inside a plane that caught on fire in Singapore. Fortunately, the incident did not result in any casualties and I could continue my trip. I’ve traveled most recently to Japan.
How do you spend your discretionary time?
With my family and my pets (one dog—a golden retriever—and three cats). I’m also trying to get through my library of books.
What are you reading?
A book by a Japanese author that begins with an unemployed lawyer’s assistant being tasked by his wife to find their missing cat.
