Adventist education leaders from across New Zealand and Australia gathered in Adelaide, South Australia, for a landmark educational leaders conference centred on the theme “Flourishing Adventist Schools”.
The three-day event, held May 13-15, was a collaboration between Adventist Schools Australia (ASA) and the New Zealand Pacific Union Conference (NZPUC). It brought together around 250 senior education leaders, along with invitees from the South Pacific Division, Avondale University, Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM), Papua New Guinea Union Mission (PNGUM) and Laos.
The conference inspired mission-focused leadership, strengthened regional collaboration and equipped leaders to nurture thriving, Christ-centred learning communities across all areas of education.
Guest speakers included Melbourne City Asian Church pastor Jinha Kim, Center for Advancement of Christian Education’s Darryl DeBoer, AUC ministerial association secretary Pastor Lyndelle Peterson, Adsafe general manager Pastor Michael Worker, NZPUC associate education director Sarita Butler, ASA associate national director Jacques Calais and ASA Encounter Curriculum officer Lanelle Cobbin.
A highlight of the conference was the recognition of Rosalie McFarlane by the Church and the Adventist Education Office New Zealand for her extraordinary 43 years of service.
“Rosalie’s visionary leadership, deep faith and commitment to Christ-centred learning have profoundly shaped Adventist education in New Zealand and the Pacific, strengthening schools, empowering educators and enriching the lives of countless students,” said NZPUC education director Dan Carrasco.
Awards for long-standing service were also presented to education professionals Glen King and Rob Ellison, recognised for 47 and 46 years of service respectively. South Queensland Conference education director Jack Ryan and Australian Union Conference CFO Peter Cameron received Outstanding Service awards. A special presentation was also made to principals who had served more than 10 continuous years in their roles.
For the first time, special guests from the PNGUM and TPUM were invited to attend. Reflecting on the experience, a PNGUM representative shared, “We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Adventist Education conference in Adelaide—an inspiring, spiritually enriching experience that marked a significant milestone for our team.”
Artist and principal of Whangarei Adventist Christian School Lee Thoresen was commissioned to create a painting titled The Heart of Adventist Education during the conference. The artwork will be displayed in the AUC office as a visual reminder of the purpose of Adventist education—to reveal Jesus.
“The conference affirmed the shared commitment of Adventist educators across the region to provide transformative, faith-filled education that prepares students for life and eternity,” Mr Carrasco said.
ASA national director Dr Jean Carter concluded, “I praise Jesus for the opportunity for our educational leaders to come together from across the SPD in unity of purpose, vision and mission, shining for Jesus in every word, every action, every interaction.”
The next educational leadership conference will be held in Christchurch in 2027.
