Avondale will receive $A50 million from the Seventh-day Adventist Church over the next five years to help secure its future as a university.
The investment is made possible through a funding proposal developed by the South Pacific Division (SPD). After reviewing several options, a proposal involving the Division’s purchase of future entitlement to proceeds from the Watagan Park development—a master-planned estate near Avondale’s Lake Macquarie campus in Cooranbong—will release $10 million a year.
This will “allow Avondale to reinvent itself by exploring new courses, delivery modes and markets,” said SPD president Pastor Glenn Townend. “Every entity in our Division is better off with a strong Avondale.”
Avondale Council reviewed the funding proposal at its meeting on November 5. Members of the Division Executive Committee, at their year-end meeting, supported the proposal after receiving a report from Avondale. That included information about financial challenges—higher than expected overhead costs and lower than expected equivalent full-time student load. The South Pacific Division Ltd Board approved the proposal dependent on an agreed Avondale renewal plan with key benchmarks and alternatives.
“Avondale provides leaders for the South Pacific and beyond,” said Pastor Townend. “So, the church and its leaders want it to succeed, and to do so while staying committed to its vision.”
Vice-chancellor Professor Malcolm Coulson expressed his gratitude. “In a sector that is losing money and in a market that is competitively crowded, we have a lot of work to do to deliver new business and enrolment growth, but the Church is convinced we can do it. And we will.”
One of the first actions: broadening and extending a plan for renewal and growth. The plan will consider proposals for generating revenue that leverage Avondale’s status as a university—such as offering allied health specialisations, leadership training linked to continuing professional development, micro-credentials, and courses in wellbeing. It will consider new strategies for initial teacher education and international recruitment from the Pacific islands and a financial review for ongoing savings. Wide consultation and detailed business planning will precede implementation.
Prof Coulson spoke passionately about possibilities. “We are at our best as a church and as an institution when we are outward focused, seeking a greater vision of world needs and living with purpose in service to others.”
Pastor Townend encourages prayer for Avondale. “It now has significant opportunities to develop ideas that will sustain its mission.”
