The Quarters officially opens at Wahroonga Estate

The Quarters at Wahroonga Estate was officially opened in a ceremony that brought together current and former South Pacific Division (SPD) administrators, ministry leaders, Avondale University executives and staff, and representatives from Sydney Adventist Hospital.

Hosted by the Division Property team, the opening ceremony reflected both the rich history of the site and a shared vision for its future. The program featured a keynote address from SPD CFO and Division Services chair, Francois Keet, a dedicatory prayer and blessing by SPD president Pastor Glenn Townend, and a ceremonial ribbon cutting led by former SPD CFO Rod Brady and Mr Keet.

Guests also witnessed the official announcement of the building names before touring the new accommodation facilities.

The Quarters comprises four residential buildings offering fully furnished studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. The development was purposefully designed to support students, healthcare professionals, eligible staff, patient families and visitors.

The project represents a significant renewal of residential accommodation on the estate, replacing the former mission flats and the ageing nurses’ residence to better serve the needs of those living, studying, working and receiving care within the precinct.

Speaking at the opening, Mr Keet said the development reflected a commitment to responsible stewardship and creating spaces that support mission and service.

“The Quarters is more than a residential development. It is an investment in people and in the future of this precinct,” he said. “By providing quality accommodation for those who study, work, minister and care for others here, we are strengthening the infrastructure that supports the mission of our Church and its health and education ministries.”

Mr Keet said the project demonstrated the long-term vision required to ensure church assets continue to serve future generations effectively.

“Stewardship is about creating value that extends beyond today. This development honours the legacy of those who came before us while providing facilities that will support the needs of our communities for many years to come.”

Pastor Townend reflected on the spiritual significance of the project during the dedication service.

“Places matter because people matter,” he said. “Every person who calls The Quarters home, whether for a short season or a longer journey, is part of the ministry that happens within this precinct. Our prayer is that this will be a place of welcome, rest, connection and blessing.”

Pastor Townend said the development represented the Church’s commitment to supporting those engaged in healthcare, education and ministry.

“This project is a reminder that mission is expressed in many ways. By providing accommodation that serves students, healthcare professionals, staff, patients and families, we are creating an environment where people can flourish and where God’s love can be experienced in practical ways.”

Division property manager Lorin Bradford said The Quarters was a practical example of what faithful stewardship can achieve.

“We have taken a property need within the Wahroonga Estate and created something that directly supports people serving, studying and caring within this precinct. That is what mission-aligned property stewardship should do.”

The opening formed the centrepiece of a full day of celebration that began with a special Wahroonga Estate history session at the SPD headquarters, presented by Mr Brady, Dr Barry Oliver, former president of the SPD and recognised historian, and Dr Ray Roennfeldt, former San nurse, minister and Avondale University president. The session traced the story of the estate from its purchase in 1899, during Ellen White’s ministry in Australia, through the establishment of the Sydney Sanitarium, now Sydney Adventist Hospital, to the active stewardship that continues to shape the site today.

The morning centred on three enduring themes: active stewardship of the resources entrusted to the Church, the legacy of mission that has defined the estate from its beginning, and a celebration of change in service of a purpose that has never changed.

“In the church, all of us are here for a period of time, and then we hand over to someone else,” Mr Brady said. “All of us have a responsibility to manage this estate for the benefit of the Church. We are just laying the bricks along the way and making sure we are responsible in the way we lay them.”

The 66-hectare Wahroonga Estate includes Sydney Adventist Hospital, Adventist Aged Care Wahroonga, two churches, Wahroonga Adventist School, Adventist Media, the SPD offices and a 31.4-hectare environmental conservation zone.