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Church gives Avondale $50 million to grow revenue and enrolment
Avondale will receive $50 million from the Seventh-day Adventist Church over the next five years to help secure its future as an Australian university.
The investment is made possible through a funding proposal developed by the church in the South Pacific. After reviewing several options, a proposal involving the church’s purchase of future entitlement to proceeds from the Watagan Park development—a master-planned estate on land owned by the church 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,” says chancellor Pr Glenn Townend, who is also president of the church in the South Pacific. “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 church’s South Pacific 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,” says Glenn. “So, the church and its leaders want it to succeed, and to do so while staying committed to its vision.”
Vice-chancellor and president Professor Malcolm Coulson describes the church as “absolutely committed” and thanks decision-makers for their support. “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.
Malcolm spoke passionately about possibilities while announcing the news to staff members. “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.” He offered staff members a word of encouragement, too. “The church wants Avondale to be successful, and with your sense of hope and purpose, and the will to do great things, we will be part of that success.”
Glenn encourages prayer for Avondale. “It now has significant opportunities to develop ideas that will sustain its mission.”
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