The Chaplaincy seeks to serve the whole of the University community during both the ordinary and the crisis times of life. Practical support, pastoral care and personal assistance are available to help with individual goal setting and decision-making. The Chaplaincy is ecumenical and multi-faith in nature and maintains strong links with the major denominational churches and other major faiths in the area.

A multi-faith advisory committee oversees the coordination and facilitation of Chaplaincy activities. The membership comprises clergy and non-clergy persons from the major churches, religious and spiritual organisations in the area as well as members of the University community.

The University is fortunate in having local members of the clergy at Lismore, Tweed Gold-Coast and Coffs Harbour campuses, who volunteer their time to assist members of the University community.

A Faith Communities webpage is provided (see the link in the left-hand column on this page) to assist you in locating a local religious community. This list is not exhaustive and any suggestions you are able to make to add to this list are gratefully received. Send suggested contacts to chaplaincy@scu.edu.au.

Lismore Campus

The Chapel is available to students and staff for their usage. There is a large room, with kitchenette, which may be booked for religious and spiritual activities, and for group discussions. A second room is provided for individual and small group reflection, prayer or meditation. The reflection room also has wash facilities included, which some students may find helpful as part of their religious observance. All chapel spaces are looked upon as multi-faith, which means that they are kept as ‘neutral’ spaces and may be used by persons of any faith or spiritual persuasion.

In addition to the chapel facilities, Lismore campus boasts beautiful forest areas and lakes. Spending quiet time in one of these beautiful corners of the campus is another way to enjoy spiritual benefit and refreshment. Please enquire if you would like guidance with this sort of activity.

Chaplaincy support is provided on campus by the Pastoral Care Coordinator and visiting chaplains from various religious Faiths and denominations.

Robert Lingard serves as part-time Pastoral Care Coordinator to the Lismore campus throughout the university year. He is an experienced religious professional, and has been serving the SCU community since 2007. The Pastoral Care Coordinator plays a key role in further developing and facilitating campus-wide initiatives in an environment that fosters tolerance and respect for individual differences. Working in a multi-cultural and multi-religious environment the Pastoral Coordinator coordinates and works ecumenically as well as contributing as a staff member of Southern Cross University. The position works closely with other specialist support services both inside and outside the University.

Visiting Chaplains are authorised representatives of their religious organisation who provide spiritual support to students on campus as well as offering specific religious guidance. In the table, below, you will find them listed, as well as their contact details. You are welcome to contact them and discuss what they are able to offer to you.

Please also note, that if you require the services of a religious professional and are unable to find a suitable person from the list of available visiting chaplains, simply contact the Pastoral Care Coordinator (chaplaincy@scu.edu.au) and he will endeavour to source the appropriate person on your behalf.

Each week at the Dayspring Chapel at Goodman Plaza:

Muslim prayer facilities are being upgraded. Prayer mats are located in the Chapel. Contact Robert Lingard [chaplaincy@scu.edu.au] or Student Support Services [T 02 6620 3943] if you have any queries regarding access.

Open forums and small groups for discussion on personal and world issues are arranged throughout the year.

Coffs Harbour Campus

The Chaplains, Pam Stone and Anne Weeks, are resident on campus and can be contacted in the Chaplain’s Office (Level 1, F Block), by email chec.chaplains@scu.edu.au or through Reception [T 02 6659 3263]. They are available for individuals and/or groups to share on personal and community discoveries, and can connect you with religious and spiritual support on and off campus.

The Sacred Garden is an outdoor sacred space and is designed to be a place of dialogue and reflection as well as remembrance. The CHEC Reflection Room (D.G.9) is available for prayer Monday to Friday 9am–4pm. See Jillian in Counselling and Support Services (upstairs in F Block) for the key.

Tweed Gold Coast Campus

Kate Moerman is appointed as Pastoral Care Coordinator within Student Support Services to serve the Tweed-Gold Coast campus during session time.

Please see Chaplains Directory page for full listing of visiting chaplains and contact details.

Updated: 18 January 2012