Who is behind this?
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History
In the USA, Summit Ministries runs worldview formation retreats for college students. During the 1990's a handful of graduates gained permission to do something similar for high schoolers, and so began Worldview Academy. In 2019, Geoff Westlake, Jenni DeVries, Justin DeVries (16) and Pippa Westlake (17) attended a Worldview Academy Leadership Camp in Cedarville Ohio, and were inspired by the Lord to run a similar experience to Australia, and so the first Worldview Australia Leadership camp ran in Western Australia, January 2021. Worldview Australia Inc. was established as it's own entity in November 2023. It is a registered Australian charity. Worldview Australia is a volunteer organisation bringing the good news and it's firm foundation to any who would like to listen! |
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Our Leadership Team
All our leaders are Christians committed to a Biblical Worldview. All hold Working With Children Checks, have been interviewed, and have completed the Childsafe training. The whole directing team has many years experience in leading young people, in youth groups, christian camping environments, teaching religion in schools, and education, with some homeschooling, and some on school boards, etc.
Read our Statement of Faith to learn more about what we believe.
All our leaders are Christians committed to a Biblical Worldview. All hold Working With Children Checks, have been interviewed, and have completed the Childsafe training. The whole directing team has many years experience in leading young people, in youth groups, christian camping environments, teaching religion in schools, and education, with some homeschooling, and some on school boards, etc.
Read our Statement of Faith to learn more about what we believe.
'I have been on over 50 Camps in my 17 years of life, and this has to be one of the best.
It taught me how to properly read and understand the Bible, and gave me the tools and experience to share what I have learnt with others.'
- Pippa
The worldview camp I attended was, in a word, phenomenal! The lectures absorbing, the staff approachable, professional and humble, the music uplifting, the activities fun and challenging, the friendships solid, the conversations inspiring, the scriptures upheld.
- Jenni
Worldview Australia Leadership Team
Geoff Westlake
Chairman
Coordinator - content, curriculum, lecturers; MC
He has over 30 years of full-time experience speaking to teenagers on camps, schools and church settings. He is one of our camp speakers on WVA and coordinates the curriculum and speakers for our programs. Drawing on first-hand experiences, science, history, archaeology, and research on different ways others live out this same Biblical faith, Geoff continues to present Biblical foundations and implications at schools, camps, homes, churches and all-age groups around WA.
Pippa Dugmore
Design, promotional material, team admin, Safety, Leaders Coordinator
Started running a youth group at 15 years old, and at the age of 18 she has been on over 50 camps including Scripture Union camps, Worldview Academy USA, etc. Her experience as a Worldview Academy camper in America has aided the team in developing Worldview Australia. Completed a Diploma of Ministry, and Cert IV in OSHC, developing a shirt business, worked as a Childrens Ministry Coordinator at WBC, and is now raising her young family at home.
Rosemary Dugmore
Secretary
On staff at Street Chaplaincy Perth, training and administrating volunteers. She is also Geoff's voluntary PA and a prayer warrior.
Sally Westlake
Treasurer
Admin & Liaison
25 years experience leading and directing camps with Scripture Union WA, and working in faith based community development in the government, private and voluntary sector. Holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Leisure Science and Business.
Kathryn Birch
Head Chef, Families on Firm Foundations
A trained primary school teacher and gifted communicator. A mum of 7 homeschooled kids. She teaches multiple parenting classes, and helps to run Cheers Neighbours Network - alongside Geoff and Sally. As a family they have been involved in beach missions for many years, and outreach in remote communities in the Kimberley.
Darren Birch
MC, Handy Man, Families on Firm Foundations
Was a school chaplain, but now runs his own Handyman business, and teaches R.E. in government primary schools. He has over 30 years experience in youth ministry, chaplaincy, counselling, parenting training, and mentoring young people. With his wife Kathryn, he has established Families on Firm Foundations to help parents train and disciple their children, they also run a teen discipleship and Bible study group. Father to 7 homeschooled kids, who are all serving God in various ways.
Tim Dugmore
MC
Completed a cert III in Education Support, and Studied a Diploma of Ministry, now an apprentice Electrician. A leader on Scripture Union camps, and in youth group settings. You will see his smiling face instructing activities regularly at Worldview events.
Jenni de Vries
Music, drama, prayer team
Continues to utilise her early years training and experience as a missionary with OM, serving God with creative arts. She's a member of Kununurra Anglican Church, and actively involved in missions, music team, carols, aged care, Reach Beyond and prison ministry. Mother to 4 homeschooled young men.
Nic de Vries
Tech, sound & safety
An Electrician, he is now the manager of Reach Beyond in Kununurra. An active member of Kununurra Anglican Church, and has a sharp eye for safety, and IT. Father to 4 quality young men.
Sam de Vries
Catering special needs
A teacher at Geraldton Christian school, a husband and a father. He enjoys cooking, photography and riding horses.
Peter Abetz
Promotions, speaker, wise man
ACL State Director - ACL are working in partnership with WVA to develop and promote the camp as prior learning to The Download and the Lachlan Macquarie Internship for young adults. Peter is also a speaker on camp. Further information below.
Geoff Westlake
Chairman
Coordinator - content, curriculum, lecturers; MC
He has over 30 years of full-time experience speaking to teenagers on camps, schools and church settings. He is one of our camp speakers on WVA and coordinates the curriculum and speakers for our programs. Drawing on first-hand experiences, science, history, archaeology, and research on different ways others live out this same Biblical faith, Geoff continues to present Biblical foundations and implications at schools, camps, homes, churches and all-age groups around WA.
Pippa Dugmore
Design, promotional material, team admin, Safety, Leaders Coordinator
Started running a youth group at 15 years old, and at the age of 18 she has been on over 50 camps including Scripture Union camps, Worldview Academy USA, etc. Her experience as a Worldview Academy camper in America has aided the team in developing Worldview Australia. Completed a Diploma of Ministry, and Cert IV in OSHC, developing a shirt business, worked as a Childrens Ministry Coordinator at WBC, and is now raising her young family at home.
Rosemary Dugmore
Secretary
On staff at Street Chaplaincy Perth, training and administrating volunteers. She is also Geoff's voluntary PA and a prayer warrior.
Sally Westlake
Treasurer
Admin & Liaison
25 years experience leading and directing camps with Scripture Union WA, and working in faith based community development in the government, private and voluntary sector. Holds a Bachelor of Social Science in Leisure Science and Business.
Kathryn Birch
Head Chef, Families on Firm Foundations
A trained primary school teacher and gifted communicator. A mum of 7 homeschooled kids. She teaches multiple parenting classes, and helps to run Cheers Neighbours Network - alongside Geoff and Sally. As a family they have been involved in beach missions for many years, and outreach in remote communities in the Kimberley.
Darren Birch
MC, Handy Man, Families on Firm Foundations
Was a school chaplain, but now runs his own Handyman business, and teaches R.E. in government primary schools. He has over 30 years experience in youth ministry, chaplaincy, counselling, parenting training, and mentoring young people. With his wife Kathryn, he has established Families on Firm Foundations to help parents train and disciple their children, they also run a teen discipleship and Bible study group. Father to 7 homeschooled kids, who are all serving God in various ways.
Tim Dugmore
MC
Completed a cert III in Education Support, and Studied a Diploma of Ministry, now an apprentice Electrician. A leader on Scripture Union camps, and in youth group settings. You will see his smiling face instructing activities regularly at Worldview events.
Jenni de Vries
Music, drama, prayer team
Continues to utilise her early years training and experience as a missionary with OM, serving God with creative arts. She's a member of Kununurra Anglican Church, and actively involved in missions, music team, carols, aged care, Reach Beyond and prison ministry. Mother to 4 homeschooled young men.
Nic de Vries
Tech, sound & safety
An Electrician, he is now the manager of Reach Beyond in Kununurra. An active member of Kununurra Anglican Church, and has a sharp eye for safety, and IT. Father to 4 quality young men.
Sam de Vries
Catering special needs
A teacher at Geraldton Christian school, a husband and a father. He enjoys cooking, photography and riding horses.
Peter Abetz
Promotions, speaker, wise man
ACL State Director - ACL are working in partnership with WVA to develop and promote the camp as prior learning to The Download and the Lachlan Macquarie Internship for young adults. Peter is also a speaker on camp. Further information below.
