why we exist
Our purpose
BEF's purpose is to advance Christian education in Australia through the generation and provision of financial resources. It does this primarily by providing debentures in the form of Term Investments for investors who support the vision of BEF.
Our history
BEF was established as a not for profit company in 2020. It was registered as a charity with the ACNC in 2020, and was granted an Australian Financial Services License by ASIC on July 1, 2021.
Our BOaRD
Warick Smith - Chair
PhD, MEd, MDiv, BCom, Celta, MAICD
Warick has been a youth pastor or pastor of Baptist Churches for over 14 years, and worked in education and development for seven years in the Middle East. He has served on Boards of Baptist Colleges since 2018.
Wendy Taylor - Treasurer
BAcc, CPA
Wendy is a Certified Practicing Accountant, who has worked as the Chief Financial Officer of Australian Baptist Education Inc. for more than 10 years. She has served as treasurer on multiple Baptist College Boards since 2007 and is a keen member of a Baptist Church in Perth.
John Smith - Director
BA (Econs)
By God's grace, John was instrumental in the founding of Lake Joondalup Baptist College, Quinns Baptist College, Mandurah Baptist College, Winthrop and Summerville Baptist Colleges (now Kennedy Baptist College), Geelong Baptist College, Bunbury Baptist College, Austin Cove Baptist College and Alkimos Baptist College. He was also a Baptist Pastor for over 20 years.
Gareth Briggs - Director
BEng (Hons) BCom
Gareth has extensive experience in managing and operating large mining and oil and gas projects in Australia. He is a committed member of his local Anglican Church.
David Darling - Director
Dip Min, MAICD
David is the Deputy Director of Property Management for Australian Baptist Education. He was a Baptist Pastor in metro and country churches for over 10 years and has a long history in the building and maintenance industry. David has served on Baptist College Boards for over 20 years.
Stephen Wrathall - Director
BEng, Computer Engineering
Stephen is an experienced software developer and programmer, and has been involved in a variety of IT companies over the past 15 years. He is a committed member of his local Church.