Meet our College Advisory
The Advisory Committee is an important body in our College governance structure. Members are selected for their experience, expertise, commitment to Adventist education, and/or roles at the College. They support and advise the principal in bringing about the strategic vision of the College and help us stay true to our special character and mission.
Below you will meet our College Advisory. Become familiar with the faces and say “hi” when you see them. If you have a great idea or suggestion for the College, please pass it along.
(Not included in this list are the Ex-officio members, including the principal, the CEO, and the CFO of Education, South Queensland Adventist Church.)
1. NATALY DRAGOJEVIC
How long have you been associated with BAC?
I started on the College Advisory when it was still the College Council six years ago, as president of the Parents & Friends Association. I continued my service on the committee once I became the director at the Early Learning Centre on campus but have always been a 'cheerleader' for BAC—involved in reading groups, class excursions, Christmas Carols, Mother's Day stalls, and movie night as a parent or P&F leader. I’ve always felt that my input was welcomed.
What do you value most about BAC?
Both of my children attended BAC from Kindergarten to graduation. My oldest daughter finished Year 12 in 2019 and my youngest finishes this year. BAC was always going to be my choice of school for them. I wanted them to have a Christian education, a natural environment, a school that was close to home (I hate traffic)—and I think the most important thing for me was the smaller cohorts. I wanted the teachers to know my children's names.
What do you bring to your role on the College Advisory?
BAC represents family to me, and I know that God is the nucleus of our campus. It’s with God as the centre that I now carry out my role in the Early Learning Centre at BAC.
2. LOREN JUSTINS
How long have you been associated with BAC? I’ve been on the College Advisory since 2019 and my association with the College is extensive. Our two children attend BAC, my wife and I attended BAC, and my favourite mother-in-law taught at BAC. My Aunt was also one of the first College captains at BAC.
What do you value most about BAC?
Easy, the teachers! They are so genuine and caring—and their love for the children, along with intimate class sizes, makes it feel very personal.
What do you bring to your role on the College Advisory?
My long involvement with the College gives me an even greater passion to see it succeed. I bring many years of business experience to this committee, along with my roles on various other church entity boards.
3. CRIS HANSFORD
How long have you been associated with BAC?
I’ve served on the BAC Advisory since 2015, which was when my eldest son started attending BAC. My connection with BAC is through my wife Tamika, who completed her high school education here. We felt that it was fitting that Ky, Ellie, and Riley—the next generation—follow the 'BAC Way’ as did their mother.
What do you value most about BAC?
In a world where spiritual values are challenged and minimised daily by secular society, my family and I support the holistic Adventist Christian values at BAC. The dedicated staff and teachers actively promote ‘Everything with God,' a critical extension of the values taught in our local Seventh-day Adventist Church and at home.
What do you bring to your role on the College Advisory?
In the same way that I serve in my local church, I’ve welcomed the opportunity to serve on the BAC Advisory. I’ve had the privilege of leading the finance function of multinational companies and have a passion for leveraging my knowledge in support of the BAC leadership team as they make decisions for the College. There’s nothing more important than investing in shaping the character of our children to one day serve Jesus.
4. PASTOR ZENY VIDACAK
How long have you been associated with BAC?
I’d say I’ve been on the Advisory for about 11 or 12 years now. Heidi, who’s in Year 12 this year is my last child at BAC, but both other children have also gone through BAC from Prep (or Year 1 before there was Prep) to Year 12. Ben is now 25, and Sam is 21.
What do you value most about BAC?
I value the fact that BAC is a Christian College that upholds Christian values. I think one of the most important things, particularly for Primary-aged children but high schoolers as well, is the protection that a school like BAC offers. It's a nice little bubble. For a child early on in life to be surrounded by people who share their beliefs and values, provides and firms up a pathway through life. Staff, too, create a safe environment in which to question, where a biblical perspective is always provided by teachers when kids are questioning.
What do you bring to your role on the College Advisory?
I bring experience and a different perspective. Members of the Advisory are chosen because they are all specialists in certain areas and because I’m a pastor I bring a spiritual perspective, which is important to the special character of the College.
5. PAUL CRESSWELL
How long have you been associated with BAC?
My interest in the College stems from the time my grandchildren were enrolled as students. When I retired from work as manager of the Sanitarium factory, I was approached by the Conference to chair what was then known as the College Board, a role I was happy to assume. Consequently, I’ve been involved from the days before it was called an advisory.
What do you value most about BAC?
What I value most about BAC, apart from the quality academic tuition, is the fact that it’s a safe place for students to develop their God-given talents—with mentoring from teachers who are committed Christians. Also, I admire the leadership and staff of the College, who instil in students the desire to commit themselves to Christ and to leave school with Christian values.
What do you bring to your role on the College Advisory?
I see my role with the Advisory as a source of encouragement to the leadership. I also have personal motivation to assist with any project that enhances the College’s special character and role within the church and the wider community.
6. LANCE USHER
How long have you been associated with BAC? I’ve been on the College advisory since Term 2, 2016, when I started here as business manager.
What do you value most about BAC?
I love feeling part of the larger community with staff, students, and families because we all have the common goal of providing a Christian education. Students are valued as a whole, rather than just the academic part of them or who they are in terms of their talent that reflects on the College.
What do you bring to your role on the College Advisory?
I support the mission of the school and church through my role as financial manager at BAC. I’m a team player and always willing and happy to help where needed.
7. SARAH JONES
How long have you been associated with BAC?
I was originally on the Advisory when it was known as the College Council when my daughters were in the BAC Early Learning Centre and recently joined again last year. My daughter Zara is now in Year 7 and Chanel is in Year 6.
What do you value most about BAC?
I love the Christian community here and how the teachers know, value, and care about every single child. They know each child by name. The school has counselling and learning support for students who need it, and they provide a well-rounded education: academic, spiritual development, sport, and social-emotional learning.
What do you bring to your role on the College Advisory?
I was asked to be on the Advisory because I am a parent, business owner, and someone with experience in strategic business marketing. I am in regular contact with a wide group of people across classes and the College community and see myself as representing the female perspective! I’m not shy in adding my voice to bring about change.
8. JUSTIN GREENWELL
How long have you been associated with BAC?
I’ve been on the college Advisory Committee for over 12 months and have two children in Secondary and two children in Primary.
What do you value most about BAC?
I value BAC's Christian values. It is reflected in the teachers and the College has a wonderful spiritual emphasis.
What do you bring to your role on the College Advisory?
Being part of the BAC community has allowed me to bring a viewpoint from a parent's perspective and bring an outside business aspect to BAC.
