A new era beckons for Brindabella Christian College with a new owner. Photo: Region.
Queensland-based Christian Community Ministries has been named as the preferred new operator of the financially troubled Brindabella Christian College.
The Lyneham school’s administrators, Deloitte’s Sal Algeri and Sam Marsden, made the choice after an extensive expression of interest (EOI) campaign.
Christian Community Ministries operates 14 K-12 schools and several early learning centres across Australia, after founding its first school in Dalby on the Darling Downs in 1981.
CCM has more than 1500 staff serving a student body of around 7800.
The ACT Government said in a public notice that the administrators had applied to transfer the registration to the proposed new owner and announced a three-week consultation period starting today until 7 May.
The Brindabella Reform Group, which has fought a long and bitter battle for change at the school, welcomed the administrators’ announcement and the length of the consultation.
“We are very thankful to see a consultation period of around three weeks and encouraged that a faith-based schooling option is being preserved for Canberrans,” Reform BCC said.
“CMM appears sound financially, and their experience across multiple schools indicates they are likely very capable of taking on BCC.
“The consultation period will now be important for due diligence and the broader community to review and respond with any concerns or queries. We look forward to getting to know CMM better.”
Christian Community Ministries CEO John Lyndon said the organisation’s first priority was to restore certainty and trust to Brindabella Christian College.
“We have been greatly encouraged by the loyalty demonstrated by so many BCC families to stay the course during this period of uncertainty,” he said.
“We also acknowledge the college staff who have stayed strong through troubling times and look forward to honouring them as we work together.”
Mr Lyndon assured staff, students and families that CCM has a strong commitment to Christian education where students develop spiritually, intellectually, socially, ethically and physically.
“We are equally as committed to providing the stability, financial resources and good governance needed to support the entire BCC community in the years ahead,” Mr Lyndon said.
“As soon as the current process is finalised, we will be communicating directly with you and sharing more information about our future journey.”
Mr Marsden said the administrators were pleased that the sale and recapitalisation process had reached this significant milestone so they could start to look towards the future of the college.
He said the administrators were impressed by the calibre of organisations that expressed an interest in becoming the new proprietor of the college.
“The administrators welcome the opportunity to further engage with parents, students, teachers, and other stakeholders about what this change will mean for them, and to receive any questions or feedback,” Mr Marsden said.
“As part of the wider consultation process, we will continue with our internal consultation of the school community, which includes both teachers and parents.”
The administrators acknowledged the strong support they received from all key stakeholders, including parents, staff, the Commonwealth and ACT Governments, the National Australia Bank, community groups and the Independent Education Union during the voluntary administration period.
Education Minister Yvette Berry said the government’s priority was ensuring the quality and continuity of learning for all ACT students.
Ms Berry said the administrators would continue to consult with the school community and keep them updated throughout the consultation period.
BCC went into administration on 5 March after not being able to pay its teachers. It owes creditors more than $20 million, including at least $6 million to the Tax Office and $9 million to NAB.
It has been through years of upheaval, facing regulatory action from both the ACT and federal governments over financial and governance issues.
