Insight

VALE

Rev Doctor Robert J Frisken AM

By Mrs Gai Thomas, Deputy Principal Secondary

Rev Frisken's wife, vale Maryanne Frisken, was a long‑serving staff member and Coordinator at Toongabbie Christian College for 14 years from 1988 to 2001. The Maryanne Frisken Award for Christian Leadership has been created in honour of her significant contribution to the College and the way her life exemplified true Christian leadership. Rev Frisken presented this award at the College’s annual presentation nights on behalf of his wife for many years. Rev Frisken remained committed to equipping teachers to be effective Christian educators. He was a regular contributor at Christian Community Schools (CCS) Conferences and in 1989 he took on the role of Education Director for CCS. In 1999, Rev Frisken and Maryanne set up New Hope International (NHI) where their passion for Christian education extended into and throughout less developed countries. Rev Frisken has been widely recognised for his incredible contribution to Christian education. In 2018, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Recognition of Service to the field of Christian education. In 2001, he was awarded the Centenary Medal for his services to Christian Schooling in Australia and in 2002, he was made a member of the Order of Australia for his contribution to our nation and the Pacific Region. Reverend Doctor Robert (Bob) J Frisken AM passed away into eternity on Monday 4 March 2024 leaving a legacy of Christian education that will continue to impact and grow young men and women in their faith and in the equipping of Christian teachers to further God’s Kingdom through education.

Christian Community High School commenced in 1976 with Rev Frisken as Principal. In 1981, Toongabbie Baptist Christian Community School commenced with Rev Peter Hester as Principal, with only 35 students and two teachers. It is through the heritage of strong people of faith, like Rev Frisken, that Christian Schools continue to flourish. Toongabbie Baptist Christian Community School (now Toongabbie Christian College) has grown to 1,170 students belonging to an association of 200 Christian schools impacting over 86,000 students across Australia. With training in both education and theology, Rev Frisken combined his passions for education and pastoral ministry to develop a model of Christian education anchored in a Christ-centred learning community where students’ lives would be shaped by the Biblical story. The aim would be to develop a Christian community where students “would grow up into Christ in all things.” (Ephesians 4:15).

References 1. Blanch, H. (2024) Faithful Footprints of a Founder, Reverend Doctor Robert J Frisken AM. The Excellence Centre 2. https://www.csa.edu.au/CSA/CSA/About-Us/Our-Story.aspx?hkey=6104b09c-1637-4696-9228-cf820242d0a6 6 August 2024 12:55pm

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Toongabbie Christian College