Tahlee Ministries Board

  • Andrew Cole (Aj)

    Aj is one of the founding church planters of New Vine Baptist church, where he continues to serve. Aj has a long history in ministry right across the Hunter and is often sought after for ministry advice. With a deep commitment to church health, discipleship, and church planting. Aj and his wife, Fiona, have a long history with Tahlee, with his church receiving interns from when Tahlee was still a Bible college.

  • Rodney Baker

    Rod is a passionate follower of Jesus, believes, and lives the absolute truth of the Word of God. He has ministered in many overseas nations, as well as throughout Australia.

    He has lifelong ties to Tahlee, dating back to his teenage years, and still maintains very close friendships with Tahlee graduates, including catering at Tahlee on several occasions for functions to support their ministries.  

    Rod transferred back to the Hunter Region in 1997 and retired as Detective Chief Inspector (Crime Manager) at the Lower Hunter in 2006.

  • Ken Wellham (Secretary)

    Ken Wellhem studied at numerous Bible Schools and Colleges and functioned in Youth, Assistant, Associate and Senior pastoral roles in NSW and WA.

    In addition to the more than four decades of pastoral ministry, Ken has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. Over and above his own business enterprises, he has held directorships in a private finance company and two public companies [tourism, development, and investment].

    Ken has a deep desire to see the Lord’s plans and ministry fulfilled at Tahlee.

  • Mark Ramsland

    Mark Ramsland is active in the not-for-profit sector and is currently the Director and Chair of Connect Global Ltd, a full-time residential rehabilitation facility for men located in the Port Stephens area. Mark has a deep connection with Tahlee and its history. Mark Ramsland is also an experienced solicitor and court advocate for those who are struggling.

  • Peter Durbin (Chairman)

    Peter was a director of McDonald Jones Homes for 24 years, 6 of which were as Chairman of the Board. He is the Chairman of the Board of Rhema FM radio and the Secretary of the Lake Macquarie Camp of Gideons. Peter was led to the Lord in 1964 through the teaching of Godfrey Theobold and, over many years, has attended youth camps and conferences at Tahlee. He has a passion to see Tahlee “restored” beyond its former glory and fulfill its ministry potential.

  • Chris Ryburn

    Chris has served Tahlee and the TMI board for many years and has a deep desire to see Tahlee succeed as a vibrant place of Christian ministry.

  • Jeff Herrick (Treasurer & Public Officer)

    Jeff has built his career as a Director, Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer, and General Manager over the past 40 years, with significant experience in capital raising, corporate finance, accounting, and audit roles. He is a Bachelor of Engineering, Founding Managing Director of Dell Computer in Australia, Partner and Director of an ASX-listed public software company, Managing Director and CEO of an Australian Business Coaching business. Jeff has pastoral and church planting experience with a passion for ministry to those affected by domestic violence and homelessness. “I am keen to see Tahlee Ministries fully realize its potential and God-given mandate.”