One of the key services offered at Oasis is chaplaincy. There are three practising chaplains that students can contact to discuss matters relating to spirituality, meaning, purpose and life in general.
Contact with Chaplains can be done by finding them at the Oasis Centre or by sending them an email. Learn more about the different chaplains and find out how to contact them below.
People often think that ‘chaplaincy’ means they can only speak with chaplains about religious issues. But chaplaincy is much more than that. This great article from Maria (one of the chaplains) helps explain the focus of chaplaincy work – https://oasis.flinders.edu.au/oasis-chaplaincy-there-for-everyone-and-you/
This video from the chaplaincy team further discusses the service they offer:
Dave is the Coordinating Chaplain of Oasis and an ordained minister of the Uniting Church in Australia. Dave has been a chaplain with Oasis since 2014, with time spent previously at the University of South Australia and the University of Wollongong. He helps to oversee and promote our many expressions of faith, spirituality and religion as an important aspect of well-being. Dave runs weekly meditation sessions. To get in touch with Dave email him – dave.williamson@flinders.edu.au
Maria is an Adelaide based pastor of Vineyard Churches Australia. Maria has a nursing background and has worked for 20 years in Intensive Care Units. As a chaplain Maria enjoys being alongside students and staff to listen, encourage and facilitate a culture of care. Maria holds a Bachelor in Nursing, Masters in Clinical Education, and a Masters in Ministry. Maria is married and has one son, she likes to relax watching movies, eating great food, and loves to be creative in various ways. Maria is located primarily on Sturt Campus where she also teaches on a casual basis. To speak with Maria, email her on maria.ng@flinders.edu.au.
Toh is an Adelaide based pastor of Vineyard Churches Australia. Toh grew up in multicultural Malaysia and came to Australia as an international student to the University of NSW graduating with a Bachelor of Science (Psychology), and Bachelor of Optometry. He also has a Diploma of Theology and Cert 4 in Frontline Management. Toh has a cross- cultural marriage and has been living in Australia for more than 30 years. Toh is passionate about cross-cultural learning, student well-being and harmony in diversity. Toh runs one of the Take A Break sessions. You can get in contact with Toh on: toh.ng@flinders.edu.au.
[Oasis is incredibly grateful for the work of Deborah Jeanes (pictured in the team below) who was a part of our Chaplaincy team. Deb volunteered her time for six years at Oasis and provided a safe and open space for students in a very supportive and caring way. We saw firsthand how Deb made a huge impact on the lives of students and in some cases single handedly helped some students remain studying at Flinders and carrying on to be successful at completing their degree. Thank you Deb 🙏🏽]
