Meet our team
Our team are ready and willing to connect with you.
Bendigo Campus
Born in Zimbabwe, Patricia moved to Australia when she was young. She holds several post-graduate qualifications in Theology and Pastoral Care. Patricia is currently involved with the Victorian Council of Churches Emergency Services. She enjoys camping in the outback, as well as music, gardening, and badminton. Patricia enjoys interacting with people from all walks of life, and assisting people who have been through loss or grief.
Email Patricia Blanks at: p.blanks@latrobe.edu.au.
Holding a Bachelor of Divinity at Moore Theological College, Steve is a Christian chaplain who works with the Bendigo Christian Union. He loves to help people see and understand the greatness of Jesus as revealed in the Bible. Steve is married to Laura and has three great children – Josie, Harry and Georgia. He enjoys all things motorbikes, farming and coffee.
Email Steve Blyth at: s.blyth@latrobe.edu.au.
My passion is to find meaning and value in life and this world will be a better place… a simple passion for a fulfilling life.
“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” (Eccl. 1:14)
Email Simon Chan at: K.Chan2@latrobe.edu.au.
Sandy Tunley-Cooper retired from Latrobe following 27 years of being a researcher and lecturer. Her Christian faith directs the way she does life and Sandy is curious about the beliefs and faith that others have. She enjoys spending time reading and doing crafty type things: knitting, crochet, embroidery (these are often turned into action figures for children’s stories). Sandy loves experimenting with food and enjoys the challenge of cooking up concoctions for her husband John and for anyone else who has the courage to try. These experiments always have something to do with pumpkin: soups, curries, pies, cakes, ice-cream. So call, drop-in, or send an email to discuss whatever… Sandy is a great listener!
Email Sandra Tunley at: s.tunley-cooper@latrobe.edu.au.
Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus
Peter is a Christian, he is married to Rosie and he enjoys talking about our search for meaning and significance. Peter is supported as a Chaplain by the Presbyterian church. He is on campus Monday - Friday.
Peter Leslie
Presbyterian Chaplain
HU3 | 424, Melbourne
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
- T: 03 9479 1479
- E: peter.leslie@latrobe.edu.au
Yankel practiced Dentistry in Melbourne after graduating from the University of Melbourne. During this time, he became a Jewish Biblical scholar. He is married with eight children and numerous grandchildren. He continues to study Jewish spirituality and he teaches and mentors his students both Jewish and Non-Jewish. He is interested in helping people to realize the true potential of their lives and to help to perfect the world by promoting the Universal Noachide Laws.
Rabbi Doctor Yankel Rapp
Jewish Chaplain
HU3 | 422, Melbourne
Please call me for an appointment.
- T: (03) 9527 7770
- E: y.rapp@latrobe.edu.au
Vikram was born in India to a Hindu family. After being raised in a school run by Christian missionaries Vikram gave his life to Jesus. The spiritual seed sown here continued to mature until he was baptised many years later in Melbourne, Australia. Vikram graduated from Melbourne University with a degree
in Commerce and I.S. and has worked with Linfox Australia. Since then he completed a Masters of Divinity from Andrews University. Today Vikram serves as a church planter for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. His passion is his family and leading people to Jesus.
Vikram Panchal
HU3 | 418, Melbourne
Office Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 9:00am -5:00pm