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Who we are

The South Coast Schools Ministry Support Group (SCSMSG) is dedicated to increasing the presence and impact of School Chaplains in local state schools, ensuring children receive the care, guidance, and support they need to thrive. We are part of a proud Christian tradition of supporting school children through chaplaincy, which provides love, protection, and encouragement as they learn and grow.

Here on the Fleurieu South Coast, local churches have been actively supporting school chaplaincy long before government programs existed, relying on the generosity of the community. Today, we continue this vital work, representing and being supported by the Christian community from Victor Harbor to Goolwa and beyond.

“The need for continued and ever-sharpening focus on Australia’s children and young people, as rates of social isolation and rising mental health and wellbeing challenges increase, is clear. Amid a backdrop of bushfires, COVID-19 related disruptions, flooding and falling participation rates in community organisations and associations, schools are increasingly playing a role in wellbeing.”
Evaluation Of The National School Chaplaincy Programdandolopartners Nov. 2022, commissioned by the Australian Government
"... our schools must invest in more pastoral care and our leaders need to be taking decisive steps ... if we don't act early there remains a dreadful risk that our children will step on to a devasting path toward addiction ..."
The AdvertiserWed 4th Dec 2024
"Half of all the mental health conditions we experience at some point in our lives will have started by age 14"
SMG2024-2028 Wellbeing Report
"Suicide continues to be the leading cause of death for young Australians."
Beyond Blue reportwww.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/statistics
Top 5 issues in SA schools are: • Friendship
• Mental Health
• Education Support
• Self Esteem
• Bullying
McCrindle 2022 SMG Snapshot

While the mission of school chaplaincy remains the same, its importance and scope have grown. The increasing complexity of school life means the need for chaplaincy has never been greater. Our mission is to go beyond government-provided support, extending the time and resources School Chaplains can dedicate to our schools.

This collaborative effort involves:

  • The Government: Through the National Student Wellbeing Program (NSWP), the government provides funding for approximately 300 hours of Pastoral Care Worker (PCW) support per school each year—equivalent to one day a week.
  • The Schools Ministry Group (SMG): As an approved NSWP service provider, SMG recruits, employs, trains, and supports Pastoral Care Workers.
  • The South Coast Schools Ministry Support Group (SCSMSG) Inc.: This is where we step in to make a real difference. Our mission is to raise and manage additional funds from the local community, ensuring School Chaplains can be present in schools for at least two days a week—or more. This extra time enables them to:
    • Build stronger, more meaningful relationships with students.
    • Provide consistent emotional and social support to children in need.
    • Work closely with school staff to foster a positive and nurturing environment.
  • Local Churches and the Christian Community: Over 95% of the funds we distribute currently come from the generosity of local churches and individuals who believe in the transformative power of school chaplaincy.


Every additional hour that School Chaplains spend in our schools means more opportunities to positively impact the lives of children, their families, and the broader school community. Together, we are making a difference—one student, one school, and one community at a time.

I want to HELP

Our amazing PCW team

Midi Bettcher Photo scaled e1764980971681

Midi Bettcher

Supporting Goolwa Secondary College starting in 2026

Joanne Knight bio

Joanne Knight

Supporting Goolwa Primary and Victor Harbor Primary

Jacob Schilling bio

Jacob Schilling

Supporting Victor Harbor High School

Zahrna Manley bio

Zahrna Manley

Supporting Victor Harbor High School

Frequently asked questions

Government funding for Pastoral Care Workers remains stagnant while costs continue to rise. In South Australia, schools are now required to contribute, expanding opportunities but challenging smaller schools. This puts pressure on schools and chaplains, leaving students at a disadvantage. We’re doing all we can – and you can help too.

It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.

In Luke 20 when Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury and a poor woman put in two very small copper coins, He spoke clearly about how much more valuable the poor women’s gift was. We value our supporters for the love they bring, not by how much they give.

Our PCW provide care using the six dimensions of School Chaplaincy:

  • role modelling & mentoring
  • social & emotional support
  • spiritual support
  • school engagement
  • community engagement
  • extra- curricular activity

We provide them with:

  • more time in our schools – at least two days a week, and aim to do more in the future
  • the ability to address key common concerns (Consent, Dignity, Heath, etc..) with a SMG “Life Matters” seminar.
  • funds enabling them to directly support the students that need help the most, when the need it the most.
  • care for the carer; pastoral care by experianced members from our many supporting Churches

We host structured Committee meetings on the second Monday of each school term at one of our supporting churches. These sessions provide an opportunity to hear directly from our Pastoral Care Workers about the successes and challenges they face in schools, and to ask, “How can we better support our PCWs and students?”

All meetings and activities are open to everyone. You’re warmly invited to join us at our next meeting and connect with the team. 

Meeting information

Here are four simple yet impactful ways you can support us:

  • PRAY for each chaplain and the entire school chaplaincy ministry
  • SHARE the story of school chaplaincy whenever possible
  • VISIT us at this website or one of our Committee Meetings to learn more
  • CONSIDER how you can contribute through your time, resources, or financial support – either directly or via one of our Community Reward Partners

Our Association is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient covered by Item 1 of the table in section 30-15 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

The members or our Association, including the Committee, are all un-paid volunteers. Therefore our operating costs are low – typically under 5%.

The rest of our out-goings – 95%+ – go directly to supporting our Pastoral Care Workers.

Even during last year, and this – while we have been investing in this website – over 90% of our out-goings went/will go directly to supporting our Pastoral Care workers.

Midi Bettcher Photo

MIdi Bettcher

Goolwa Secondary College - Starting Term 1 2026

Nginti nankeri (Hello), my name is Midi Bettcher, and I am honoured to introduce myself as the new Pastoral Care Worker at Goolwa Secondary College. Although this role is new for me, I am not new to the school—I have been part of Goolwa Secondary College since it first opened. Over the years, I have come to deeply love and appreciate the school’s culture, students, staff and leadership team, and I am grateful for the opportunity to support our community in a different way.
 
My passion for helping young people is grounded in my Christian faith, which guides me to show compassion, understanding, and genuine care. I believe every student has unique value, and I am committed to creating a safe and supportive space where they feel heard and encouraged.
 
I look forward to continuing my journey with this wonderful school and serving our community with kindness, integrity, and care.
 
Nakkan xx

Joanne Knight

Supporting Goolwa Primary and Victor Harbor Primary

Hello, my name is Jo and I am the Pastoral Care Worker for both Goolwa Primary School and Victor Harbor Primary school. I started in this role at Goolwa at the start of 2023 and at Victor Harbor in February of 2025. I really love the school communities and what I do.  I am passionate about my role and love building relationships and connections with students, staff and families within the school communities.

My husband and I moved to the Victor Harbor area at the beginning of 2024 and have fallen in love with the beautiful Fleurieu South Coast region. I also work at Goolwa Primary School OSHC as well as YMCA OSHC in other schools in the region.

I attend Bayside Church and enjoy being a part of a strong Christian community. My Christion faith and relationship with Jesus is the driving factor in everything I do. I feel very privileged to be able to serve my school communities and be the hands and feet of Jesus to those around me.

Jacob Schilling

Supporting Victor Harbor High School

Hi! My name is Jacob Schilling and I am one of the Pastoral Care Workers for Victor Harbor High School. I have been in the role and connected to this community since 2023, having the privilege of sharing encouragement and support to students, staff and parents during this time.

I also work as an instrumental tutor teaching drums locally, connecting with other students in the community through music. While offering general support to students, I also tend to utilise my music skillset in my role as a PCW running a lunchtime jam program with students and some staff. My fellow PCW Zahrna and I also run other programs from time to time, such as our morning breakfast club program.
 
I attend and serve in church at Exalt Church in Port Elliot. I am grateful to be in this role and have the opportunity to serve my God and community in this way.

Zahrna Manley

Supporting Victor Harbor High School

Hi! My name is Zahrna, and I am one of the Pastoral Care Workers at Victor Harbor High School. This is my fourth year in the role, and I absolutely love what I do. Supporting and encouraging students, staff, and families is such a privilege, and I am passionate about creating a safe, welcoming space where young people feel valued and supported.

I have lived in Victor Harbor my whole life, and this community means so much to me. I love being involved in programs that bring people together and make a difference, both at school and beyond. Alongside my role at Victor High, I am also the Youth Coordinator at Exalt Church in Port Elliot, where I have the joy of mentoring and supporting young people in their faith and personal growth.

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is being there for students—offering a listening ear, providing encouragement, and walking alongside them through life’s challenges. I believe in the power of genuine connection and creating a space where students feel heard, valued, and supported. I feel incredibly blessed to be part of the VHHS community and to have the opportunity to make a positive impact every day.

Thank you for you generosity

We are proudly regulated by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and hold Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status. Every donation—no matter the amount—comes from a place of love, and we are deeply grateful for your generosity. Your support makes a meaningful impact and is also tax-deductible.