Let’s get to know Nick, his family and his heart for CRU.
Who is in your family?
I’m married to Lorelle, and we have four children—twins Amelia and Isaac, Evie, and Joey (aged 4 through 12). Lorelle and I first met at CRU Lake Mac, our very first conversation was outside Hilltop Hall! We’ve been married for 18 years. Since moving to the area just over a year ago, we’ve been attending Lake Mac Evangelical Church as a family.
What do you enjoy doing together as a family?
We love camps and going camping together, enjoying water sports activities, the beach and swimming. Recently we’ve taken up op shopping on weekends. My girls love buying craft supplies which makes entering their rooms a bit of a hazardous adventure! You never know what kind of pins or surprises you might step on!
How did you come to faith?
Early high school was a lonely time for me. I had a performance mindset—believing that if I did something really well, I’d earn approval and people’s favour. I applied that same thinking to God.
But at my church youth group and on camps, I experienced something different: being loved and accepted without having to earn it. That’s when I realised this is how God works—His love and grace are free because of Christ’s work. I started reading more about Him in the Gospels and taking seriously what I’d heard growing up but hadn’t acted on.
What were your first connections to CRU growing up?
I attended CRU Multi-Sports Camp for three years during early high school and loved it! We played loads of sports, including hours of touch football on a wet Lake Macquarie oval. I still remember the fun of sliding in for tries on the muddy field! Those camps were formative for my faith as I learned about Jesus and shared Him with friends.
After school, I volunteered as a leader on a ski camp. I loved learning to ski alongside the campers, snow fights on the slopes, chats about God and life on the ski lifts and bus rides, hot chocolates back at the Lodge, and serving alongside committed Christian leaders.
How long have you served at CRU and in what roles?
All up, 13 years across three stints in three different divisions and five different roles. Firstly, in the CRU Educational Camps team as an Ian Holt Memorial Fellow (now commonly known as The Summit Program), then later I moved into various camp director roles in that team. After Uni I returned as Director of Holiday Camps for seven years. I then headed to Bible College, did Uni ministry in a missionary-pastor role, before returning to CRU (again!) as Director of Camp Ministry Training and Operations.
What passionately captures your heart?
I’m driven by God’s desire and purpose for everything to come under Christ. I’m passionate about seeing young people come to know Jesus and grow in Christlikeness. When they do, they become zealous for Christ, share Him with others, and often step into leadership roles. It’s a great joy to be part of God’s work to equip emerging leaders to grow in character, conviction and competence. Ephesians 4:12 has shaped my approach: Jesus gave leaders to equip His people for works of service. I’ve been entrusted with that responsibility and want to be a faithful steward. That’s what gets me out of bed each morning—along with the noise of kids and a good cup of tea!
What is your vision for CRU in the next 5 years?
Well, in five years, CRU will be 100 years young! As I’ve reflected on CRU’s vision to proclaim the gospel to independent school students, to nurture Christians, encourage church membership and train Christians for that life of servant leadership, my hope is that in 2030 we can look back and say that we’re still doing that, and doing it even more! I look forward to seeing more students learning about Jesus on camps and in schools.
What do you most admire about Gary and his legacy at CRU?
I’m so deeply blessed to have been led by Gary. I’ve learnt so much as I’ve watched him serve over many years. Personally, I most admire his gospel-fuelled boldness, his consistent grounding as a servant of Christ, and his desire to keep learning from Jesus by spending time in God’s Word. His wisdom, humility, and joy flow from that. His love for Christ has been so obvious to me.