Veta Youth supports the Christian growth of young people in schools and churches across Australia and beyond.

we partner with you to deliver an accredited Christian learning pathway for students from Years 7 -12.

We believe that Authentic Christian Learning leads to growth and transformation in the Christian life, where life and faith connect.

Veta Youth’s model of Authentic Christian Learning integrates an understanding of the Christian faith with spiritual formation and real-life application. Courses can be offered as part of the student curriculum for year 7-10 Christian Studies/Religious Education, and as an elective VET course for Year 11 and 12s.

This is a complete ‘package’ of engaging student curriculum, teacher-support, and resources that enable you to focus on your students. 

We encourage you to come as your true self, inviting young people from all backgrounds and perspectives to share a real experience of the Christian life. Students respond with honesty and a readiness to engage. 

Authentic Christian Learning honors the individual freedom of every student, while encouraging them to study the Bible, seek the truth, wrestle with their questions, strengthen relationships, and put it all into practice in real life.

Our desire is that every young person will have every opportunity to discover the fullness of life in Christ, and become all that God has created them to be.

our story

Veta Youth was started in 2002 by a group of like-minded Christians from across Australia who wanted to see more opportunities to nurture the faith of young people and see real spiritual growth.

They set out to help raise a generation of young people in the Christian life, and send them out as the hands and feet of Jesus in the world, demonstrating His love in every area of life; building families and communities centered on Christ; loving and serving and working to see their universities, their workplaces and their local suburbs transformed by God’s love. 

Our founder and National Director of Veta Youth, Rev. Rohan Waters, established the work out of his experience as a chaplain in government secondary schools and as a denominational youth ministry director. Rohan was awarded the Farmington Fellowship to study at Oxford University, where he developed Veta Youth’s model for supporting the spiritual development of students.

From an initial group of 17 students in Victoria, the program quickly spread across the country.

Veta Youth now delivers an accredited Christian Learning Pathway for students from year 7-12 in every state of Australia, with over 3000 graduates around Australia and beyond.

our mission

To raise future generations in the Christian life and send them out to influence and give hope to the world.

our vision

We see a generation of young people raised up as men and women of God, committed to Christ, sent out to live as the salt and light of their world

we believe

Veta Youth proclaims that ‘Christ is risen’, and ‘Jesus is Lord’. Our primary commitment is baptism into Christ, and giving our life in His service. 

Veta Youth confesses the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour according to the Scriptures and seeks to fulfil its calling to the glory of the one God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Veta Youth recognises the church as witness, in word and action, to the good news of Jesus Christ, and as a sign, an agent and a foretaste of the Kingdom of God.

our values

Personal Transformation

We believe that God uses Authentic Christian Learning to transform lives. Our guiding Bible verse is Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

The whole family of God

We value the distinctive contribution of schools and churches from across the denominational spectrum.

Trust and empowerment

We hold firm to our core beliefs and we trust God with the outcome.

Innovation

We see God at work in the messiness of life, and respond as needed to fulfil God’s purposes in us.

The body of Christ

We value the unique gifts that each person brings, and we work together to achieve the mission God has called us to.

our unique value…

VETA’s unique contribution is found in our focus on Authentic Christian Learning for leaders, teachers and students within accredited educational frameworks.

Authentic Christian Learning has four distinctives:

Integrity

Authentic Christian Learning supports teachers and students to engage in teaching and learning with coherence between their beliefs, word and actions.

Christ-Centredness

Authentic Christian Learning is openly and explicitly Christ centred. All religions, values and ethics are viewed in the light of Christ, and not vice-versa.

Real Life Learning

Authentic Christian Learning engages students in practices and activities that address their lived reality,and form life-long, sustaining habits of mind and body.

Open-Handedness

Authentic Christian Learning honours the will and conscience of every young person, and their freedom of choice in responding to God.

our team

our national team

ROHAN WATERS

Executive Director

Accredited Minister

I was caught up with Veta Youth right at the very start when a group of youth leaders came together with a desire to see young people growing in the Christian life and shining the light of Jesus in their world.  Looking back now, we all see this as a move of the Holy Spirit that we were privileged to be a part of. That was way back in 2002 and I simply haven’t been able to leave.  I am just as excited about this mission as when it started and, unless God says something different, am here to stay.

My passion is to equip Christian people to nurture young people in the Christian life within the context of their own local community.

My hope for the future is that many more young people will know and experience the life transforming love of Jesus.

I’m blessed with a beautiful wife and three children and I love being with them, having friends around for meals and doing the normal day-to-day things. I keep in shape paddling my surf ski, taking our dog for a run and swimming at our local beach (when it’s not too cold!).  My kids say I like boring books (theology and philosophy!) and having nana naps on a Sunday afternoon!  I call them ‘power naps’.

PETER ECKERMANN

Veta Morphus Course Director

Accredited Minister

I consider it a privilege to share the journey of Christian growth with young people and their mentors. This has been a significant part of my life’s calling. My passion is to bring the Gospel of Jesus to the heart of a generation of young people and see young people be all they can be in Christ.

My hope for the future is to see more young people have access to a Veta Youth course so they can personally experience the transformation in life and faith associated with our courses.

Outside of Veta Youth I am an enthusiastic Limousin cattle breeder on our small farm at Korunye, just north of Adelaide. My family, wife Angie and our children, Jacob, Calum, Phoebe and Isaac are a source of inspiration and constantly lift me up. 

LAURA WEATHERALL

Veta Morphus Assessor

Accredited Minister

In 2011 I was a Veta student and saw God work in marvellous ways, not only in my life but that of my peers. Over the last few years I have volunteered for Veta Youth in different ways. When the possibility of employment with Veta Youth came up, it only made sense that I would serve an organisation that has had such an influence on my Christian walk. I love being able to encourage the next generation as they walk in their faith.

I have studied Youth Work, Diploma of Theology and Bachelor of Education. I believe that all this study has provided me with insights into both culture and God which will help me to disciple, mentor and support students.

I am very sociable and love to chat to anyone who will listen. I am married to a wonderful man, Joshua. Together we enjoy having people over for dinner and going for long walks in the mountains with our dog.

COLLEEN ANDRETZKE

Business Systems Administrator

When Veta Youth developed into a nation wide organisation, I had a Godly knowing that I was to work on administration for the organization, and a peace that he would provide. God has been faithful in every way.

My passion is to see young people transformed in everyday life, work, relationships and in discovering new ways to serve. I love seeing this happen as part of their education and know how important good administration is in making that happen. But most of all, I am deeply interested in young people developing a personal relationship with Jesus.

In the future I hope to see the involvement of a larger community in the lives of these young people, whether it be encouraging them, mentoring them, leading and guiding them, supporting them financially and ministering to them. From this I also hope to see good and prolific fruit as young people lead revival around the world.

When I am not working, I love to use my creative side. This includes making handmade greeting cards and spending time creatively journaling on God’s Word. I also love to encourage others through the cards, mentoring, hanging out with friends and welcoming new people into the church family I attend. 

our board