YWAM Tahlee | YWAM Newcastle
You were made for this

Presence Centred
Community

YWAM Tahlee is a non-profit, international and interdenominational Christian organisation focusing on community development, youth mentoring, training and global outreach. We are part of an international movement called YWAM (Youth With A Mission).

YWAM Tahlee is committed to providing a space for young and old to encounter God’s presence and raising up missional minded individuals to serve in all areas of society.

You were made for this

About Us

  • Our Work

  • YWAM Tahlee is located on the shores of Port Stephens, just 50 minutes north of Newcastle on the NSW east coast. Over the years many have discovered more of God and His purposes during their time on this stunning property. Tahlee is not only a Christian retreat centre but a place of education and training, preparing many to live a life devoted to Christ and His Great Commission.

    We are passionate about people discovering their God-given identity and equipping others to live a missional lifestyle in whichever area of society they find themselves. Through running outdoor education and quality training courses we aim to give others a taste of missions. By providing the space and facilities for school camps and church retreats, our hope is that young and old will encounter the Presence of God in fresh ways.

    YWAM has a strong foundation in the Hunter Valley and we look forward to building on the work of those who have gone before us, both within YWAM and at Tahlee. Through the partnership with local schools and churches, we aim to see the youth of our region find hope and purpose for their life. Our training courses are a gateway to long and short term missions and we hope to empower others to live a life of impact.

    In partnership with YWAM Ships Newcastle, our marine training provides opportunities for others to serve in Papua New Guinea as we deliver vital healthcare and education services to the isolated islands.

  • Leadership

  • David Stephenson

    Managing Director: Newcastle Campus
    Joined staff: 1990

    Chris Ryburn

    General Manager
    Joined staff: 2016

    Fred af Petersens

    Operations Director
    Joined staff: 1996

    Julianne af Petersens

    Assets Manager
    Joined staff: 1994

  • Our History

  • Tahlee was purchased by Mr Robert Hoddle Driberg White in 1880, who invested heavily into the property and what we see today is largely a legacy of his tenure.

    The Gospel Fishermen Mission, under the leadership of Godfrey and Winifred Theobald, moved from its base to Tahlee in 1949. It became a place to conduct children’s and youth camps and Bible teaching conferences and was also a base for workers to go out from to help rural churches. The White family was very supportive of the ministry.

    In 1951, The Gospel Fishermen Mission commenced a Missionary Training Camp to prepare missionaries for working overseas and in 1959, they purchased the property from Mr White and started Tahlee Bible College. The name of the Mission changed to Gospel Service Ministries in 1998 and then to Tahlee Ministries Inc. in 2004.

    Since this time Tahlee Ministries has actively continued hosting camps, as well as facilitating courses such as TESOL, evangelism training and long term discipleship programs.

    In 2018 YWAM Newcastle was approached by the board of Tahlee Ministries Inc and entered into discussions around the stewardship and lease of the property. YWAM Tahlee Inc took over management of the grounds in mid-2019 and will endeavour to build upon the rich legacy of the property as we continue to train and send missionaries into all areas of the world.

  • Contact Us

  • * New website coming soon *

    Until we launch our new website all accomodation booking enquiries can be made at: bookings.ywamtahlee.com or by emailing: tahlee@ywamnow.com

YWAM Tahlee is located on the shores of Port Stephens, just 50 minutes north of Newcastle on the NSW east coast. Over the years many have discovered more of God and His purposes during their time on this stunning property. Tahlee is not only a Christian retreat centre but a place of education and training, preparing many to live a life devoted to Christ and His Great Commission.

We are passionate about people discovering their God-given identity and equipping others to live a missional lifestyle in whichever area of society they find themselves. Through running outdoor education and quality training courses we aim to give others a taste of missions. By providing the space and facilities for school camps and church retreats, our hope is that young and old will encounter the Presence of God in fresh ways.

YWAM has a strong foundation in the Hunter Valley and we look forward to building on the work of those who have gone before us, both within YWAM and at Tahlee. Through the partnership with local schools and churches, we aim to see the youth of our region find hope and purpose for their life. Our training courses are a gateway to long and short term missions and we hope to empower others to live a life of impact.

In partnership with YWAM Ships Newcastle, our marine training provides opportunities for others to serve in Papua New Guinea as we deliver vital healthcare and education services to the isolated islands.

David Stephenson

Managing Director: Newcastle Campus
Joined staff: 1990

Chris Ryburn

General Manager
Joined staff: 2016

Fred af Petersens

Operations Director
Joined staff: 1996

Julianne af Petersens

Assets Manager
Joined staff: 1994

Tahlee was purchased by Mr Robert Hoddle Driberg White in 1880, who invested heavily into the property and what we see today is largely a legacy of his tenure.

The Gospel Fishermen Mission, under the leadership of Godfrey and Winifred Theobald, moved from its base to Tahlee in 1949. It became a place to conduct children’s and youth camps and Bible teaching conferences and was also a base for workers to go out from to help rural churches. The White family was very supportive of the ministry.

In 1951, The Gospel Fishermen Mission commenced a Missionary Training Camp to prepare missionaries for working overseas and in 1959, they purchased the property from Mr White and started Tahlee Bible College. The name of the Mission changed to Gospel Service Ministries in 1998 and then to Tahlee Ministries Inc. in 2004.

Since this time Tahlee Ministries has actively continued hosting camps, as well as facilitating courses such as TESOL, evangelism training and long term discipleship programs.

In 2018 YWAM Newcastle was approached by the board of Tahlee Ministries Inc and entered into discussions around the stewardship and lease of the property. YWAM Tahlee Inc took over management of the grounds in mid-2019 and will endeavour to build upon the rich legacy of the property as we continue to train and send missionaries into all areas of the world.

* New website coming soon *

Until we launch our new website all accomodation booking enquiries can be made at: bookings.ywamtahlee.com or by emailing: tahlee@ywamnow.com

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