History | Hillcrest Christian College

Current Principal

"We have been blessed beyond measure, and give glory to God for all that He began here in 1982, and all that He continues to do at Hillcrest Christian College, now and into the future"

Jeff Davis (Executive Head of College)

2015 - Current

Keith Francis

2002 - 2014

Stuarte Kerdel

1991 - 2000

Andrew Mackie

1982 - 1990

"For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ."

Corinthians 3:11

Hillcrest Christian College

Our Beginning (S.G.C.C.C.S)

Hillcrest Christian College, originally named Southern Gold Coast Christian Community School, was formed through the collaboration of three Baptist churches in the area: Palm Beach, Tugan and Broadbeach, and enrolled its inaugural cohort of students in 1982, with 37 children from Years 1 – 7, and two teachers employed.

The School initially operated on the Church grounds in Palm Beach, and moved to its current site in Reedy Creek in August 1986. The early years were marked by a time of prayer, patience and many steps of faith.

The faithful men and women He called to begin this ministry worked tirelessly and prayerfully to fulfil God's calling for Hillcrest to be built. Their faithfulness to His plan saw God move in unprecedented ways, with many incredible miracles recorded, as the dream of forming the first Christian community school on the Gold Coast, became a reality.

1982 - Our Foundation

1982 Southern Gold Coast Christian Community School opened as part of the Ministry of the Palm Beach Baptist Church

Motto: Grow up into Christ
Principal - Mr Andrew Mackie
Teacher - Mrs Linda Richmond (nee Lawrence)
Students - 36

(all 8 students of the first Year 1 class graduated in Year 7)

1986 - Reedy Creek Campus

1986 The School moved to Reedy Creek (current site)

Feb 1990 Acting Principal - Mrs Linda Richmond (nee Lawrence)
Jul 1990 Principal - the late Mrs Esme Ettershank commenced
1991 Principal - Mr Stuarte Kerdel commenced
School name changed to ‘Hillcrest Christian College’
New Logo and Motto: ‘Excellence in Christ’
New Uniform

1992 - 2002

1992 - 10th Year Anniversary Celebrations
1993 - Year 8 class commenced
1997 - First Year 12 graduating class (2 students, Naomi Buchanan and Karen Deacon, completed their entire education (Years 1 to 1 2)
2001 Palm Beach Baptist Church moved to Reedy Creek (current site)
Church name changed to ‘Reedy Creek Baptist Church’
2002 Principal - Mr Keith Francis commenced
First student employed as a teacher (Mrs Rachel Savage, nee Alexander)

2002 - 2017

2003 First second-generation student is enrolled in Prep (Kayleigh Richmond, daughter of Greg who attended 1982-1983)
2007 Completion of the first Strategic Five Year Plan
- First graduating students’ son enters Prep – Max Davidson
2015 - Principal Mr Jeff Davis
2017 - 35 year History Celebrated
2017 - The Castle - JLC and Prep buildings were constructed

2017 - Onwards

2020 - College SHIELD and Educational Model is released
2021 - MLC (Years 5-8)
2022 - Celebrating 40 Years
2023 - Year 9 RISE Program (Coolangatta Campus)
2023 - Virtual Learning Community (Distance Education)
2024 - Mosaic Christian Early Learning Centre is purchased
2025 - Mosaic CELC is rebranded as Village Yard Early Learning
2025 - Innovation Building Project is underway

2025 + Building The Future

The Innovation Building Program is a bold $23 million investment in the future of Hillcrest Christian College, designed to transform our campus with state-of-the-art facilities that support modern learning, advanced technology, and stronger community connections.

This project will create spaces that inspire creativity, collaboration, and growth, ensuring our students are equipped for the challenges of tomorrow. From cutting-edge technology labs to flexible learning areas, the Innovation Building reflects Hillcrest’s commitment to providing exceptional education in an ever-evolving world.

Together, we can create a lasting impact and shape a brighter future for Hillcrest students and families.