Via Press release.
The Board of Bible Society Australia (BSA) has announced BSA has entered into a contract of sale for Koorong, Australia’s largest Christian retailer, to Excelsia University College (EUC). This transition will take effect from the close of trading on Monday, 31 March 2025.
Koorong has been owned by the Bible Society Australia Group for nine years since the Bootes family sold the business to BSA Group in 2015. During this period, Koorong has remained a trusted and vital resource for the Christian community in Australia. As the country’s largest distributor of Bibles, its mission has always been deeply aligned with that of BSA.
Continuing the Mission with a Strong Future
BSA Group Chair Andrew Wiseman said the Board decided that “Having gone through a period of challenge, Koorong will be best served and in a position to thrive by existing within EUC.”
“EUC is faith-aligned and doing Kingdom work and has the necessary skill and experience to solidify Koorong’s place in the Australian Christian landscape where it has held such a prominent place for decades,” Mr Wiseman said.
Richard Grellman, Deputy Chair, Excelsia University College and incoming Koorong Board Chair said the sale represents an opportunity for taking Koorong into a new era.
“Koorong has faithfully served the Christian community for over 40 years, and we are deeply committed to ensuring it flourishes for the next 40 and beyond. EUC brings a faith-driven vision and strong leadership that will build upon Koorong’s rich heritage, strengthening its role as Australia’s leading Christian retailer and expanding its ability to serve the church and individual Christians across the nation,” said Mr Grellman.
Leadership Transition and Strategic Growth
Koorong’s new Chief Executive Officer will be Matt Perry, a highly experienced retail transformation executive who has worked with some of Australia’s largest and most trusted brands and has a demonstrated deep understanding of retail operations, customer engagement, and business growth.
“This is an exciting time for Koorong, its team, and our customers,” said Mr Perry. “I look forward to building on Koorong’s incredible legacy and leading it into its next chapter, continuing the mission of the Bootes family, and ensuring we deliver a wonderful experience to our customers as we strengthen Koorong’s role as Australia’s leading Christian retailer.”
Who is BSA?
Bible Society Australia is Australia’s oldest continuously operating organisation and its mission extends across Bible translation, distribution, engagement, and advocacy, working in some of Australia and the world’s most remote and challenging regions. From providing Bible-based literacy resources to Indigenous communities in Australia to supporting translation efforts in the Pacific and humanitarian support during international crises, our work brings hope and transformation through God’s word.
Who is EUC? Excelsia University College is a leading Christian higher education institution in Australia, with a rich history spanning over 42 years. Catering to more than 3,500 students, EUC is dedicated to equipping individuals for Christian leadership and service through a diverse range of academic programs. With a strong foundation in faith, knowledge, and culture, EUC fosters an environment where students can grow spiritually and intellectually, preparing them to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
The Other Cheek comments: After recording a $7m loss due to difficulties in rebuilding the sales, distribution, accountancy and website system at Koorong, the Bible Society has found a new home for the book seller.
But familiar faces are involved. Richard Grellman AM became board chair of Bible Society as it became a national body in 2010. He was responsible for appointing the formidable team of Greg Clarke and Barry Morris as CEO and CFO, who saw the merger process through. He was the Chair of Mission Australia when it seed funded the Centre for Public Christianity (CPX) when it was founded in 2007 by Greg Clarke and John Dickson. Grellman became CPX chair shortly after.
Grellman is a well-connected Sydney businessman, formerly chair of Genworth Mortgage Insurance and a former director of the AMP.
The Financial Review once reported on Grellman teaming up with Phillip Cave another successful businessman, founder and Executive Chair of Anchorage Capital Partners, to raise money for dementia research. Cave is Chair of Excelsia University College and a major funder. Cave and Grellman will be a formidable pair in ensuring Koorongs future.
Excelsia University College was formerly the Wesley Institute which was founded as an offhoot of Wesley Mission with creative ministry and theology as its core. It has added business, counseeling and education but has dropped theology. It has announced a move to a new campus at Pennant Hills in northern Sydney.
Correction: details of Grellman’s CPX timeline clarified.
I remember Richard Grellman as a very strong chair of the board of Mission Australia.
Koorong is in good hands.
Thanks to GOD