Why I Believe

Will Hopoate - National Rugby League Star

Elder Will Hopoate is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) recently returned from serving a two-year full-time mission in Queensland.  He is also a national Rugby League Star.

Second youngest to ever play in the “State of Origin”, he scored a try helping the New South Wales Blues to defeat the Queensland Maroons before a crowd of 92,000.  This unproven teenager did a man’s job in the gruelling match.

Turning down contracts exceeding a million dollars, he became a world-wide sensation with his decision to put his career on hold to take on a significantly more spiritual assignment.  Elder Hopoate considers it a privilege to share the gospel with others and tells us why he believes.

Dr Peter Stopher - Professor of Transport Planning at the University of Sydney

Dr Peter Stopher, a professor of transport planning at the University of Sydney, holds degrees in Civil and Municipal Engineering, with a PhD in Traffic Studies from the University of London.  Peter’s teaching and consulting expertise have taken him and his family to Great Britain, the United States, Canada and Australia.  He has authored five books and presented or authored over 250 papers.

Peter learned about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when he was in his mid-fifties.  After discovering the teachings were true, he joined the faith.  He makes time to serve in the Church and volunteers with his wife in the Mormon Temple in Sydney.  Peter tells why he believes.

Peter Meurs - Corporate Mining Executive

Mormon Peter Meurs is a mechanical engineer. As an executive at Worley Parsons, he was part of the team that developed the Australian mining equipment and services conglomerate to 30,000 staff internationally. Now he is Director of Expansion and Development Projects at Fortescue Metals, the fourth largest producer of iron ore in the world.

Peter explains the reasons for his beliefs, the importance he places on his family, and the peace and happiness that come from living the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

James Rietdijk - Christian DJ

James Rietdijk, of Dutch ancestry, combined his musical interest and his belief in God to serve.  In a new “Why I Believe” video, James tells of his journey and why he became a Latter-day Saint Christian.

Torah Bright  -  Olympic Gold Medal Winner in Half-pipe Competition 2010

August 2010

Known for her gold medal win in the 2010 Winter Olympics half-pipe competition, Torah tells about her faith in Christ and her membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Torah's comments appear in an exclusive interview, the first of the new "Why I Believe" series featuring Australian Mormons who are prominent in the community.

John Bailey  -  Businessman and Founder of the Income Tax Professionals (ITP)

September 2010

John Bailey is one of Australia's most senior business leaders. From a small one-man office, he developed The Income Tax Professionals, into a leading national tax consultancy. John not only excels in the business field but does community and Church service and also enjoys his large family.

Patrice Tipoki Arkins -  Professional Singer, Patrice Tipoki Arkins, starred in the musical, "Wicked", in Sydney.

September 2010

Performer Patrice Tipoki Arkins recently played a lead role in the play, "Wicked", in Sydney. Since a young girl, Patrice makes family life a priority over her career. Patrice recently sang the NZ national anthem at the Bledisloe Cup Game between Australia and New Zealand.

Dr Craig Raeside -  Australian Forensic Psyschiatrist

December 2010

Dr. Craig Raeside is a well known Australian forensic psychiatrist. He specializes in the assessment of mentally ill criminal offenders, victims of crime and other personal injuries. He gives psychiatric treatments to prisoners and often gives expert evidence in the courts for mental health, substance abuse and criminal behavior.

Grant Pitman -  Chief Superintendent of Police

March 2011

Grant Pitman, Chief Superintendent of Police and Director of Strategic Planning in the Queensland Police Force, comes from a family of police officers. He was accepted into university because of his values and character formed as he grew up in a family that had converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Grant has a number of university degrees, including a doctorate of political science.

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