About Iona Trinity College
Iona Trinity College of Higher Education Pty Ltd (TEQSA Provider ID PRV14376; CRICOS Provider Code 04294D), trading as Iona Trinity College, is a nationally registered higher education provider under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 in the category of Institute of Higher Education.
Purpose
The college was established with the purpose of delivering ecumenical and non-denominational theology and counselling courses that will educate and prepare students with the knowledge to be positive contributors in the community.
Vision
Our vision is to operate as a leading higher educational provider for domestic students, including those from Australian indigenous backgrounds, and international students, so that they may improve the intellectual and spiritual well-being of the community.
Mission
Our mission is to deliver ecumenical and non-denominational programmes that instil higher quality skills, knowledge, wisdom and service necessary in students for a meaningful and rewarding career that benefits the community.
College Emblem
In the 6th century, the missionary Columba (521–597) left Ireland with 12 disciples and a copy of the Bible he transcribed by hand. They settled on the small island of Iona off the west coast of Scotland, where they established a monastery and began spreading the gospel.
Iona, a small and remote island in Scotland, became the centre from which Columba spread the Christian faith across Scotland, and later to Britain, Celtic nations, Viking territories and Western Europe. Despite its isolation, Iona’s message of Jesus’ gospel transcended all conditions, leading empires to be reborn as Christian nations.
Historically, Iona has been a hub of truth, mission work, education, pastoral care, monastic life and spiritual training. Columba’s mission, though small and humble, demonstrated the life-changing power of the gospel, showcasing the glory of the living God (1 Corinthians 1:18-25).
Today, Iona is considered a holy site in Scotland, attracting hundreds of pilgrims daily. The Iona Community, a centre for spiritual growth, continues to influence the global church. Many institutions worldwide bear the name Iona or Columba, including universities and schools.
Inspired by Celtic Christianity, we have conducted historical research and visited Iona multiple times with our students. Combining the names of Saint Columba and his mission area, we named our institution “Iona Trinity College.” Our college is founded on the values of truth, mission, service, and prayer, aiming to impart these through education.
The college emblem is derived from the image of the Celtic cross. It features a circle symbolising the eternal love of God (John 1:1-5) surrounding the cross of Christ’s salvation, emphasising the Trinity. The emblem includes the college’s name and the Greek words for “Word” and “Life,” reflecting the themes of the Gospel of John. The colours represent the Australian outback, with the cross firmly established as a proclamation of salvation.
Inaugural Lecture
As part of the college’s formal launch in March 2025, the inaugural lecture was delivered by the founding principal, Reverend Dr Sang Taek Lee. His lecture, titled “A Theology of Living: Journey through Embedded, Deliberative and Embodied Theology,” introduced the college’s educational ethos, which values open inquiry, reflective dialogue and the formation of students prepared to serve with wisdom, compassion and integrity.