Finding A Point of Difference

Aug 13, 2025

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Finding A Point of Difference

Andrea Badcock works for Tasmanian Baptists two mornings a week and Newstead Baptist three mornings a week, while also running her own business from home.

Born and Raised in Tassie

I was born in Launceston, Tasmania, to Dutch immigrants. I’ve been bilingual for as long as I can remember— although my parents never deliberately set out to make me so, I simply began to understand what they were saying.

Before I was born, my parents began attending the Christian Revival Crusade (CRC) with Pastor Ken Chant. I’ve been a Christian my whole life, though not always a regular churchgoer. I was saved at nine and baptised at 14. I loved being a Pentecostal believer, and I loved my church and its youth community.

My mum’s family came to Tasmania shortly after they left Holland, because they missed her— apart from one sister who married and moved to South Africa. Mum had four brothers and four sisters; Dad was one of eight, with six brothers and one sister. One of Mum’s brothers and sisters lived nearby, and we often did things together as a family. Mum miscarried my brother at six months and was told not to have more children, which was heartbreaking for them and for me.

Growing Up

We lived in Zeehan for five years (1969–1974), and as a child I loved it. It was a lively, community-minded place to grow up. My performing life began there with a Brownie production of Snow White and a school production of Off the Beaten Track. That’s when I knew I wanted to perform. I danced, sang, and wanted to record music. When we moved back to Launceston, I pursued my dream and by 16, I was performing in a band at local pubs and clubs.

“You Can Do This”

At 19, I was in a horrendous car accident on my way to the Mother of the Year contest and never made it there. It took 18-months before I could walk unaided. Doctors told my mother there was only a slim chance I’d walk again, and that I would likely be in a wheelchair for life.

Mum clung to that small chance with her faith in God and sheer determination. Through painful rehab, and Mum pushing me as hard as she could, I eventually walked again. My spine is fused, which keeps me upright, and although I sometimes use walking aids, I can always hear Mum’s voice: You can do this. I know you can!

A Fork in the Road

In my twenties, I moved around before settling in Newcastle for a year, where much of Mum’s family lived. I cared for my Oma (grandmother) and worked in Sydney. This is where I began singing in piano bars with a fellow Tasmanian pianist, and we did quite well. I even met Michael Gudinski, who wanted to record my voice. At that point, I was eager to seize the opportunity, but my back problems flared up, landing me in hospital sky high on drugs. I had to cancel the recording contract.

I haven’t regretted it. At the time, the paparazzi were relentless, and like many artists, I found them intimidating. Princess Diana’s death in 1997 was a wake-up call about the downsides of fame. I felt safe at home, playing in my band every Friday and Saturday night. Even now, people come up to me saying, “You played at our wedding … at the football club … at the pub … at festivals.” Those memories mean a lot.

Tasmanian Life

I’m married to Dale, and we have four children: three boys and one girl: Will (30), Esther (24), Aidan (23), and James (21). They are a joy and I love them so much.

To see them grow into well-adjusted adults is such a blessing, especially considering doctors once told me I wouldn’t have children. After nine miscarriages Will was born, I am so amazed by them

I now split my time between working for Tasmanian Baptists (two mornings a week), Newstead Baptist (three mornings a week), and running my business, A Point of Difference Labour Hire, which provides seasonal workers from Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and the Wallis and Futuna Islands.

For the Love of Music

I currently have a youth production called Youth Spectacular in the works, though it’s on hold due to work commitments. We’re aiming for March/April 2026. It’s a showcase for talented young dancers, singers, and instrumentalists from Launceston and surrounds. They help create the performance from the ground up—choosing lights, costumes, and even music—while working alongside industry professionals. If you see the advertising, please come and see them!

I play bass guitar and piano in the church band, making sure that the keys are correct and that everyone has a copy. I am currently learning how to do the audiovisuals for songs and announcements. Playing the music is uplifting and I love that, doing the AV. It’s a part of music and I still feel connected to it.

How to Pray for Andrea …

I’m working on maintaining a calm, non-stressed attitude—something that doesn’t always come naturally. My role sometimes requires delivering difficult feedback or even letting someone go after repeated warnings, which I find challenging.

Pray that I keep walking closely with God, that I continue to be a “point of difference” in my work, and that the people I manage understand we care about them—not just as workers, but as people.

Short ‘n’ Sweet

I‘m looking forward to… playing bass with the Worship Team.

I am worried about… getting everything done on time as some of the time lines are a bit tight.

I‘m confident in… the work I do, and feel the hand of God asking me to stay.

I am joyful about… having the energy to complete the tasks that are set for me.

I‘d like to change… the pain of war in the countries where war is going on at the the moment.

I am at my best when… I am helping others, chatting with them

The best advice I ever received? If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.

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Finding A Point of Difference