Mike Chalmers, our current Chair, has an entrepreneurial background, having run various of his own businesses for most of his life, after studying economics and commerce at Uni.

Realising through his own journey that he is extremely fortunate, to be physically and mentally happy and healthy, and financially secure, in 2017 Mike set up a charity which he co-founded, then Cafe Outside the Square, and now called Food on the Table.

They provide meals to people doing it tough in the community, including those experiencing homelessness, and aim to provide 100,000 meals in the next 12 months. They also offer work experience and training opportunities in hospitality, for people who maybe just need a bit of a leg up, and a place to go where they feel welcome and valued.

Tania currently works for The Salvation Army as Manager of their Alcohol and Other Drug Programs for South Australia. Tania has 19 years’ experience working in the alcohol and other drug and human services sector. Tania has a Bachelor of Counselling and Communication and was initially trained as a Registered Nurse.

Tania believes that working with people is a position of privilege and finds it to be a humbling and grounding experience. Tania has been a board member of Homelessness SA since 2012. 

Outer North Youth Homelessness Programs and Hannah Place.

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Tracy has worked in the homelessness arena for 21 years. Tracy started as a volunteer with Youth Services of the Barossa (YSOB). Further education starting at Tafe SA and has studied a number of Community Services Certificates before then gaining employment in the homelessness field as a case manager with YSOB.

Tracy currently works as a Manager in Youth Homelessness with Centacare. Along the way Tracy studied at university and has a Graduate Diploma in Social Science (Housing Management and Policy). Tracy has been a member of the Homelessness SA board for 14 years. 

Matt has 10 years of experience working in the community and homelessness sector. Completed an honours degree in Development Studies in 2013 and an internship in Indonesia helping to eradicate corruption in the community and government sector, Matt decided to focus on ways to alleviate homelessness at a local level and was lucky enough to find The Big Issue.

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Joining The Big Issue in 2012, Matt became State Manager a few years later, responsible for all of the Big Issue programs including the Street Magazine Enterprise, Community Street Soccer Program, Women’s Workforce and various educational enterprises. With a primary focus on finding employment solutions for people who are homeless and disadvantaged and other ways to connect to the community. 

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This role has allowed Matt to liaise, work and learn from incredible people in the community and finding ways to help others. Proud member of the Homelessness SA board since 2021.

Ryan has over 16 years’ experience working in the Youth Homelessness Sector since completing his Bachelor of Social Work from Uni SA.

Ryan currently works at St John’s Youth Services as the inaugural Manager of youth110, South Australia’s emergency accommodation service for young people experiencing homelessness. This award-winning model of independent apartment-based crisis accommodation is a world first and has proven to be successful in challenging shelter-based models.

Ryan has also held management and leadership positions at Foyer Port Adelaide (Formerly Ladder St Vincent Street) and Burdekin Place and previous experience working in the Department of Child Protection.

Ryan has been a Board Member of Homelessness SA since 2012, has represented South Australia on the Council to Homeless Person Australia and was previously involved in SACOSS policy council for three years

Karen Aistrope is the CEO of Carrington Cottages Limited, an innovative Transitional Housing Accommodation Provider who leads the pathway from “At risk to the journey home”. 

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Karen has worked in both the not-for-profit and corporate sectors and brings a wealth of relevant experience in strategic development, operational delivery, culture and leadership, collaborative partnerships, facilities management, innovation and growth including championing pilot programs where there is an unmet need. 

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She has deep insights into the multiple factors that contribute to social disadvantage and a genuine desire to respond holistically to the needs of vulnerable people.

For over fifteen years Kim has been dedicated to working with The Salvation Army in the homelessness sector. Her career began in frontline counselling roles, where she provided therapeutic support to individuals facing homelessness, substance use issues, mental health challenges, family breakdowns, and other complex life circumstances.

In recent years, Kim has transitioned into leadership and program management positions, where she has successfully supported teams of frontline staff in delivering person-centred, trauma-informed, and individualised care to some of the most vulnerable individuals in South Australia.

In 2024, Kim was appointed State Manager for Homelessness and Alcohol and Other Drug Services. Kim is deeply passionate about social justice and remains committed to fostering a positive workplace culture that empowers frontline staff while ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality services.

Allen is a proud Kaurna and Kokatha man who has a passion for giving back to the community. Allen currently is a support for many people that are marginalised and experiencing homelessness. Allen has a lived experience of homelessness which provides him with a unique lens from which he can share his insights and wisdom with the board of Homelessness SA. Allen wants to be a voice for people that might not have that opportunity. Allen likes to be there as a listening non-judgemental ear for those that need it and understands that being fully present in the moment for someone is important and meaningful. 

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He is currently involved with the Pilgrim Uniting Church and volunteers at their Sunday night teas, whilst also volunteering for Orange Sky Laundry. Allen is musically gifted and it has always been an important part of his life, playing the didgeridoo and drums in many bands. In recent years has also delved into the field of acting. He has been a chair of the Blackwood Reconciliation Group, is on the Mission Development Committee at Pilgrim Uniting Church and has also been on the Walking Together with First and Second Peoples Committee. He has very recently been added to the South Australian Media Spokesperson Network. 

Amanda first worked in Homelessness 35years ago.  Amanda’s first placement was with Anglicare’s Magdalene Centre in Adelaide for two years.  

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Amanda then stepped away from Homelessness after completing a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Criminology and Sociology and worked within Corrections.  Her career then took her into Employment Services.

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Amanda returned to her passion, working with some of the most disadvantaged and disconnected people in our community.  Amanda spent 10 years as the Team Leader of Inner Southern Youth Homelessness service and has since moved to the Toward Home Alliance. 

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Amanda has been a member of the Homelessness SA board for 2 years.

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