Mike Chalmers 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.

Food on the Table provide meals to people doing it tough in the community, including those experiencing homelessness, and aim to provide 100,000 meals annually. 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 over 20 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. 

​Tracy has worked in the homelessness arena for over 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. 

Jeremy has worked at The Big Issue since 2002. Based in Adelaide he supports and manages The Big Issue's social enterprises and community programs nationally. These initiatives include education programs which employ people with lived experience as guest speakers of which around 20 000 students a year have the privilege of hearing and 30 weekly local Community Street Soccer Programs which are effectively health education programs.

The main social enterprise which Jeremy supports continues to be the Street Magazine Enterprise which continues to deliver social inclusion, meaningful work and income opportunities for people experiencing homelessness, marginalisation and or disadvantage. 

Jeremy is excited to work with other people and organisations to deliver even better offerings and outcomes across the sector.

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 17 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 has since 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 where she works collaboratively across teams to connect people with housing options. 

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Amanda has been a member of the Homelessness SA board since 2022.

TBC

Leanne is an accountant with over 20 years of experience in finance and bookkeeping, including a decade working in the not-for-profit sector. As Treasurer, she looks after Homelessness SA’s finances by overseeing reporting and ensuring transparent record-keeping.

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Leanne views strong financial management not just as numbers on a page, but as the foundation that helps Homelessness SA grow and achieve its mission. Volunteering in this role allows her to give back by combining her professional expertise with a genuine passion for supporting causes that make a difference.

Since 2021 Sandra Fuchs has worked as the Alliance Senior Manager for the Country North Homelessness Alliance, a role that has enabled her to work collaboratively with partners across the sector to improve outcomes for people experiencing homelessness in her state.

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Her career in this sector commenced with a management position overseeing Homelessness, Domestic, and Aboriginal Family Violence services in Port Augusta and Coober Pedy. Through this experience, she gained a deeper understanding of the challenges encountered by individuals in regional and remote communities, as well as valuable insight into the factors contributing to disadvantage.

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With a strong commitment to advocating for regional communities, Sandra is dedicated to ensuring country voices are heard and respected in the ongoing effort to address homelessness.

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Sandra joined the board of Homelessness SA in 2025

Alice holds a Bachelor of Social Work and Social Planning from Flinders University and has been working in the community services sector for over 15 years. With a strong commitment to social justice and equity, she has specialised in the fields of homelessness and social housing since 2014.

Alice is currently the Alliance Senior Manager for the Country South Homelessness Alliance, where she leads strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts to improve outcomes for individuals and families experiencing homelessness across regional South Australia.