StreetSmart Australia Announces New Board of Directors
StreetSmart Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of six new Directors, marking the completion of a significant period of renewal for the organisation. This refresh follows an extensive recruitment process which attracted an outstanding field of 56 applicants from across Australia’s social impact, corporate and community sectors.
The six new directors bring a powerful combination of lived experience, governance depth, community impact leadership, legal and regulatory expertise, strategic transformation capability, and senior executive experience across multiple sectors. Together, they form a Board that is exceptionally well equipped to guide StreetSmart into its next phase of growth, influence and sector collaboration
The new Directors appointed to the Board are:
Simon Fenech, General Manager & Director, Fruit2Work
Jeremy Yipp, Former Chair, CCI Giving
Sally Hines, Executive Director, Strategy, Growth and Engagement, Each
Philippa O’Dea, Mediator and Statutory Appointee, Psychology Council NSW
Dan Creasey, Former Director of Responsible Business, King & Wood Mallesons
Melissa McGregor, General Manager, Chiesi Australia and New Zealand
Jeremy joins as incoming Treasurer and Philippa as Company Secretary. They join existing Board Members:
Jerry Martson (Chair), Director, Wilkins Family Foundation
Adam Robinson, Chief of Impact and Founder, StreetSmart Australia
Barry Moore, General Manager, La Marzocco
StreetSmart also acknowledges and celebrates the contribution of Charlie Pitney, who is retiring and has served the organisation with distinction, including as Chair. Charlie’s leadership, stability and commitment have been instrumental throughout this period of transition and renewal
A Message from the Chair
Board Chair Jerry Marston welcomed the new Directors, saying:
“The appointment of such an experienced group of new Directors completes a 9-month process of renewal during which we have consolidated our finances for the medium term, recruited a new and highly talented CEO, and re-created a Board fit for purpose to provide the governance and strategic direction we need to move forward with confidence. I’m really energised and excited about StreetSmart’s future and how it will continue to deliver its crucial role in supporting action to combat homelessness at the grassroots.”
A Message from the CEO
CEO Alan White said the strengthened Board comes at a pivotal moment for StreetSmart:
“I’m excited to welcome this exceptional group of leaders to our Board. Their experience, values and commitment align perfectly with the important role StreetSmart must play in the future – strengthening our collective giving model, deepening our funding partnerships, amplifying our thought leadership, and expanding our material aid and capacity-building support. This new Board joins a dedicated and talented team that is deeply committed to collaborating with the sector and ensuring StreetSmart continues to be a trusted, responsive and community-centred force for change.”
A Message from the Founder
Founder Adam Robinson, who established StreetSmart 23 years ago, celebrated this chapter:
“What began as a simple idea two decades ago – mobilising local communities to support people facing or at risk of homelessness – has never been more important. I’m thrilled to see a new Board of such calibre step forward to guide StreetSmart’s mission. Their experience, energy and commitment give me great confidence that the work we started all those years ago will continue to grow, adapt and deliver the support that people and grassroots organisations urgently need.”
A New Era for StreetSmart
The appointment of six Directors marks the culmination of one of StreetSmart Australia’s most significant governance transitions. The recruitment process was highly competitive and designed to align the Board’s capabilities with the organisation’s strategic priorities, including lived experience engagement, homelessness prevention, community-led micro-granting, and national partnerships that strengthen grassroots services.
For further discussion, please contact:
Alan White
CEO | StreetSmart Australia
