James Kyrios – Chair
James is a former volunteer and employee of the MHLC. During his time at the MHLC he coordinated the Night Service telephone legal advice line, arranged representation for clients before the Mental Health Tribunal and supported various MHLC services in a number of capacities. James currently works in tort litigation across all Australian jurisdictions, specifically in personal injury claims resulting from historical abuse.
Geoff Southwell – Deputy Chair
Geoff is CEO of Victorian disability advocacy agency Leadership Plus. He has many years of executive experience in information technology, operations, consulting and governance with small business, government and international enterprises as well as board experience in not for profit organisations, including Disability Advocacy Network Australia and the Victorian Disability Worker Commission .
Geoff has a Bachelor of Science, an MBA and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
David Treger – Treasurer
David is a values-driven CEO/ CFO with 20+ years of comprehensive finance and senior leadership experience. He is a versatile FMCG professional with substantial retail exposure in the hospitality, winery, fashion, toys and food industries. He is strategically minded, and solutions focussed. As a pragmatic, collaborative leader, he values the importance of communication and teamwork. Having a strong customer centric focus, he is passionate about helping others, and has worked in the not for profit and health and well‑being sectors. He is highly motivated, well organised and aspires to any challenge.
Theresa Swanborough OAM
Theresa was with the RDNS Homeless Persons Program, now renamed Bolton Clarke, for more than 25 years. In her role as Manager, Theresa oversaw the growth of the program from a small team of dedicated nurses working in the inner city to a team of more than 30 working across the greater Melbourne metropolitan area.
In 2002, Theresa received an Order of Australia Medal for her work both as a nurse and as a homeless advocate. Theresa also had a longstanding relationship with the Council to Homeless Persons where she has been an employee, Board member (multiple times), Board Chair and a member of the Finance Committee.
Mary Ann-Rushford
Mary-Anne Rushford is a registered nurse with substantial experience in the homeless sector. She has held several leadership and management roles, giving her experience in strategic and business planning, financial management, and stakeholder and partnership development.
Mary-Anne’s extensive clinical and management experience has allowed her to develop a comprehensive knowledge of mental health, homelessness, substance use, and disability and aged care needs. She is a strong and committed advocate on behalf of people experiencing homelessness, to ensure the provision of holistic health care based on best available evidence and practice experience.