About us

Matt studied science at Sydney Uni but quickly realised he wasn’t cut out for a white lab coat. As a result, he’s spent the last 30 years in various forms of management in the community / charity sector. Since early 2019, he’s been Soul’s General Manager and says it’s one of the best jobs he’s ever had.

After relocating from Perth, Lorraine volunteered her time at Soul Hub on reception. An early retirement was not for her and after several months this led to a role in finance, drawing on previous financial and administrative skills. She loves her job, the amazing team she works with, and feels very grateful she can contribute and be part of the Soul Family.

Michelle is a lover of nature and an avid swimmer, she is also CPA Accountant and has worked in a variety of industries ranging from Retail, Tax, Corporate and Mining. After having a break from work, it allowed her to finally change direction in life and get involved with Soul.  She is excited now that she can not only use her skills in finance, organizing and process improvement to assist in Souls` administrative area and events, but be part of something that supports the lives and wellbeing of others.

Nic has a heart for service in particular serving the vulnerable and lonely members of society. Nic started as a volunteer and later began a traineeship in Certificate IV in Community Services with Soul Hub. When not studying or working Nic loves hanging out with mates, listening to music, surfing, his dogs and following the Parramatta Eels (we try not to hold this against him). Nic describes working at Soul as “a dream job in every way, Soul is my family.” 

Mary is a born and bred Novocastrian. She’s a mother, nurse & the latest addition to our small staff team. She started as a volunteer in the reception crew and is now a vital part of our Volunteer Wellbeing Team. Refreshingly authentic, Mary is loved by both guests and volunteers alike. She embodies the Soul spirit with pride and says her time at Soul “makes my heart sing.” As pictured above, Mary also appeared in our ‘Story of Soul 2023 Calendar’. 

John has been volunteering at Soul since 2020. Having first arrived in Australia in 2015, he and his wife Linda are hoping to make Australia their home as their two sons, partners and three grandchildren are now residents. He enjoys the beach and has always loved snorkeling and diving. John hopes to explore many more parts of Australia. John loves meeting and chatting to our Soul guests and is now actively involved in SMART Recovery and Coaching programs.

Mark enjoys being part of an inclusive space where individuals feel valued, safe and heard. Sometimes laughing loudly with guests, he has a focus on fostering respect and empathy. Mark hopes that everyone who walks through the door feels welcomed and may step into some calm in their day. In his other activity as a PhD researcher his aim is to narrow the gap between the theory and practice of how people care and relate to each other. He recognises that meaningful interactions with human connection can be restorative, especially when yummy food abounds, like at Soul.

Martin came to Soul from the Defence Force where he served 20 years between the Navy and the RAAF. He came to discover Soul in 2019 after being introduced to them to help in his own mental illness that he was struggling with. Martin says after his own journey he now understands mental illness more and has the drive to help others. He also completed his Certificate IV in Mental Health. Martin has a wife, three kids and 4 grandkids, he enjoys playing cricket and supporting the mighty Parramatta Eels.

Sarah moved from the UK to Australia and decided to make after falling in love with Newcastle, she decided to make it home to raise her beautiful family. She spends her time enjoying the outdoors, camping, the beach and exploring new places with my family and the dog. (Bonus points if there’s good coffee along the way too)! With a BA in Social Work since 2007, Sarah’s always been passionate about empowering those she works with. “Advocating for those that are the most vulnerable is something that Soul Hub are already so great at doing, so to be a part of supporting our guests on this journey feels like such a privilege to be a part of.”

Wife to Rick and devoted mum and Grandma, Sue has been the Floor / Kitchen manager at Soul Hub for 10 years. She loves what she does every day, serving some of the most vulnerable people in our community. She also appreciates her amazing team, who she sees as family and calls the ‘best in the world’.

Jocelyne holds a Bachelor of Social Work and Fine Arts. As the Soul social worker, she works to remove barriers for guests when it comes to accessing support and achieving their goals. Jocelyne’s strong commitment to social justice and person-centred approach inform all aspects of her practice. When she is not working Jocelyne enjoys reading, cooking, and the outdoors.

Currently on maternity leave.

Rick is incredibly passionate about Newcastle and its people. His leadership has been a catalytic in pioneering church, community and civic partnerships over decades across the region – for which he’s been widely recognised. It’s with Rick’s guidance and heart that Soul has become the much-loved charity it is today.

Originally a country lad with a career in farming, Howard moved into youth work then landscaping before becoming a Salvation Army minister, where he spent 20 years working as manager of a welfare centre. He acts as the points leader for our major fundraiser, Sleepout for Soul, and sits on the Management Team.

David is a retired registered architect with over 20 years of business experience as CEO of his own enterprises. He also served full time at Compassion Australia for 11.5 years and started serving on NFP boards from 1991 onwards, joining the Soul Board of Trustees in December 2016. David loves photography, kayaking and travel.

Outdoor-man Anthony has over ten years’ experience in accounting and currently works as a Senior Financial Accountant at a large Not-For-Profit in Newcastle. Wanting to use his skill set to help the vulnerable of our city, he started providing accounting support to Soul in March 2017 and became a Trustee the following year.

Linda is the newest addition to our trustee team. She’s had a passion for helping the marginalised and disadvantaged from an early age and currently works as a program manager supporting children with disabilities or delays and their families. She has diplomas in social science and teaching and a quirky sense of humour!