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The Board of Directors is comprised of members from the community who have an interest in youth homelessness and oversee the Governance and Strategic Development of Hope Street.
The Board is the ultimate authority being legally, financially and ethically accountable for the performance of the entire organisation in achieving its stated purpose. Its role is to govern and it may delegate authority to the CEO to manage the day to day operation of the organisation.
Board members meet once every second month for approximately 2 hours.
Kat George
Board Chair
Joined Hope Street in 2019; BA Arts (Media & Communications), LL.B, LL.M; Human rights and consumer policy professional
Role: To support the governance of the organisation and help it to meet sustainable long term strategic goals.
I am a passionate advocate for human rights. Hope Street's work with young people facing hardship is invaluable and inspiring. I am excited to support this work, and strive towards a future where everyone has equal opportunity, including a roof over their head.
Anthony Goldsworthy
Treasurer and Chair of Finance Committee
Joined Hope Street in 2020; BComm (Finance & Accounting), Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, CFO Advisory & Assurance Director
Role: To utilise my expertise in continual improvement of financial governance and to assist the drive of sound commercial outcomes supporting the strategic direction of Hope Street.
Being raised in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne, the Hope Street mission to empower young people in the Western and Northern Suburbs to overcome disadvantage really resonates with me. Being able to contribute to the organisation through membership on the Board and Finance Committee is a privilege.
Riley Ellard
Secretary and Chair of Millennial Advisory Group
Joined Hope Street in 2020; BA, LL.B, LL.M; Human rights, justice and social policy professional
Role: To support the governance of the organisation through evidence-based decision making and a focus on the needs, goals and experiences of young people.
There is strong evidence that without access to safe, stable housing, young people are less able to engage with education, employment, health services and therapeutic supports. Housing is crucial to enabling young people to get their lives on track and thrive. I’m excited to be on the Board of Directors, Chair of the Millennial Advisory Group and a member of the Business Development and Partnerships Committee, highlighting Hope Street’s work supporting young people in times of crisis and working with them to achieve sustainable housing solutions.
Simon Jackson
Director and Chair of Risk Management and Compliance Committee
Joined Hope Street in 2021; BPsych(Hons), MPsychOrg; Human focussed, People, Technology and Projects professional
Role: To support governance and to help build on the unique strengths of the organisation through collaboration with the Board Directors and CEO.
I believe all people have a right to a safe place to call home. I feel fortunate to work with an organisation that is taking an active, human-centred and innovative approach to address this goal. Through my Board Director role at Hope Street, it is a privilege to be part of the community of Hope Street management, staff, volunteers and partners who are dedicated to supporting young people facing hardship to find a safe and supportive home.
Elizabeth Young
Director
Joined Hope Street in 2021; Significant experience in the health sector; Considerable knowledge and skills in public policy, program management, evaluation, strategic planning and advocacy
Role: To support the governance and strategic direction of the organisation.
I have a passion for public health and prevention, and have worked across community and youth, hospital, academia, local and state governments.
Margaret Novelin
Director
Joined Hope Street in 2025; B. Econ, MBA, Member of Chartered Accountants Australia and NZ, finance and accounting professional.
Role: To utilise my knowledge and experience in financial governance and to support Hope Street in meeting its long-term, strategic goals.
“Supporting youth homelessness is a cause close to my heart. I believe that having access to a safe accommodation and supporting environment is an important aspect for every young person to be able to achieve great things in the future. I am glad that I have got the opportunity to serve and contribute to the community through my role at Hope Street.”
Nicholas Arcaro
Director
Joined Hope Street in 2025; Grad Dip (Occupational Health & Safety), Human rights and Psychosocial Risk Management professional.
Role: As a Board Director and member of the Risk Management and Compliance Committee, I bring a people-centred governance lens grounded in psychological safety, psychosocial risk and inclusion. I focus on balancing compliance with care, bringing a contemporary understanding of human factors to inform decision-making, safeguard both people and organisation, and enable sustainable, values-led outcomes.
“I believe every young person deserves a place to feel safe and call home. Through my work across risk management, wellbeing and inclusion, I’ve seen how housing insecurity shapes life outcomes, and Hope Street’s commitment to tackling both immediate need and systemic change deeply resonates with me. I’m excited and feel privileged on the Hope Street Board of Directors and as a member of the Risk Management and Compliance Committee to contribute to a more just and equitable future for young people.“
How can I join the Board?
To ensure a strong, functioning Board we seek people, who are not current Hope Street clients, with experience or involvement in:
- Issues of social justice;
- A community organisation, agency, service and club;
- Young people;
- Legal/accounting;
- Fundraising
No formal qualifications are required however an interest in youth homelessness is essential. Please contact us for further information.
