Meet the Team

Our CEO Alison is supported by a small staff team, and the GFS board, all volunteers, whose role centres around governance and strategy. 

Alison Gilchrist

CEO

Alison joined GFS Perth directly after a management role in the WA social care sector. Working closely with the board she has initiated a change process aimed at enabling an almost 140-year-old organisation to continue and flourish in its contemporary setting.

Her experience includes 2 decades of church-based community development work in the UK followed by 7 years state-wide, at senior level with two denominations in WA; management of multiple outlets of international company both in the UK and overseas; the support and education of special needs pupils, and junior management within, successively, a government department, a school’s project related to urban regeneration and a family business. Alison trained for ordination at Cranmer Hall – Durham University and served in roles across diverse traditions, as well as leading a missional pilot project for the Church of England. She has developed dozens of new community initiatives and partnership projects using Asset Based Community Development modelling with a specialism in social inclusion.

Alison was the first female chaplain to the professional Rugby League in the world. She is also a published author, and conference speaker, and at various times appeared regularly on local radio, occasionally on TV and in other media in the UK; has been school governor, charity trustee, company director and chaired numerous groups.

Alison is a wife and mother to 2 adult daughters. A bunch of kids she has fostered and orphans in remote Kenya, have claimed her as Mamma too. She read lots, keeps fit, enjoys her 2 terriers, dislikes green tea intensely and LOL at every chance – which is enhanced by a Facebook group she founded some years ago called ‘The Global Smile Challenge‘.

Her passion is to see widespread human flourishing that enables everyone to thrive.

Margaret Porter

Miriam Kauhiva

Shona Easton‑Gomez

Fardowsa Samatar

Sana Carvallio

Sas Jacobs

Jill Bowman

As the new chair of GFS Perth I would like to thank my predecessor Josie Steytler. Josie has been part of GFS for many years undertaking a variety of rolls. Josie has guided the organisation through some significant changes in recent year and should be commended for her commitment.

As I read through the history of GFS Perth I have been delighted and in awe of the courageous and entrepreneurial character of the woman who have been associated with the organisation. They have reached out to remote communities, bought and sold properties and invested in woman and girls across the state developing opportunity for learning and leadership.

I have been a member of GFS for several years and have benefited from the support offered to me in my roles with children’s ministry in my local church. I have found the warmth offered in friendship to be very encouraging.

When the opportunity arose for me to step forward into the role of chair, I was excited by the prospect of been able to be part of the next steps GFS takes. As with all things nothing stays the same, GFS Perth included. We need to adapt to the world finding where we can make the most difference in the lives of woman and girls. There is a well-documented pandemic of loneliness within our communities, across the nation, in fact throughout the world. Loneliness that can be address by a smile, an inclusive welcome, an acknowledgement, an opportunity to create a sense of belonging.

I have a strong background in the disability sector including, piloting, providing and managing community support services as well as recreational and sporting opportunities for people with a disability and their families at local and national levels. I have been and still am, involved in community activities with a strong inclusion focus. I have worked in the not for profit area, Local Government and the State Government within a national framework of inclusive practice.

I have experience on not for profit boards over many years. I have developed opportunities for inclusive practice at the grass roots level in local communities and am currently working alongside others internationally to build inclusive opportunities for those who have traditionally been extremely marginalised.

I understand the importance of developing and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders. I have access to a large network and can identify and build alliances with relevant local and state government agencies. I come with experience in developing policy and procedures, growing volunteer support and change management.

I and have strong advocacy, training and facilitation skills. I have a willingness and commitment to foster the development of relationships including but not limited to board members, staff, members and the targeted demographic.

I wear many hats; my favourite fun hat is that of Grandma to my 12 beautiful grandchildren. I am a committed Christian and see the work at GFS Perth as an action of my faith.

My hope and prayer is that I can lead and encourage GFS Perth in undertaking the exciting, plans for growth and development, underpinned by inclusive practice and child safe principals. To support the healing of any hurts that may have come from the pains of change and to assist all the wonderful members to develop life giving friendships that facilitate flourishing in an inclusive environment.

Yvonne Kador

Charlee Hateley

My name is Charlotte (Charlee) and I am so excited about joining the board of GFS.

I was born in Australia in 1988 and attended St. Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls. I was awarded a Music scholarship in 2001, drums being my instrument of choice. I play all genres of music, from jazz, symphony, pop and rock. I was one of the 4 head prefects at St Hilda’s and graduated with two honours awards.

After school, I was fortunate to take a year to travel and work before commencing Flying Training to become a Commercial Pilot. Upon completing my flying training, I was awarded the Air BP Tom Miller Scholarship.

I am also a qualified flying instructor. I have trained many young pilots including the Air Force Cadets and cadet pilots for China Southern Airways.

I am now a Captain for an Australian Airline. In 2023 I became the first female in Australia to be Captain of my current fleet.

I have been successfully involved with the local government regarding rezoning, which is something I am very passionate about.

I have been involved with and am a director of a successful company located here in Perth for over 8 years.

Privately I love pilates, going most days when I am able, and spending time with my family, which includes my beautiful dog Mira, and travelling.

For some time I have been looking for a new challenge and for something to be a part of. I would like to be able to give a little bit back to the Community. The opportunity to become part of the GFS Board, with all the exciting plans for the future is an amazing opportunity. I will hopefully get to meet many of you and I am looking forward to GFS moving into the future with the amazing plans at West Swan.