BWNS Board — Bendigo Winter Night Shelter

Chris Dalton

Chairperson

Chris Dalton was elected Chairperson at the November 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM). He had no prior involvement with BWNS. Chris' current term as Chairperson ends at the November 2026 AGM.

Chris is a Christian who believes that the Kingdom of God can be found at places like BWNS. He lives in Elmore with his family.

Chris has a long history of involvement in community organisations including as a Board member. He is currently a Committee Member of the MacDonald House Trust which distributes grants to deaf and hard of hearing Victorians.

Chris has a professional background in senior and executive governance roles. More information can be found at Chris Dalton | LinkedIn

Daryl Lynch

Operations Manager

Daryl Lynch is the Operations Manager of the Bendigo Winter Night Shelter (BWNS). He is the only BWNS employee.

Daryl, as Operations Manager, is responsible for the safe, effective, and compassionate day-to-day operation of BWNS. This role ensures:

- guests are supported with dignity

- volunteers are well-coordinated and supported

- compliance obligations are met

- operations align with BWNS values, policies, and strategic direction set by the Board.

Daryl is a passionate advocate for supporting people experiencing homelessness in the Bendigo community.

Daryl started out with his heart for service doing outreach for Fr Bob Maguire at the Father Bob Maguire Foundation. Daryl subsequently became the Outreach Director for the Foundation.

Daryl was then employed in assertive outreach for ERMHA (Eastern Regions Mental Health Association). Assertive outreach involves connecting with people considered high risk to themselves and the community.

Daryl has also been instrumental in developing practical outreach initiatives across Victoria. These initiatives include an outreach hub in the Melbourne CBD, coordinating a mobile shower truck and other essential services to people doing it tough. Daryl believes that small acts of kindness, a warm meal, a safe bed, or simply taking time to listen, can have a profound impact on someone’s life.

Daryl is driven by a simple belief: that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported. Especially during life’s hardest seasons. More information can be found at Daryl Lynch | LinkedIn

Michael Chalkley

Board member and Chair Operations Committee

Michael Chalkley was appointed to the BWNS Board in April 2025 to fill a casual vacancy. Michale was elected as a Board member and Chair of the Operations Committee at the November 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM). His current term as a Board member ends at the November 2028 AGM.

Michael is a member of the Kennington Catholic Parish. He has been a volunteer with the BWNS since its inception. He believes that the BWNS is a concrete example of being the face of Jesus in our community.

Michael is a retired catholic school administrator. He actively volunteers at the St Vincent de Paul Society, the Sandhurst Catholic Diocese Finance Council and Marist Schools Australia Regional Council.

Amy Rouse

Board member and Media Manager

Amy Rouse was elected as a Board member and Media Manager at the November 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM). Her current term as Media Manager and Board Member ends at the November 2026 AGM.

Amy's involvement with BWNS began as a volunteer during the 2025 season. Amy was inspired by the strong sense of community and kindness shown by both volunteers and guests.

Amy brings over ten years of leadership experience across the private, community and government sectors. She is deeply commited to ending homelessness and social disadvantage. More information can be found at Amy Rouse | LinkedIn.

Nayomi Parsons

Board member and Member of Operations Committee

Nayomi Parsons was elected as a Board member at the November 2020 Annual General Meeting (AGM). Her current term as a Board Member ends at the November 2027 AGM.

Nayomi has lived in Bendigo for over 20 years. She has been a volunteer with BWNS since it began in various roles: volunteer, venue coordinator, volunteer coordinator and board member.

Nayomi is passionate about making a difference to those in our community who are in need. Those needs include ensuring there is food and shelter for all and helping to be and bring Jesus to the people.

Nayomi has a background in community services, management and administration. She wants BWNS to continue to grow and spread in the Bendigo community.

Jason Worme

Board member and Community Partnerships Manager

Jason Worme was elected as a Board Member and the Community Partnerships Manager at the November 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM). His current term concludes at the November 2027 AGM.

Jason's role as Community Partnerships Manager builds partnerships with local businesses, community groups and supporters, These partnerships strengthen the Shelter’s fundraising and community engagement.

Jason lives in Bendigo. He believes strong communities take responsibility for supporting their most vulnerable members. Jason has seen the scale of homelessness overseas and is motivated to help ensure Bendigo addresses the issue early by maintaining a strong local response. He believes people experiencing homelessness in our community are supported.

Jason has a background in business ownership and operational leadership across several industries. He has also held senior leadership roles in manufacturing and Defence industry programs. Jason served as an Infantry Officer in the Australian Army. More information can be found at Jason Worme | LinkedIn

Leo Treble

Board member and Member of Operations Committee

Leo Treble was elected as a Board member at the November 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM). He is also a member of the Operations Committee. His current term as a Board Member ends at the November 2028 AGM.

Leo Treble comes from a background of small business, where he owned his ownAccounting and Financial Planning Practice, providing professional services and advice to the broader community.

A devoted family man, he has raised children of his own and now enjoys time in his retirement with his grandchildren and families.

Leo remains deeply committed to giving back to the community. He is an active and dedicated board member of Bendigo Winter Night Shelter Inc. where he contributes his time, insight, and experience to support people experiencing homelessness. As part of his involvement, Leo assists the Operations Manager in the day-to-day function of the shelter, and the Operations Committee.

Leo brings a wealth of professional expertise, strong local knowledge, and genuine commitment to community welfare in his governance role. Based in the Bendigo region of Victoria, he continues to play an important part in strengthening local initiatives and supporting vulnerable members of the community.

Matt Moran

Board member and Finance Manager

Matt Moran was elected as a Board member and Finance Manager at the November 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM). His current term ends at the November 2027 AGM.

Matt joined the BWNS Board with the intention of using his professional skills and experience to help further an organisation that gives so much to those who haven't been afforded the same opportunities as he has been gifted in his life.

His professional background has been in Accounting and Finance, with roles in Taxation, Banking, Private Equity and the Sports Management & Marketing industries. More information can be found at Matt Moran | Linkedin

Kim Cornford

Board member and Secretary

Kim Cornford was elected as a Board member and Secretary at the November 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM). Her current term ends at the November 2027 AGM.

Kim is the co-founder of Manna Gum. Manna Gum’s core work is communicating the implications of the Christian gospel for the way that we live.

Kim's paid work is in landscape restoration and biodiversity protection. She has an Honours Degree in Economics and Diplomas in Sustainability and Conservation and Land Management. More information can be found at Kim Cornford | LinkedIn

Zoe Simons

Board member and Systems Manager

Zoe was elected to the BWNS board as Systems Manager at the April 2026 Board Meeting. Her current term as Systems Manager and board member ends at the April 2027 Board Meeting.

Her involvement with BWNS was borne after volunteering at another local organisation to offer meals to displaced persons before being connected to the BWNS board and learning about their mission to support our community members through the harshest season.

Zoe brings over ten years of enterprise management and digital transformation experience across the private, utility and government sectors, and is passionate about raising awareness and bridging the gap between privilege and homelessness and social disadvantage. More information can be found at Zoe Simons | Linked In.

Morgan Murphy

Board member and Church Relationship Manager

Morgan was appointed as a Board Member and the BWNS Church Relationship Manager in April 2026, with his current term running through to the November 2027 AGM.

He first became involved with BWNS after attending a meeting to plan the 2025 season following the pause in 2024. Morgan went on to volunteer in 2025, where he witnessed first-hand the positive impact of the Winter Night Shelter on the community.

Morgan brings experience from the healthcare sector, alongside leadership experience gained through voluntary roles. His background supports his commitment to strengthening partnerships with churches and contributing to the ongoing success of BWNS.

The Board

BWNS is overseen by a volunteer board responsible for governance, financial stewardship and long-term planning.