The Board
BWNS is overseen by a volunteer board responsible for governance, financial stewardship and long-term planning.
BWNS has a limited number of employees to ensure the effectiveness of the Shelter. The Operations Manager is an employee of BWNS.
Board members bring experience from community services, business, faith organisations and local leadership. Together they ensure the shelter operates responsibly and remains sustainable for future seasons.
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
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. More information can be found at Nayomi Parsons | LinkedIn
Kim Cornford
Interim Chair & 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
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
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.