New CEO appointed by ARA

A Message from the Board of the Australian Refugee Association

Appointment of new CEO  

It is my pleasure to introduce our new CEO, Chris Chalubek, who will be joining the Australian Refugee Association on 29^th July 2024. Chris brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and a deep commitment to our mission.

Chris has dedicated over 15 years to the not-for-profit sector in the field of mental health, and alcohol and other drug service delivery. His journey in the sector, as a Social Worker working directly with young people and families, Program Manager co-designing peer-led services, and as Executive Manager with Sonder for the last 5 and half years supporting the establishment of progressive services such as the award winning Safe Haven and Northern Adelaide Head to Health, reflects his unwavering dedication to making a difference in people’s lives.

His innovative approaches have earned him recognition, including the Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Service Achievement award for best practice, excellence, and innovation. Chris’s work is not just professional; it’s deeply personal. As a grandchild of displaced World War Two refugees arriving in Australia in 1949, as well as his lived experience of mental health recovery fuels his passion for supporting others and advocating for better systems, policies, and services.

Outside of work Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and three children.

We are delighted to welcome Chris to our team, and he is equally excited to join the organisation and contribute to our mission.

Before we transition, I want to express our deep gratitude to Deb Stringer, our outgoing CEO, who is retiring after 6 years at ARA. Deb’s leadership and innovation in the sector and her dedication to ARA and our clients has been invaluable, and we wish her all the best in the future.

We look forward to Chris starting in the coming weeks.

Kathy Kingston
Chairperson