Street Chaplains WA content
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of Street Chaplains WA provides strong governance, leadership, and strategic direction to ensure the continued success and impact of our ministry. Our Board members bring together a wealth of experience from diverse backgrounds including community service, pastoral care, business, and public service, all united by a shared commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals and fostering safer communities.
Guided by faith, compassion, and integrity, the Board oversees the organisation’s mission to serve those in need across Western Australia—whether on the streets, at events, or in crisis situations. With a focus on accountability, sustainability, and servant leadership, our Board is dedicated to empowering our chaplains, volunteers, and partners in delivering frontline care and hope where it’s needed most.
GARTH EICHHORN
"What an amazing and fruitful ministry it has
been. We have been greatly blessed."
Founding Member
Dr Garth Eichhorn, a retired Baptist minister held pastoral positions across Australia for over forty years and along the way completed a doctorate in marketplace ministries. His interest in the growing secularity of Australia led to the forming of Western Urban Associates (WA) as an urban ministry to the city of Perth and beyond. Within a decade, Street chaplaincy emerged from links with senior Police and city leaders. He has written a number of articles around the essential role of the Bible in urban mission.
GEORGE BENNY
"Personal Quote"
Involved since 2004
A Cornishman who moved to Australia in 1970, and who then spent over 52 years managing International Chain Hotels in Australia and 8 different countries in Asia and the Middle East. Now retired with more time to dedicate to the ministry of Street Chaplains with whom I have been supporting and involved with since early 2004. Married to a fellow Christian for 40 years, my wife also holds a strong deeply rooted Christian faith throughout all her life. We regularly worship at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church as well as at Riverview.
DEE STEPANOSKI
"Guided by the scripture Matthew 25:40, which reminds us that serving others is serving Christ Himself, I approach all that I do with a deep commitment to compassion, care, and love."
Board Member since
With over a decade of service as a Street Chaplain and five years as the State Director of this amazing organisation, I’ve had the privilege of supporting and leading in a role that’s deeply close to my heart. Prior to this, I spent more than 15 years at Rehoboth and also served as a missionary in Indonesia. When the pandemic closed international borders, I embraced the opportunity to step into the State Director role and continue my mission work here in Perth. I’ve been married to my wonderful husband for 31 years, and we’re proud parents of two children and grandparents to two beautiful grandsons.
DAWN LEWIS
"I firmly believe that while we may not see the full impact of our efforts as Street Chaplains on this side of eternity,
each interaction carries the transformative love of Jesus Christ to those we serve."
Involved since 2017
Dawn is a Clinical Nurse Consultant working with a team to coordinate aeromedical and road retrievals across Western Australia.
She has been a dedicated member of the Street Chaplains ministry since 2017. Her passion for this organisation continues to grow as she witnesses its profound impact in reflecting Jesus’s heart by caring for individuals. Dawn deeply values still patrolling the streets alongside a diverse group of compassionate and selfless Christians and contributes to Street Chaplains in various capacities including training new chaplains, writing policies, and assisting with corporate events.
Beyond her professional commitments, Dawn is actively involved in Kingdomcity Church and serves as a member of the prayer team. As a board member, Dawn offers a balanced, person-centred perspective while considering financial, legal, and organisational implication
PLACEHOLDER
"To help people, whether in my neighbourhood, at work, in my family… and particularly on the streets… is the greatest call that I have experienced. Serving on the board gives me the opportunity to help others help others."
Board Member since 2023
Stephen Armstrong is an experienced leader with a heart for helping people. As a Street Chaplain he has answered a call to practical service in our community and is committed to being a good example of the “Good Samaritan” by seeing people when others don’t.
He brings 30 years of leadership experience in the workplace where he has been in multiple General Manager roles and is currently CEO of Pacific Automation. He has previously been in roles as a ministry leader in his church for outreach through sport and men’s ministry, where he has been led to create environments to connect with the community through practical service. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. As a Board Member, Stephen is dedicated to strengthening our partnerships, supporting our chaplains, and helping Street Chaplains WA continue to grow in impact and reach.
BEENA SAMUEL
"We read in the Scripture how our Lord was always reaching out to those that were often overlooked- the lonely, the hurting, the outcast. I often think that love isn’t just about words or comfort- it’s about presence. About showing up where it’s uncomfortable."
Board Member since 2024
A Government Relations professional and entrepreneur with extensive experience in international relations and business operations across the United Arab Emirates. Brings strong governance, pastoral care, and community engagement skills to the Board. Passionate about the ministry’s commitment to serving the destitute, reflecting Christ’s heart for the suffering and lost. Actively involved in Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Teen Challenge, and teaching English to new immigrants.
DEANA SALVARINOV
"I am passionate about the transformative impact of chaplaincy in the local marketplace and its ability to bring hope and growth in challenging environments. The opportunity to listen to a person’s situation empathetically is my great privilege"
Board Member 2022
Deana brings a strong background in Christian multimedia development and workplace chaplaincy, with a heart for offering goodwill, comfort, and support in professional settings. Deana studied a Bachelor of Commerce from Curtin University and theological studies at Rhema Bible College. Deana’s professional career has included leadership positions in the retail sector for over 35 years. Deana has been married for forty years, raised three adult children and has two precious grandchildren
She contributes to the Board through her expertise in governance and strategy. Deana currently serves as Executive Director of Corporate Chaplaincy Australia, is a board member at C3 – Local Community Church (Churchlands Campus), and mentors the “You Are A Treasure” podcast initiative. She is also an active member of the Business Women’s Global Leadership Network.
PLACEHOLDER
"Personal Quote"
Board Member since 2023
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PLACEHOLDER
"Personal Quote"
Board Member since 2024
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As the Board of Street Chaplains WA, we come together in unity and with heartfelt commitment to serve this vital ministry. We acknowledge the calling and responsibility entrusted to us, and we dedicate ourselves to supporting the mission of providing care, compassion, and a Christ-centred presence on the streets. United in faith, we commit to prayerfully stewarding the resources, direction, and vision of Street Chaplains WA, standing alongside our volunteers and communities with integrity, humility, and unwavering support. Together, we seek to honour God through our service and leadership.