Who We Are
Volunteers
The Volunteers are the foundation of the Avalon Centre. Their dedication, commitment and support ensures that the mission of meeting unmet needs is fulfilled.
There are many roles undertaken by volunteers; sorting clothes, office administration, marketing, driving the bus, social interaction at the Drop-in, distributing clothes to the homeless, gardening, maintenance and much more.
Volunteers range from 3 years to 92 years. Volunteers may attend 1h hour a month to 3-4 days a week.
Anytime contributed is valued.
Committee
Deborah Holmes
(President)
Deborah’s background is Dramatherapy and Recreational Arts. She trained and worked in the U.K. for 12 years, completing a post Graduate Diploma in Dramatherapy before returning home to establish the Avalon Centre in 1987.
Avalon’s initiative “Avalon Homes For The Homeless’ was developed in 2018 through Deb’s research in Finland of the Housing First model.
Deborah is passionate about helping those who have ‘slipped through the cracks’. Her commitment is to make a difference to the vulnerable and disadvantaged members in the community by meeting unmet needs.
Deb is also a devoted member of her beloved Richmond football Club.
Gabriele Byrne
(Member)
Dr Gabriele (Gabi) Byrne received a Ph.D. in research from Victoria University in 2019 and is a Senior Advisor at the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (VRGF).
Between 2001 and 2017 Gabi founded and was the Director of the Not-for-Profit Chrysalis Insight Inc. Her organisation was committed to rebuilding and connecting communities to lessen the destructive effects of problem gambling. She has been involved with Avalon for many years and hopes that her experience and passion to help others will make a valuable contribution to the organisation.
Gary Johnston
(Member)
A retired CPA with over 45 years experience as a practice principle and worked with both small to medium businesses and primary producers in Melbourne and rural Victoria.
Gary has been an active member of community service clubs, firstly Apex and subsequently Rotary, since 1976. He has been a member of the Rotary Club of Malvern for the past 20 plus years and it is through this membership that Gary became involved with Avalon.
Not only does he volunteer with homeless distribution but manages the Rotary Malvern / Avalon relationship to encourage both monetary and in kind donations.
Deborah and Gary have the common bond of being Richmond fanatics.
Patrick Flynn
(Vice President)
Patrick moved to Melbourne from Ireland in 2012 and has been a dedicated volunteer with Avalon since 2015. Over the years, he has contributed in many areas, including driving for the homeless distribution run, a Supporter for Avalon Homes, and a willing worker at working Bees. Since 2017, Patrick has also served as a valued Board member.
Patrick runs his own business as a Feng Shui consultant and designer/maker of bespoke furniture. He uses both to create pieces of usable art that enhances the energies in the home or office.
Patrick has always had ‘an interest in helping others and making the world a better place’ and fully embraces Avalon’s mission to meet unmet needs in the community.
Lisa Payne
(Member)
Lisa has volunteered with Avalon since 2011 and has enjoyed a wide range of roles from attending the Avalon Drop-In, to assisting with the Homeless and Clothes Distribution Support Program.
Lisa has a Bachelor of Social Work and is currently working as a drug and alcohol clinician and consultant. Lisa is a proud to be a part of Avalon because ‘they are a unique, compassionate, diverse and kind team of volunteers and I find it personally rewarding to give back to the community’.
Andrew De Kretser
(Member)
Andrew started volunteering at Avalon as a driver for the Homeless clothes distribution programme in July 2014. Andrew has operated a law firm as a sole legal practitioner for about 10 years in Highett where he acts on behalf of clients in a wide range of legal matters including civil, criminal and property matters. Prior to being registered as a legal practitioner, he was a law lecturer at Chisholm Institute Frankston for about 4 years.
Andrew was initially attracted to volunteering at Avalon as it was a private, non-religious affiliated charity that achieved demonstrably good outcomes for people who have generally fallen through the cracks or hit hard times.
Outside of Avalon Andrew enjoys travelling with his wife and children and playing with his dog, Rocky Balboa.
Paul Hawthorn
(Member)
Paul became involved with Avalon in 2019. Whilst walking through Melbourne, he was shocked by the amount of homelessness evident on the streets. An article seen shortly afterwards, highlighting Debbie’s fantastic work, prompted a meeting to see how he could help.
Paul was initially involved with fundraising and the financing of new properties. He now likes to focus on ways to help our renters beyond providing a safe haven. This could be by arranging counselling, funding for children’s activities, be it sports or hobbies or encouraging renters to develop new skills for work-related activities.
Paul is now retired from running an IT-based business but maintains an ongoing interest in technology and is embracing his new role as a grandparent between his tennis & golfing commitments.
Joan Maloney
(Member)
Joan arrived at Avalon in July 2021 following a long career in office management and computing.
After retiring in September 2019, expecting a life filled with friends, travel and socialising, the pandemic hit and lockdown became the new way of life. Once restrictions were lifted it was time to travel again. (Joan has been making an annual pilgrimage to her favourite country Spain to enjoy fine tapas and vino with her partner David).
Back in Melbourne, Joan knew it was time to give back to society and when the Office Helper position came up at Avalon, she jumped at it.
“Working in the office of Avalon on Mondays is an adventure. Sometimes it’s overwhelming with the noise, the laughter, the hugs, the phone ringing, the doorbell, the cats, the funny stories, the sad tales, and my name constantly being called out repeatedly, but I wouldn’t give it up for quids”.
Taking up a position on the board just furthers my desire and commitment to Avalon and the amazing work it does in the community.