Who we are

We are Community Help and Togetherness or CHATS. We are 100% volunteer-run with four board members and around 30 dedicated hard-working volunteers.

Rose Darling (Chair)

I am proud to be the Chairperson of Community Help and Togetherness or CHATS as we are known. It is humbling to be able to make a difference to people’s lives in a small way within the Western Suburbs of Adelaide.

Having worked in Port Adelaide for 30 years within the International Freight Industry, I had a wonderful role model who always rewarded, ‘for a job well done’. In 1988, I opened my own business (South Australian Independent Forwarding).

In 1997, I was selected as a finalist in the Telstra Businesswoman’s Awards (the winner was the famous Maggie Beer). After 16 years I sold my business to a large Australian company who kindly nicknamed me the ‘Charity Queen’, little did I know where life would take me.

Once retired, I spent most of my time having fun with my elderly parents. I completed a Community Foodies course and one volunteering role led to others and finally to establishing CHATS.

I joined ‘Cows for Cambodia’ with Cosi on his first tour in 2016, returning four times and continue to support local families.

In 2021, I was honoured to be awarded Citizen of the Year, by the City of Port Adelaide Enfield Council, of course this is all only possible with the help of our wonderful volunteers, board and supporters.

Lee-Ann Lawrence

Born, raised and educated in the western suburbs of Adelaide my first employment was with Castrol Oil Company where I worked in the finance and marketing departments learning a diverse range of skills. I also undertook various part-time studies before completing a Certificate in Business Studies at SAIT.

Married and with two young children, in 1989 we moved to the Adelaide Hills, where I began work with a local businessman with whom I had a long and rewarding association. Initially doing bookkeeping, then full time employment as Personal Assistant and ultimately Administration Manager of his investment company.

Always one to engage with the community, I have been active in various childcare and school councils as well local sporting organisations, particularly the tennis club where I served as Treasurer and Junior Co-ordinator for many years.

My husband, Greg and I also renovated several houses and garden make overs. We have returned to live in the western suburbs following my retirement and gladly offer support to Rose in the operation of CHATS.

An avid reader who loves a good mystery book, I also enjoy cooking, socialising with friends, watching a range of sport (GO the POWER) and visiting family interstate.

Sandra North

Having known and worked with Rose for many years, I am excited to be supporting and contributing to the success of CHATS.

I started my work life as an export and logistics professional and gained 30 years’ experience in the food and beverage industry. More recently my passion is uniting diverse business functions and enhancing team efficiency. I am a natural communicator and love fostering trust-based relationships with stakeholders.

Currently I am the General Manager of Seppeltsfield Road Distillers, a proud Barossa business, and Seven Season Spirits, a proud Indigenous owned business. Previously, I held various key positions at a public listed company, Mighty Craft, where I contributed to the growth and success of premium craft drink brands.

I love to give back to the community and over the years have held positions on Kindergarten and School boards and been the Women’s coordination for a local hockey club. I held a position on the Board of the South Australian Exporters Association in the 90’s and currently serve as the Secretary for Distillers SA.

On the weekends, I like to spend time with my three adult sons, enjoy a hike or drink cocktails!

Karyn Beyne (Virgo)

I have lived in the Western Suburbs for half of my life and have a passion for the area; including the Power!

Currently, I am an instructor delivering communication training to cadets, I have been employed by TafeSA since 2008 as a Work Health and Safety (WHS) Lecturer. I have worked for Australian Red Cross as a first aid instructor and training coordinator and had a fabulous job as a flight attendant for Ansett Airlines for over 20 years.

My passion has always been health and safety, and I studied at Uni SA, writing a thesis on "Flight Attendants Health'. As a WHS consultant I have worked in a range of industries including education, meat processing, cemetery and crematoria and hospitality to name a few.

My goals are, to always positively influence decisions and remain open and receptive to all ideas and people. I am eager to apply these skills and be of assistance to the CHATS team to help serve the community.

I love living on the Peninsula and look forward to my daily walk around the marina, dolphin spotting.

Statement of Acknowledgement

Community Help and Togetherness and it's board acknowledges the Traditional Owners of County throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.