The 3rd Space Team
The Leadership Team
LESLEY LEECE
Chief Executive Officer
Lesley has extensive human-service expertise backed by qualifications in social work, business communication and management. Lesley has 40 years’ experience in homelessness, disability services, child protection, family support, domestic and family violence, physical, mental and child health and older persons’ programs. She has developed businesses, built teams and managed major projects in both government and non-government organisations. Lesley is committed to achieving outcomes for people and the broader society.
ANDREW LINCOLN
Head Chef
As a qualified chef, Andrew leads the Food Services Team ensuring delivery of a menu that is nutritious and delicious. Such high quality meals sustain people who access the service.
CAROLINA FRANCIA
Volunteers Manager
Starting at 3rd Space as a volunteer, Carolina is now the first point of contact for those who join the team in a voluntary capacity. She brings years of experience in community engagement and operations management in the non-for-profit sector, complemented by a Diploma in Community Services Work and a B.A. in Development Studies and International Relations.
DAVID CHERRY
Finance Manager
David brings to the team extensive experience in senior finance and administration roles in a range of industries over forty years. He holds a Bachelor of Business Degree in Accountancy and is a member of CPA Australia.
LINDA WARNER
Services Manager
Linda has worked for State Government in leadership roles and volunteered with various organisations, and through stakeholder collaboration strives to improve the lives of vulnerable people. She has a broad-range of experiences working with people from diverse backgrounds and using a trauma-informed approach delivers services that meet the immediate needs of individuals and sustainability through connection to community and services.
MURRAY SMITH
Operations Manager
Murray is an accomplished security supervisor who draws on more than 20 years’ of military, law-enforcement, facilities-services and customer-service experience to make sure 3rd Space is both welcoming and safe for visitors, volunteers and staff.
The Services Team
CATHIE ASHWOOD
Family Support Practitioner
Cathie is a Social Worker with a range of experience in homelessness, mental health and domestic violence. She works from a person-centred framework and enjoys working with people to help them meet their goals and improve their quality of life.
COREY WALKER
Wellbeing and Support Practitioner (Identified Position)
Corey is a descendant of the Gubbi Gubbi of the Sunshine Coast area and the Wakka Wakka Tribes of the central Burnett region. Corey has 30 years’ experience working with First Nation communities from Youth Homelessness, Youth Justice, Community Development and Community Capacity building to education and Outdoor Adventure Based learning programs in a direct programming role and training roles.
DAVID BLACKWELL
Wellbeing and Support Practitioner
David has a BA in Fine Arts with Honours and a Diploma in Community Services Work, accompanied by volunteering experience. David is enthusiastic and passionate about supporting people to achieve their goals.
LINDA WILSON-MARKS
Wellbeing and Support Practitioner
Linda has experience in the community service sector for over 20 years. After volunteering at 3rd Space for over 3 years she is greatly enjoying her role as a Wellbeing and Support Practitioner, supporting the visitors in breaking the cycle of homelessness and helping them with their personal recovery and wellbeing.
SOPHIE OAKSHOTT
Wellbeing and Support Practitioner
Sophie holds a Bachelor of Justice. She started as a volunteer at Reception before joining the Services Team in a casual position. She brings a warm personality and a decade of experience in retail management.
The Operations Team
BRENDAN CLARK
Concierge
Brendan has just over 25 years experience in Business Management and Customer Service roles. The most recent six years have been within the Security industry encompassing crowd control, de-escalation, body guarding, customer service and concierge.
NICK FOSTER
Concierge
Nick has 30 years of experience servicing Australian and international organisations, with extensive experience in investigations, security management, custodial welfare and crisis negotiations
The Support Team
The Food Services Team
AYANO MATSUI
Food and Beverage Attendant
Aya provides high quality attendant services at 3rd Space Café and keeps the team going through her warm personality. She is holds a Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality.
JACK WILSON
Food and Beverage Attendant
Jack volunteered for years at the centre before joining the Food Services Team in the current professional capacity. His qualifications include a Certificate II in Hospitality and a Certificate III in Business..
Volunteers
3rd Space truly appreciates the support of over 100 community members who volunteer their time to help our centre keeping the doors open. There are also many professionals and organisations that contribute to 3rd Space through pro bono work. Thanks to all – it would not be possible without you!