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.
Services Manager
The position is currently vacant
CAROLINA FRANCIA
Volunteer 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.
MONISHA PAZHAMALAI
Food Services Manager
Monisha started as a volunteer at 3rd Space and is now managing the 3rd Space Café. She has an MBA, Masters of International Tourism and Hospitality, and an unrelenting drive to help people. Monisha leads the café team with a wealth of experience, creating a welcoming space for visitors at the café.
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 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 of 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 and iAm Project Coordinator
David has a BA in Fine Arts with Honours and a Diploma in Community Services Work, volunteering experience. David is enthusiastic and passionate about supporting people to achieve their goals.
FAY MACKENZIE
Wellbeing and Support Practitioner
With experience in community service, mental health and volunteering, Fay brings an holistic approach to her role as a Weekend Support Facilitator. She has worked with people of all ages with challenging behaviours and is passionate about supporting and encouraging visitors to succeed.
JADE TREVANION
Wellbeing and Support Practitioner
Jade brings Diplomas in Community Services, Counselling, Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs to her outreach work with people in the community, helping them to attain their goals. The Outreach Program and broader 3rd Space services appreciate Jade’s compassionate nature and trauma-informed approach in her work.
The Operations Team
NICK FOSTER
Concierge
Nick has 30 years of servicing Australian and international organisations, with extensive experience in investigations, security management, custodial welfare and crisis negotiations.
The Food Services Team
ANDY LINCOLN
Head Chef
As a qualified chef, Andy Lincoln delivers a menu that is nutritious and delicious. Andy supervises the volunteer kitchen team to produce high quality meals to sustain people who access the service.
AYANO MATSUI
Café Supervisor
Aya supervises operations at the 3rd Space Café on week days and keeps the team going through her warm personality. She is currently studying towards a Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality.
FINNA HSU
Café Supervisor
Finna ensures the smooth running of the 3rd Space Café on weekends and supports the Food Services Team through her contribution to café operations and developing the skills of volunteers.
JAMES KEMP
Weekend Chef
James has a successful background in culinary arts which allowed him to hold chef roles in the fine dining industry for 15 years. Now, he is the Weekend Chef and enjoys being part of the community in a meaningful way. In addition, he is studying biomedical science and psychology.
Volunteers
3rd Space is lucky to have some 150 volunteers who generously contribute their time to help people in Brisbane doing it tough. There are also many professionals and organisations that generously donate their time to 3rd Space. Thanks to all – we would be lost without you!