Meet our team

Lieut-Colonel Simone Robertson commenced as Head of SAID in December 2015. Her almost 40 years as a Salvation Army officer (minister) has included leadership of front line services and at executive level. Simone has served at five different Salvation Army headquarters including the International headquarters in London, UK. Supporting International Development has been part of Simone’s DNA for all her officership and she has taught leadership skills in India (Mizoram) and Tanzania. Simone is driven by her passion to make a positive difference in the world. She uses her leadership expertise, energy and compassion to enable SAID to bring hope where it’s needed most.

Mark has studied a Bachelor in Social Science (Psychology), Bachelor of Law and Diploma in Marketing and Business Management, and is a practicing Solicitor. Mark has extensive experience in building systems and processes for large corporations, and his specialty is in policy and procedure development, marketing and communication, MoU’s, contracts and compliance. Mark has worked in policy development in Bangladesh and is currently completing his PhD.

Craig completed a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and is a Member of Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia. Craig has extensive experience in auditing and financial management within the not-for-profit industry. Recently, Craig has specialised in fraud bribery and corruption prevention. Previous to The Salvation Army, Craig spent 12 months working with NGOs in Vietnam, assisting them to strengthen their financial management systems.

Rachael completed a Master of Social Development (International), Bachelor of Arts (Development Studies and International Relations) and Advanced Diploma in Youth Ministry. Rachael has worked on projects in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and has a particular interest in refugee issues. She has also worked in a compliance capacity, creating structures and processes to ensure best practice standards were met.

Connor has completed a Bachelor of International Development and Certificate 3 in Christian Mission and Theology. He has completed capacity building trips across Asia, Africa and Central America where he has worked in addressing cross-cutting issues, project proposal development, monitoring and evaluation.

Naomi has studied a Master of Research (Anthropology) and Bachelor of Arts (Development Studies & Culture Change). Naomi has experience in community development in both a local and international context, and has also undertaken significant research in the area of health and resilience in Ghana. She is a member of the Africa Studies Association of Australasia and the Pacific.

Stephanie has a Bachelor of International & Global Studies (Honours) and has experience in microfinance and community development projects. She has visited projects in India and the Philippines, and brings extensive knowledge on marketing and communications as it relates to project compliance and impact reporting.

Clint is completing a Master of Law and International Development and has prior qualifications in Communications and Journalism. He has experience in a variety of development projects across Asia, with a particular focus on the monitoring and evaluation of anti-human trafficking interventions. He has worked in China, Washington DC, India and Nepal.

Zoe is currently studying a Master of Applied Anthropology and Participatory Development and has previously studied a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) majoring in human geography and modern history. Zoe has conducted extensive research on livelihoods and disaster response in Nepal, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia and has previously worked in program evaluation.

Drew has been an officer in The Salvation Army for 34 years and has been involved in many different forms of ministry. Drew and his wife, Leanne, have had appointments in Australia, Papua New Guinea, London and Romania. Drew has experience in drug and alcohol recovery, corps program ministry, international disaster recovery and chaplaincy, amongst other ministries. Currently, Drew shares his time with SAID in Australia and International Emergency Services (IES) basedn London. He lives in Melbourne and enjoys being near family.