This week lunch meeting will be held on Wednesday 12.30pm for 1.00pm at the..Naval, Military and Air Force Club, 111 Hutt Street, Adelaide

Please book on our website by Monday August 24 12am to secure your place! Welcome Desk payment by Card only!

 Guest Speakers Hooman Mansoori, Chairperson and Chris Chalubeck, CEO, Australian Refugee Association

Hooman Mansoori	Chris Chalubeck

Helping refugees leave fear behind and build a new life in Australia 

The Australian Refugee Association’s presentation to Rotary Adelaide will place the work of the organisation in a global and national context, beginning with the scale of the worldwide refugee crisis and Australia’s role in humanitarian intake and settlement. The Board Chair and CEO will then introduce ARA’s 50‑year history supporting refugees in South Australia through settlement, safety, employment, education and community connection. Through brief case studies, Rotary members will hear how ARA’s support translates into real outcomes for individuals and families rebuilding their lives, including how ARA’s Souk Market promotes greater awareness of refugees, the issues they face and the contributions refugees make to the Australian community. The presentation will conclude by outlining current priority areas of need, highlighting where community leadership and partnership can make a tangible difference in helping refugees turn potential into participation and strengthen social cohesion across South Australia.

Hooman Mansoori – ARA Chairperson

Hooman escaped religious persecution and arrived in Adelaide as a refugee with his parents and younger sister as a 4-year-old. He has experienced the challenges and successes that refugees may experience coming to Australia.

Hooman has over 25 years of Medical Management experience working across many faculties of healthcare. Hooman is a Healthcare Business Consultant and previously the General Manager at Orthopaedics SA.  Hooman has an undergraduate degree from the University of Sydney and an MBA from the University of Adelaide. He volunteers with the University’s Experience Adelaide program, introducing Adelaide and Australian culture to international students and mentors Adelaide University business graduates.

When Hooman is not working or volunteering, he enjoys family time with his wife and two young children. Hooman is grateful for the opportunities that Australia has provided him and enjoys contributing to community organisations.

Chris Chalubek – ARA CEO

Chris has been the CEO of ARA for two years and has dedicated over 15 years to the not-for-profit sector in the field of mental health, and alcohol and other drug service delivery. His journey in the sector, as a Social Worker working directly with young people and families, Program Manager co-designing peer-led services, and as Executive Manager with Sonder for 5 and half years supporting the establishment of progressive

services such as the award-winning Safe Haven and Northern Adelaide Head to Health, reflects his unwavering dedication to making a difference in people’s lives.

His innovative approaches have earned him recognition, including the Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Service Achievement award for best practice, excellence, and innovation. Chris’s work with ARA is not just professional, it’s deeply personal. As a grandchild of displaced World War Two refugees arriving in Australia in 1949, as well as his lived experience of mental health recovery fuels his passion for supporting others and advocating for better systems, policies, and services.

Don't forget to give to the Virtual Community Bowl this week by clicking on...  Community Projects Appeal

Please note the venue - Naval, Military and Air Force Club, 111 Hutt Street, Adelaide