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.

(left to right) Sandra North, Lee-Ann Lawrence, CHATS Chair – Rose Darling, Karyn Beyne (Virgo)

Board Members

Rose Darling (Chair)

As Chair of Community Help and Togetherness (CHATS), I’m proud to help make a difference in the lives of people across Adelaide’s western suburbs. After 30 years in the international freight industry, including running my own business, I shifted my focus to community work. Volunteering soon became my passion and ultimately led to the creation of CHATS. I’ve also supported projects like Cows for Cambodia and completed a Community Foodies course. In 2021, I was honoured to receive the City of Port Adelaide Enfield’s Citizen of the Year award — a recognition shared with our dedicated volunteers and supporters.

Lee-Ann Lawrence (Treasurer)

Born and educated in Adelaide’s western suburbs, my career began at Castrol Oil Company, where I gained valuable finance and marketing experience before completing a Certificate in Business Studies at SAIT. After moving to the Adelaide Hills, I worked with a local businessman, progressing from bookkeeper to Administration Manager. Active in community life, I served on childcare, school, and sporting committees, including many years as Treasurer and Junior Coordinator for the local tennis club. Now retired and back in the western suburbs, I’m proud to support Rose and CHATS. I enjoy reading mysteries, cooking, socialising, and cheering on the Power.

Sandra North (Secretary)

Having worked with Rose for many years, I’m proud to support CHATS and contribute to its success. With over 30 years in export and logistics within the food and beverage industry, I bring extensive experience in governance, uniting teams, and building strong relationships. Currently, I’m General Manager of Seven Seasons Spirits and previously held senior roles at Mighty Craft. Community involvement has always been important to me, including serving on school boards, local sports clubs, and Distillers SA. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, cocktails, and spending time with my three adult sons.

Karyn Beyne (Virgo) (Board Member)

Having lived in Adelaide’s western suburbs for much of my life, I’m passionate about the community — and the Power! I currently lecture in Work Health and Safety at TAFE SA, where I’ve worked since 2008. My career has included roles with the Australian Red Cross and over 20 years as a flight attendant with Ansett Airlines. With a lifelong passion for health and safety, I’ve worked across diverse industries and aim to positively influence others through open communication and collaboration. I’m excited to support CHATS and give back to the community. I love walking the marina and spotting dolphins.

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