Our Team
Together, our JRS Australia team carry out the mission of accompanying, serving and advocating for refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants in vulnerable situations.
Our Team
JRS Australia’s work is made possible by a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, supporters, partners, and friends, united in our shared commitment to accompanying, serving and advocating for people on the move.
Together, we provide practical support, deliver community programs, and advocate for change, working alongside people with lived experience to build a more welcoming and inclusive Australia.
We are proud to be an open and inclusive workplace welcoming team members of diverse faiths, beliefs, backgrounds and experiences that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our team members are valued for who they are, their skills and their contributions, and we are commited to ensuring everyone has equal opportunity to participate and thrive.
Kristina Lawton
Food & Material Aid Logistics Officer
Vandana Setia
Project Officer – Finding Safety Project (Tuesday – Thursday)
Grant Officer (Monday)
Our Board
JRS Australia is governed by a Board that provides strategic direction, oversight and expertise, helping ensure our work remains faithful to our mission and sustainable into the future.
Drawing on a range of professional accolades and perspectives, the JRS Board supports the organisation’s commitment to accompanying, serving and advocating alongside refugees and people seeking asylum, guided by our Jesuit identity and values.
Chair of the Board
Jim Barber (OAM)
After some years training as a Jesuit scholastic, Jim Barber left the Order and pursued doctoral studies in experimental psychology at the University of Adelaide. He has since held numerous academic positions, eventually ending his academic career as Vice-Chancellor of the University of New England, NSW.
Jim Barber now works as a consultant to and as chair or member of the boards of a number of private higher education providers. He was awarded North America’s Pro Humanitate Medal for his research into child welfare and was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2021 for services to higher education and young people.
We are grateful for his expertise and guidance as Chair of the Board of JRS Australia.
Board Member
Fr Gregory Jacobs SJ
Fr Gregory Jacobs SJ is a Jesuit, currently working as Parish Priest at Holy Family Parish, Mt Druitt.
Fr Gregory Jacobs SJ is our longest-serving Board member, having been with us since 1 August 2016.
Read more about Fr Greg here.