elevating communities.
empowering futures.

OUR COMMUNITY

we believe in creating impact
foR ALL COMMUNITIES.

  • Founder, Managing Director

    Our Managing Director, Neva Macpherson is a proud Nyikina woman, with 15 years' experience in Employment Services across Australia from frontline to senior leadership teams. Neva is open about her own journey and how she uses this lived experience as her ‘superpower’ and encourages others to own their own experiences and become their own version of a Grassroots Hero. It is from this heart-centred space that both Grassroots Projects and Chatr was founded.

  • General Manager

    Our General Manager is Michael Johnston who brings over 20 years of healthcare experience, both as a clinician but also in clinical leadership, starting and growing health businesses, corporate wellness and for the last four years, employment services. Originally from Scotland, he has worked all over the globe in Bermuda, Singapore, London, New Zealand and Australia. Michael is passionate about the life changing difference we can make to some of the most vulnerable people in society and is driven by the good news stories that we frequently hear.   

  • Team Leader/’Chief Heart Officer’

    I am Olivia, a counsellor and client advocate. I am registered with the Australian Counselling Association, and a graduate of the Master of Counselling program at QUT. I have served local communities as a mental health clinician for eight years, first in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health then in alcohol and other drugs and domestic violence services. I offer clients the opportunity to build on their expertise, resurrecting hidden knowledge and skills. I enjoy offering clients narrative therapy and solution-focused approaches to counselling and keep my feet firmly grounded in the real-world situations of our client's lives: employment challenges, grief and loss, mental health challenges, domestic violence, and substance use.

  • Counsellor/Employee Assistant Program

    Broc is a proud Punthamarra Mithika man, who hails from the country now known as Southwest Queensland, with cultural connections spanning from Cunnamulla west to Birdsville. Born in Toowoomba, Broc's upbringing took him to various places, shaping his understanding of diverse communities and fostering a deep appreciation for life and its challenges.

    Channelling his passion for working from a heart-centred approach, Broc strives to create positive change and contribute to the well-being and empowerment of individuals, families, and communities.
    With his background as a health coach and addiction counsellor in remote Aboriginal communities over the past five years, he has gained invaluable insights and skills in working within cross-cultural settings. These experiences have enriched his understanding of the human experience and equipped him with a unique perspective that he brings to his work with all clients.

    Broc is an avid fisherman and lover of nature, who also enjoys reading and meditation. Broc enjoys volunteering at various retreats with his spare time.

    Broc Martin is man who views culture as paramount to healing and utilizes ancestral wisdom to facilitate healing and empowerment to mob.

  • Counsellor

    I am Tina, a counsellor with extensive training in both Psychology and Counselling, and a proud member of the Australian Psychological Society. I specialise in person-centered interventions and have advanced training in evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. My background as a case manager at the Department of Family, Fairness, and Housing has provided me with a deep understanding of complex client needs. 

    I believe that every individual has the ability to find their own answers. My role is not to be the expert, but to provide the tools and walk alongside my clients as they navigate their journey toward self-discovery and growth. I have extensive experience working with clients across the lifespan, particularly those involved with NDIS funding. Fluent in Italian and fully understanding Farsi, I am able to connect with a diverse range of clients. As an animal lover, I find inspiration in the outdoors, which I bring into my practice to create a grounded and supportive environment. 

  • Social Worker / Counsellor

    Ali is a social worker and counsellor dedicated to supporting  participants to navigate life's challenges and achieve their goals. With a strengths-based approach, Ali focuses on unique qualities to support well-being and personal growth. Her diverse experience includes work in family violence services, prisons, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres. Ali has a special interest in supporting the LGBTIQA+ community and neurodiverse individuals. 

    Ali creates a safe and supportive environment to allow participants’ to share their stories. Ali provides both practical assistance and emotional support, advocating for social justice and ensuring participants’ voices are heard.

  • Social Worker

    Abigail is a positive, dedicated and result oriented social worker with extensive experience working in the employment sector.

    “I love to work alongside individuals to assist in overcoming barriers which stop them from achieving their set goals. I collaborate with clients to increase and strengthen their connection to their own resources, solutions, and problem-solving abilities enabling them to live a fulfilled life. This has resulted in an increase in the number of individuals that has returned to work or are able to maintain employment. I am a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).”

    Abigail is also a Rotarian who is passionate about creating a positive change through her volunteering opportunities in the community.

  • Social Worker

    As a dedicated and compassionate social worker with extensive experience in supporting diverse communities, I am committed to empowering individuals and families to navigate challenges and achieve their goals. With a strong foundation in social work and community services, I have developed a deep understanding of the unique needs and dynamics within multicultural environments.

    I possess a bachelor's degree in social work and have worked extensively with children and families, providing support in various capacities. My professional journey includes positions where I have engaged in case management, advocacy, and the implementation of community programs. Currently, I work as a clinician at Chatr Allied Health, where I collaborate with a largely Arabic-speaking cohort of CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) and refugee job seekers.

    Fluent in Arabic, Persian and Dary, I leverage my multilingual skills to facilitate effective communication and build trust with clients from diverse backgrounds. My cultural competency allows me to approach each case with sensitivity and respect for individual experiences, ensuring that services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.

    I am passionate about promoting equity, access, and inclusion in all aspects of my work. My goal is to foster an environment where individuals feel valued and supported, enabling them to thrive within their communities.

    I am eager to connect with fellow professionals and organizations committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others. Together, we can collaborate to create innovative solutions that address social challenges and enhance community well-being.

  • Counsellor

    I am a registered Counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association. I have transformed my lived experiences into creating a kind, warm and empathic therapeutic understanding of our life stages, grief, traumas associated with these experiences and the challenges that come. Using the theories of family constellations, art-based therapy and person-centred therapies I have had the privilege to work with adults and children experiencing addictions, trauma and domestic violence. Healing through the lens of the family system, the phenomenology of generational trauma, I have a passion to support people to untangle from the entanglements and discords of their life to move through the ripples and help transform themselves and their family to live whole fulfilling lives.

  • Counsellor / Psychotherapist

    Hi, I am Diya, a counsellor and psychotherapist with over five years of experience in health and social services. I am a member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and specialise in medical genetics and mental health. I also have over two years of experience helping clients in the employment sector.

    I approach each individual holistically, embracing the uniqueness of their experiences while offering a safe, non-judgmental space. Guided by evidence-based practices and a profound belief in human connection, I tailor every session to resonate with the needs and aspirations of my clients. My philosophy is anchored in fostering self-awareness and understanding, empowering individuals to rediscover their potential and navigate life with clarity and purpose.

    In a world often characterised by haste, I prioritise empathy and genuine care, holding space for the humanity in each of us. For me, counselling is not just a profession but a calling—a way to nurture hope, resilience, and transformation in those I serve.

    Together, we foster a journey toward healing, growth, and fulfillment.

  • Social Worker

    I’m a social worker in Cairns, Queensland. I help people overcome barriers to employment through practical support and a focus on social justice. With over a decade of experience in youth work, residential care, and community support, I’ve worked closely with young people facing complex challenges, including those in out-of-home care. My approach, shaped by critical theory, emphasises understanding systemic barriers and empowering clients to thrive.

    I’ve developed skills in behaviour management, safety planning, and case management, and I hold a Master of Social Work from James Cook University with training in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI).

    Outside of work, I’m an active member of a local women’s rugby union team, where I’ve learned resilience, teamwork, and perseverance—qualities I bring to my work every day.

  • Counsellor

    I am a compassionate counsellor with expertise in supporting adults through employment-related challenges, career transitions, and mental health concerns. Drawing on a professional background in employment services, aged care, manufacturing, and government, I bring a unique perspective to my practice. My strong communication, conflict resolution skills, and evidence-based approach empowers clients to build resilience, overcome challenges, and achieve personal and professional growth.

  • Counsellor

    I am a qualified counsellor, registered with the Australian Counselling Association, dedicated to supporting individuals in overcoming life's challenges. With extensive experience in the community sector, I have had the privilege of working in diverse environments, including working in First Nation communities. My experience has been in general counselling, adolescent and family counselling, and crisis support via telephone. I also have experience in developing group programs in rehabilitation centres, schools, and communities.

    With my studies, I have specialized in coaching, which has provided me with a solid foundation in evidence-based therapies and action-driven interventions. I specialize in solution-focused approaches and goal-setting, tailoring my work to meet clients where they are and supporting them in achieving their goals. My counseling style is rooted in seeing people move beyond their current circumstances and fostering growth, where individuals feel heard, respected, and motivated.

    Collaboration is central to my practice. I actively network with other services to ensure that clients receive holistic support. My diverse background, coupled with a strong commitment to client-centered care, allows me to deliver impactful counseling services.

  • Social Worker

    ‘My goal is to empower individuals by providing the right support at the right time. Whether it’s through advocacy, guidance, or crisis intervention, I strive to create a safe and inclusive space where people feel heard, respected, and valued. I believe in working collaboratively with other services to ensure holistic and meaningful outcomes for those in need.’

    Habib brings a strong background in social work, mental health, and community support, with years of experience assisting individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds. His work spans across mental health services, refugee settlement, crisis intervention, and emergency relief, ensuring that those in vulnerable situations receive the care and support they need.

    Fluent in Dari, Hazaragi, and Pashto, Habib has worked as an interpreter and a support worker, helping newly arrived refugees navigate essential services . His experience also includes conducting intake assessments, linking individuals to homelessness and domestic violence services, and providing practical assistance through food and financial relief programs.

  • Counsellor

    I am passionate about creating a safe and supportive space where individuals feel heard, empowered, and equipped to navigate life’s challenges.

    My approach is client-centered and solution-focused, helping clients tap into their own strengths and resilience. Whether supporting adolescents, LGBTQIA+ individuals, domestic violence survivors, or those facing mental health struggles, my goal is to foster meaningful progress and well-being.

  • Accounts

  • Marketing