The Grace Street Project is a community-led initiative aimed at addressing some of the key challenges faced by South Invercargill. With some of the highest deprivation communities and rates of youth exclusion and disadvantage in New Zealand, and a shortage of workers, this project aims to provide a multi-purpose community building to help bridge the gap and provide opportunities for growth, learning and social connection.
Get to know the dedicated team behind The Grace Street Project and learn why they are involved in this ambitious project.
Who is IC2?
The Invercargill Community Connections Charitable Trust (IC2) was formed in 2020 to develop and run the Grace Street project.
Janette Malcolm
Janette has a wide variety of public and private experience including international business, law and community development, which is a particular passion of hers. Living in Southland since 2008, she established and ran South Alive and subsequently established and chaired the social enterprise business The Pantry. She has been part of the Grace Street project from the start having seen the huge local need for physical space that can provide opportunities for learning and growth in the community.
Terry Nicholas
Terry is the Manager of Hokonui Rūnanga, the Hokonui Representative on the Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu tribal council, and the Portfolio Director for Murihiku Regeneration. Terry has been involved with Hokonui Rūnanga and has been the Hokonui Te Rūnanga O Ngāi Tahu representative since January 1999. A champion for community development and creating opportunities for all in Murihiku, Terry sees the Grace Street Project as being pivotal to enhancing opportunities for those in South Invercargill – particularly at-risk youth.
Mervyn English
Mervyn grew up in Southland, and as a young man, he spent considerable time in Southland’s mountains. His career took him to other major cities, where he held senior roles in both the public and private sectors. This experience has been across multiple sectors, health, social services, energy, agriculture, and conservation. After serving on a number of boards, he also has significant experience in public policy, delivery, and governance. He has returned to Southland and is enjoying contributing to this community.
Lyndal Ludlow
Lyndal has an education background having taught several generations of Invercargill whanau. She has particular interests in the arts, culture and heritage sector and is involved in the performing arts. She brings wide-ranging experience in not-for-profit governance and has been involved in this valuable project from the beginning.
Jesse Hall
Jesse grew up in Invercargill and returned after completing his studies in 2018. Currently working as a Chartered Accountant at Malloch McClean Limited, Jesse brings a variety of experience having worked closely mentoring small businesses and start ups in Invercargill. He is up to date with all things technology-wise and is focused on providing those opportunities to the local community.
Kim Forsythe
Kim has been involved in sales and marketing her entire career. Her diverse roles have enabled her to meet many people across the Southland region – in both business and community sectors. She has served on the St John executive committee as well as the Musical Theatre Company, which are both not-for-profit, and jumped at the chance to be a part of the Grace Street Project. Her passion is to see everyone be the best they can be.
Joanne O'Connor
Joanne is the project and engagement manager at the Southland Business Chamber. She has a passion for creating opportunities and inspiring people to develop their skills and knowledge through continuous professional development and training. She has also held a number of volunteer governance roles in the training and education sector. Eager to help The Grace Street Project achieve its mission of being a welcoming place in the heart of the South Invercargill community, Joanne believes it will make a real difference by expanding access to services, learning opportunities and strengthening connections.
Chami Abeysinghe
Chami hails from the beautiful island paradise that is Sri Lanka and has called Invercargill home since 2010. An International Marketer by profession, the last twelve years of which have been in tertiary education, Chami has witnessed many adversities that affect the youth of today. She has a real passion to support our rangatahi to reach their true potential and believes that providing opportunities and breaking down barriers to education, technology and community support will enhance youth achievements. This is everything that the Grace Street Project stands for and why Chami wants to get behind the project.
