A modern building with a combination of brick and glass architecture, featuring sloped wooden roofs and black steel supports, surrounded by landscaped plants and pedestrians walking nearby.

About Us

The Invercargill Community Connections Charitable Trust (IC2) was established in 2020 to spearhead The Grace Street Project. Our team comprises dedicated volunteer trustees with diverse backgrounds in business, education, community development, and governance.

United by a shared commitment to addressing the challenges faced by South Invercargill, we aim to create opportunities for growth, learning, and social connection.

Get to know the dedicated team of volunteer trustees behind The Grace Street Project.

Who is IC2?

The Invercargill Community Connections Charitable Trust (IC2) was formed in 2020 to develop and run the Grace Street project.

Community Connections Trust Invercargill logo with stylized blue human figures forming a connected shape.

Volunteer Trustees

  • A woman with gray hair wearing a checkered navy and white top sitting in an indoor space.

    Janette Malcolm, Chair

    Janette has extensive experience in international business, law, and community development.

    Janette is involved in the projects as she recognises the significant local need for a space like this.

  • A woman with short brown hair, glasses, and colorful earrings smiling at the camera against a plain light background.

    Lyndal Ludlow, Deputy Chair

    Lyndal is an experienced educator with a passion for arts and heritage.

    She has been involved in not-for-profit governance for a long time and is also a Regional Councillor.

  • A middle-aged man with gray hair and glasses, wearing a gray blazer and a blue checkered shirt, standing indoors in front of a wooden wall.

    Terry Nicholas

    Terry is the Manager of Hokonui Rūnanga and the Portfolio Director for Murihiku Regeneration.

    Terry champions community development and sees the project as pivotal for at-risk youth in south Invercargill.

  • A man with short light brown hair, wearing a light-colored blazer and a dark shirt, standing indoors with a dark background.

    Craig Taylor

    With over 20 years of experience in Secondary Education, Craig is the Tumuaki/Principal  of South Invercargill high school, Aurora College.

    Craig sees the project as a space for people to access opportunities, enhance their mana and broaden their perspectives.

  • A smiling woman with short curly hair and glasses, wearing a pink top and a necklace, outdoors with greenery in the background.

    Joanne O'Connor

    Joanne is the Project and Training Manager at Southland Business Chamber.

    She is passionate about creating opportunities and inspiring people through professional development and training.

  • A woman standing in a conference room with a serious expression, wearing a dark shawl with gold ornamental trim and a necklace.

    Chami Abeysinghe

    Chami is the CEO of Great South,  Southland’s Economic Development Agency. 

    From Sri Lanka, she has been in Invercargill since 2010 and has a real passion for supporting young people to reach their full potential.

  • Portrait of a woman with long dark hair wearing a white shirt, smiling softly against a light background.

    Sharon Reece

    Sharon works in research and impact measurement and is deeply committed to working alongside communities to address disadvantage and create meaningful opportunities for rangatahi.

  • Portrait of a middle-aged woman with short blonde hair, glasses, small hoop earrings, wearing a green jacket, standing in front of a wood-paneled wall.

    Susan Burke

    Susan works as a Chartered Accountant at Malloch McClean+MORE.

    Her experience is hugely beneficial to the Trust in assisting us with our financial management and accounting needs, and Susan is keen to give back to the community.

  • A woman with blonde hair and bangs wearing a colorful scarf on her neck, sitting in front of a white wall.

    Kim Forsythe

    Kim has had a career in sales and marketing and has volunteered for many not-for-profit organisations.

    She is passionate about helping others reach their full potential.

A group of five people smiling and posing together in front of a stage with a large screen that reads 'the Grace Street Project.' The group includes two men and three women, with one man wearing sunglasses and a tan jacket, and one woman wearing a black shirt with pink sleeves. To the left of the group, there is a purple flag with the words 'Space Makers Southland,' and a blue scooter is partially visible on the stage.
Three people standing indoors at a community event, with a banner for the Grace Street Project in the background. The woman on the left wears a blue shirt with the project logo, and the two men on the right are dressed in business attire. There is an architectural plan on a table in front of them.