Solstice Media farewells editorial director David Washington

Solstice Media has farewelled its editorial director David Washington, who will start as the Don Dunstan Foundation’s executive director in August.

David Washington

Washington began his career as a journalist over 30 years ago and has been an integral part of Solstice Media for the past 12.

He began as editor of InDaily in 2012, shortly after it had transitioned from a weekly print newspaper to a solely online publication.

In 2021, Washington moved into the role of editorial director, overseeing Solstice Media’s Adelaide-based publications InDaily, CityMag and SALIFE.

Solstice Media founder and managing director Paul Hamra said he has “enormous respect and gratitude for [David Washington’s] work and persistence to, initially, transition The Independent Weekly after print into the digital InDaily and oversee the growth of our output to become one of the biggest and best media companies in town”.

“He has mentored some great journalists, overseen some very big stories and set agendas,” Hamra said.

“He has been the compass for our editorial direction and often a voice of reason.”

Jim Plouffe, who is currently chief of staff and commissioning editor at Solstice Media, will take on the role of acting editorial director following Washington’s departure.

Australian Refugee Association gets new CEO

The Australian Refugee Association has appointed Chris Chalubek as its CEO, to commence on July 29, following the retirement of Deb Stringer.

Chris Chalubek

Chalubek has 15 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector in the field of mental health, alcohol and drug service delivery, for which he was awarded an Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Service Achievement award.

For the past five and a half years he was the executive manager of mental health & AOD at Sonder.

He has also worked for Centacare Catholic Family Services, Flinders One, Central Northern Adelaide Health Services, Families SA and Clipsal.

Chalubek said that his experience as a grandson of World War II refugees and his lived experience of mental health recovery fuels his passion for supporting others and advocating for better systems, policies and services.

The Australian Refugee Foundation was founded in 1975 as the Indo Chinese Refugee Association and according to its website, it “is the longest-serving organisation assisting the settlement of refugees in South Australia”.

AGSA Assistant Director appointed as Hugh Ramsay Chair

The Art Gallery of South Australia’s Assistant Director Dr Lisa Slade has been appointed to the role of Hugh Ramsay Chair in Australian Art History at The University of Melbourne.

Dr Lisa Slade. Photo: Sia Duff 2024

AGSA said Slade would “play an important leadership role in linking the academic program to the wider community and fostering public engagement”.

Slade joined AGSA as project curator in 2011 and in 2015 she was appointed to the newly created position of assistant director of artistic programs.

She has curated numerous exhibitions including HEARTLAND: Contemporary Art from South Australia (with co-curator Nici Cumpston OAM) and The Extreme Climate of Nicholas Folland.

She was also instrumental in the development of Tarnanthi: Festival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art, the Ramsay Art Prize and has overseen the presentation of the Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art since 2011.

The Hugh Ramsay Chair position was created in 2014 following an endowment from the Ramsay family.

Finance Systems Implementation Lead for one of SA’s largest and most progressive councils, the City of Salisbury. This pivotal role will project manage financial systems transition and implementation to future-proof Council’s financial systems and governance.

Head of Junior School for innovative and growing co-educational school, St Columba College based in northern Adelaide. An outstanding career opportunity to lead a progressive Junior School vision working closely with a highly regarded and inspiring Principal.

Executive Assistant to the Principal with a leading Christian co-educational secondary school, Endeavour College, located at Mawson Lakes. Provide proactive administrative and executive support for the Principal, Executive and the Board.

SA’s new Consumer Affairs Commissioner

Former SafeWork SA head Martyn Campbell has been appointed as Consumer Affairs Commissioner at Consumer Business Services following the resignation of Dini Soulio, who has taken on the role of chief executive at Super SA.

Martin Campbell

Consumer and Business Affairs Minister Andrea Michaels said that Campbell has decades of experience in various regulatory roles.

Michaels added that he joins CBS as it prepares to take on responsibility for licensing and enforcement of the sale of tobacco and vape products.

In his four-decade career, Campbell has worked as a detective inspector with the UK and South Australia Police, as workplace ombudsman, as assistant commissioner at the Australian Taxation Office and as executive director of SafeWork SA.

Former lieutenant colonel joins Papyrus as executive director

Experienced businessman Al Jawhari has been appointed as executive director of Papyrus Australia Ltd.

Al Jawhari

Jawhari is the co-founder and group chief executive officer of the industrial machinery manufacturer Stärke-AMG and of the business model innovation company Innovate inn.

Among his various other positions, he is vice president, chair and national director of the Australian Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SA chapter).

For eighteen years, he was a lieutenant colonel in the Egyptian Air Force, where he was an aerospace and mechanical engineer.

Papyrus is a paper and forest product manufacturer based in Adelaide.

Promotions at Botten Levinson Lawyers

Planning and environment law firm Botten Levinson Lawyers has announced the promotion of three members of their legal team, effective July 1.

Rosie Jervis

Rosie Jervis has been promoted from special counsel to principal, Lucy Dillon from associate to senior associate and Helen Morriss from lawyer to associate.

Botten Levinson Lawyers is based on Franklin Street and said its purpose is to advance projects and developments.

Hood Sweeney gets a new director

Professional services business Hood Sweeney has appointed Adrian Crossing as a director, taking its total number of directors to 17.

Adrian Crossing

Crossing joined Hood Sweeney in February 2008 as an IT consultant in its technology services arm.

He became operations manager in April 2017 and has been a shareholder since August 2021.

Crossing is also a lieutenant in the Australian Army Reserve.

Hood Sweeney said it is a mid-tier firm on South Terrace that provides accounting, financial, planning, growth advisory and technology services.