Our team

Our team are volunteers with a range of skills and backgrounds and with a shared passion for tiny homes. We always welcome new volunteers, please get in touch.

Executive Committee

Danielle Lester

PRESIDENT

Based in the Northern Rivers region of NSW, Danielle brings 25 years of global experience across the entire ecosystem of the built environment in both industry and academia. With a unique blend of technical expertise, governance insight and creative drive Danielle is keen to apply her knowledge, experience and passion for tiny houses to her role as President of ATHA.

She also has lived experience of tiny house living, having designed and built her own tiny house - while producing a short documentary about the process!

Danielle is deeply committed to empowering others, particularly women, to take housing into their own hands.

Her focus as President will be on nurturing the legacy of previous ATHA committees and growing this vital not-for-profit organisation to support its members, stakeholders and the broader tiny house industry as we collectively navigate the challenges of Australia’s ongoing housing crisis.

Lauren Russell

VICE PRESIDENT

Based in Toowoomba, Queensland, with qualifications and experience in electrical/civil engineering and business, Lauren is a small business owner providing project management services and specialising in property related projects (including residential, commercial, industrial, health, community, and heritage).

Her interest in tiny homes comes from a core belief in fairness for all and a desire to allow people to live safely and securely, as simply as they need to or want to. Owning your own home, Lauren says, however modest it is, brings a sense of dignity which we all deserve. Even when you don’t own your land, if your home is safe, and not negatively affecting others or the environment, you should be permitted to live on your own terms and not be forced get into debt or struggle with constant financial stress simply to have a home.

Lauren is also aware that many decision makers in our country are benefiting from the current lopsided housing market where demand exceeds supply, and believes we need to continually call this out and provide solutions.

Wayne Reid

SECRETARY

Wayne Reid is an architect and business owner based in Geelong, Victoria, and has been an active ATHA member for 5 years.

He has designed, built and lived in two tiny houses - and currently lives in a tiny house in Victoria - and wanted to be more involved in ATHA because of the continuing lack of a clear legal pathway for tiny house living in Australia, something he has first-hand experience of. After being "moved on" by his local council, Wayne worked with ATHA to lobby that council for change, which ultimately resulted in the much-publicised Surf Coast Tiny House On Wheels Pilot program (due to end in Dec this year).

Wayne has been ATHA's State Lead for Victoria, has written and contributed to several government submissions on behalf of ATHA, and has drafted procedures and participated in expos, forums, chats and ATHA meetings.

In short, Wayne has been a very generous and active ATHA member over the past 5 years and we're super excited he's decided to make that official as our new Secretary.

Terry Chung

TREASURER

Terry has worked across both public practice and commerce for over 30 years, and is a Fellow of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. Last year he was awarded Partner of the Year at the annual national Financial Services Awards.

Terry is a purpose-driven leader recognised for his advocacy, inclusive leadership and commitment to building strong communities within and beyond the accounting profession.

His career has included many senior roles such as: Head of Business Planning at a major bank, Group Investigation Manager at one of Australia’s largest listed retailers and a stint at PwC, one of the world's largest professional services providers, where he specialised in controls around financial systems and functions.

Terry has also held leadership and governance roles in the education system, supporting improved student learning experiences and outcomes. For 14 years he served as School Council President for both primary and secondary schools during his children's schooling.

Other community roles have been Treasurer for a community sporting club and a board member for an endowment fund.

Volunteer Opportunities

Grants

Coordinator

Search for and apply for grants that help us to function more efficiently and educate more people about tiny living.

State & Territory

Leads

We would love to have leads for every state and territory. Please contact us if you are interested in being our eyes and ears in your state or territory.