New CEO Leading St John’s Community Services
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
St John’s Community Services CEO Eva Stringelman shares why recovery, connection and community are central to lasting change in inner-city Sydney.
By Lucy Pearson
Eva Stringelman is the new CEO of St John’s Community Services in Darlinghurst, a long-standing organisation supporting vulnerable communities in inner-city Sydney. Best known for its Rough Edges community centre, the Banksia Women program and Urban Insight, SJCS focuses on connection, dignity and long-term recovery. Under Eva’s leadership, the organisation continues to prioritise “healing spaces” over transactional services — supporting women beyond crisis and fostering community for lasting change.
We spoke with Eva about her new role.
What drew you to the role at St John’s Community Services?
I first encountered SJCS about a year before this opportunity came up and was struck by its deep connection to the local community, especially through Rough Edges. When I started thinking about my next step, it felt like a natural fit. I really wanted to be part of this team and help guide the organisation into its next chapter.
Banksia Women focuses on long-term recovery rather than crisis response. Why does that matter?
Crisis response is vital — it saves lives. But recovery doesn’t stop once someone leaves a dangerous situation. Across the domestic and family violence sector, long-term healing is still under-resourced.
Abuse often involves isolation and shame, and those effects don’t disappear overnight. Even when the immediate danger has passed, many women struggle with confidence, connection and the long tail of legal and financial stress.
We believe recovery happens in community. A healthy, supportive environment helps rebuild resilience and self-worth over time. When women thrive, communities thrive too.
You talk about creating “healing spaces” rather than transactional services. What does that look like?
It’s about intentionality. Our connect groups are carefully designed — from the physical environment to the activities and the people in the room. We prioritise consistency, trust and safety.
For a few hours each week, women know they are seen, valued and safe. That includes strict confidentiality and thoughtful programming that builds confidence and connection.
Just as important are the small moments outside those sessions — messages, check-ins, invitations. Sometimes, simply knowing someone cares is what helps a person take the next step.
How do Rough Edges, Banksia Women and Urban Insight connect under one organisation?
At their core, all our programs are about care and connection. Rough Edges offers a welcoming space for people experiencing homelessness or hardship. Banksia Women focuses on long-term recovery for women. Urban Insight grew out of the Rough Edges community, with guides sharing lived experience to educate students.
There’s a common thread: creating spaces where people feel they belong and where meaningful transformation can happen.
What’s most misunderstood about recovery from domestic violence?
That it’s linear. In reality, recovery is complex and ongoing. There are setbacks, court processes, financial challenges and lingering trauma.
When someone has been told repeatedly they have no value, rebuilding a sense of self takes time. Long-term support means being there through the ups and downs—not just at the point of crisis.
What has shaped your thinking since stepping into the role?
The power of consistency. It’s easy to focus on big milestones, but real impact often comes from simply showing up — day after day.
At Banksia Women, you see change over time as confidence grows. Rough Edges has been doing this for 30 years — serving meals, offering connection, staying present. That sustained care is what makes the difference.
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