The Australian Association of the Order of Malta is delighted to announce the appointment of Alana Laudy as the new Operations Manager of Philermos House, set to open in May 2026.

A Leader with Heart and Experience

Alana brings more than 30 years of experience as a Social Worker, including 15 years in senior management roles within human service organisations. Her career has been dedicated to working with the most vulnerable members of the Gold Coast community, particularly those experiencing housing distress or homelessness, alcohol and other drug challenges, financial hardship, domestic and family violence, mental health concerns, and involvement with the justice system.

Most recently, Alana managed a Queensland Health–funded alcohol and drug service, where she developed a deep understanding of contemporary interventions and trauma-informed practice. She maintains strong relationships with local service providers across housing, mental health, AOD, and domestic and family violence sectors – partnerships that will be invaluable to Philermos House and the community it serves.

Alana describes her career as deeply values-driven, inspired by her aunt, a lay missionary. “I align myself closely with the values and ethics of the Catholic Church and the Order of Malta,” she says. “It is an ethos by which I have always operated as a practitioner and as a person. It defines me both individually and communally.”

A long-time volunteer herself, Alana has dedicated almost 40 years to community service. She has supervised and mentored volunteers and students for 27 years—particularly international students—and has built strong relationships with Griffith University. She is passionate about cultivating a vibrant volunteer base to support the work of Philermos House and sees this as a cornerstone of its success.

In Conversation with Alana

Can you tell us about your background and what led you to this role?
“I have worked with the most vulnerable people in our community for 30 years, most recently in management roles. I have long held a passion to serve my community and support those most in need. For some years, I assisted in the coordination of Angel’s Kitchen [a 30+ year ministry of the Southport Catholic Parish] on Sundays, providing meals and assistance to people experiencing homelessness. Through this work, I became aware of the Order of Malta and their plans for Philermos House and eagerly awaited its opening, hoping to be involved in some way. I am beyond thrilled and privileged to take on the role of Operations Manager and to be part of such a meaningful project.”

What excites you most about joining Philermos House and this new chapter in Southport?
“Southport is my community. I have lived, worked, and volunteered here for many years. It is vibrant and multicultural, yet there are many people doing it tough. I believe Philermos House will fill a much-needed gap in our service sector. To support our most vulnerable with empathy and care fills my heart with joy and passion.”

What are your main priorities as we prepare for the May opening?
“I am currently familiarising myself with policies, procedures, and the proposed model of care. A key priority is building a strong volunteer base, which will be crucial to our service delivery. I am also excited to be involved in the building’s progress and in creating a warm, welcoming environment for the local community.”

How do you see Philermos House becoming part of the local community?
“I envisage Philermos House becoming an integral hub for those in need in Southport and surrounds—a safe and supportive space for people seeking solace. Southport has a strong collaborative service network, and I see Philermos House becoming an indispensable part of that system.”

What does success look like in the first six to twelve months?
“I hope to see strong community awareness and a steady increase in people accessing support. We will have built a committed volunteer base and established seamless, structured service provision. Over time, we will expand supports in a ‘one stop shop’ model, offering integrated, wrap-around care as opportunities arise.”

How can people support Philermos House?
Philermos House welcomes support in many forms, including volunteering across a range of roles and time commitments, as well as financial donations and contributions of goods and services such as clothing, toiletries, food items, and other essential supplies.

Philermos House is a social outreach ministry of the Southport Catholic Parish and the Australian Association of the Order of Malta. Grounded in the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, its mission is to support disadvantaged members of the community by providing practical assistance, compassionate connection, and a safe, welcoming environment for those in need.

Philermos House will offer essential services such as meals, clothing, access to showers and laundry facilities, along with respectful companionship from our dedicated staff and volunteers. It aims to create a calm, dignified and supportive space where people feel seen, valued and cared for.

As the May 2026 opening approaches, the community of Southport can look forward to a new centre of hope, dignity, and compassionate care for those who need it most.

 

Please support us!

Gifts $2 and more are tax deductible for Australian taxpayers

 

Other ways to donate:

• Direct Deposit:
  • The Order of Malta
  • BSB 083-453
  • Account number: 448 881 897
  • Description: Southport
  • Email: info@orderofmalta.org.au your details for a receipt

• Post: Cheques payable to ‘Order of Malta‘ sent to Order of Malta, PO Box 79, Caringbah NSW 1495
• Phone: Call 02 9331 8477 (please note the office is closed weekends and public holidays)