Surrender Director

Simon Reeves serves as the Director of Surrender Co., bringing over two decades of grassroots experience living, working, and leading in some of Australia’s most socio-economically disadvantaged communities across Melbourne, Alice Springs, and Geelong. Simon and his wife Kaylene live in Bannockburn with their three children, having co-founded The Good Neighbourhood Project—a place-based initiative based in Norlane dedicated to helping neighbourhoods flourish through relationships, urban farming, and community-led social enterprises.

Simon’s leadership and theology are grounded in radical discipleship, incarnational mission, place-making, and nonviolent direct action. As a long-time peace educator and activist, he has led nonviolent direct action training and participated in movement building (including LoveMakesAWay) to advocate for refugees, demilitarisation, and systemic justice. Simon holds a Bachelor of Social Work, a Graduate Diploma in Theology, and a Master’s in Social Change and Sustainability, and also serves as one of the pastors at Norlane Baptist Church.

Leadership Program Director

After attending his first SURRENDER Conference in 2006, Ben found a home in the SURRENDER community and has stayed connected ever since. Ben is passionate about helping people to lead themselves and others well, with integrity, sustainability and joy. Ben is a professional Christian leadership coach and has trained in Australia and overseas.

In addition to his SURRENDER role, he is also the Director of Blueprint Leadership Coaching and was a pastor for 8 years. Ben is 2nd generation Malaysian-Chinese and lives on Gubbi Gubbi country (Sunshine Coast) with his wife Chelsea – who he first met at a SURRENDER conference! They are excited to continue serving emerging leaders with SURRENDER. Their daughters Hallie and Maya are excited to cook marshmallows around the next SURRENDER campfire.

Leadership Program Assistant Director

Chanelle was part of the SLP cohort in 2021-22 and found the program truly transformational. SLP was the first space where Chanelle also began to explore her Indian-Sri Lankan background. Chanelle grew to love coaching as a powerful form of discipleship, has since trained in coaching and now co-facilitates the SLP.

Chanelle is passionate about making room for others to make room for Jesus through coaching, and teaching on rest, solitude and prayer. Chanelle has worked in the not-for-profit sector for almost 10 years and her current role is in advocacy + youth homelessness. She lives on Kaurna country with her husband Jack, and their cheeky adopted children Jessica + Jacob.