Our People

Our people are united by a commitment to empowering young people and strengthening communities. Through collaboration with Salesian partners across the globe, we support initiatives that deliver education, development, and humanitarian assistance where it is needed most.

Our Team

Tina Newton

Director

Tina has been part of the Salesian Missions Australia team for sixteen years and was appointed Director in 2021. Throughout her years of service, she has worked closely with Salesian partners, donors, and communities across the world, helping support projects that improve the lives of vulnerable children, young people, and families.

As Director, Tina leads Salesian Missions Australia’s efforts to support education, development, and humanitarian initiatives throughout the Salesian network. Working closely with overseas local partners, she helps ensure resources are directed to projects that create lasting opportunities and meaningful outcomes for communities in need. She has a Bachelor of Business, specialising in Accounting and Marketing.

What motivates you to be part of the Salesian Missions Australia team?

“What motivates me to be part of Salesian Missions Australia is working alongside people who are committed to creating a better future for young people and their communities. Seeing the impact of our supporters’ generosity and the dedication of our Salesian partners is a constant reminder that we are all part of one human family.”

Dani Cesario

Finance &
Administration

Dani brings a lifetime of bookkeeping and financial administration experience and has previously worked within the Salesian Australia-Pacific Province. Having recently joined the Salesian Missions Australia team, Dani supports the organisation’s financial operations and helps ensure donor contributions are managed responsibly and effectively

In her role, Dani works closely with staff, donors, and partners to support projects that improve the lives of vulnerable young people and communities around the world.

What does working with Salesian Missions Australia mean to you?

“Working with Salesian Missions Australia means making a real difference in the lives of young people who have so little, yet give so much. Seeing the joy and gratitude on their faces reminds me how important it is to give back and help create opportunities for a better future.”

Benjamin Dowling

Development &
Communications

Benjamin joined Salesian Missions Australia in 2026, bringing with him a lifelong connection to the Salesian community. As a past pupil of a Salesian school in Australia, he became actively involved in the Salesian Youth Movement as a teenager and has remained a dedicated volunteer ever since. After completing a Bachelor of Arts, specialising in Politics and Human Rights, Benjamin served as a Cagliero volunteer in Cambodia.

In his role with Salesian Missions Australia, Benjamin supports communications and storytelling, sharing the impact of projects around the world with supporters, schools, and the wider community. He also works closely with Salesian partners to strengthen relationships and help identify opportunities to support local initiatives that create lasting change.

Why are you passionate about the work of Salesian Missions Australia?

“I am passionate about Salesian Missions Australia because I have seen the impact of the Salesian approach firsthand. It worked for me, and I have witnessed it transform the lives of young people around the world. Through my volunteer experience overseas, I was inspired by the dedication of Salesians who have devoted their lives to serving others. Having seen the direct impact of the generosity of our donors, I feel privileged to play a part in continuing that mission.”

Lauren Hichaaba

Pacific Liason

Lauren has been working with the Salesians of Don Bosco for many years. Her key roles are: Provincial Delegate for Mission Animation, Director and Co-Founder of the Cagliero Project, the Salesian Mission Volunteer Service Program for the Australia Pacific (AUL) Province and coordinator for Salesian Missionary Volunteer Service (SMV) Advisory Team. She has a teaching degree and a master’s in international development.

Lauren serves as the Pacific Liaison for Salesian Missions Australia, fostering strong relationships and collaboration with Salesian communities and mission partners in Samoa and Fiji. In this role, she supports communication, project coordination, and capacity-building initiatives that help advance the mission of the Salesian educational mission in the Pacific.

What inspires you in your role at Salesian Missions Australia?

“I am inspired to work for Salesian Missions Australia because it allows me to serve vulnerable children, young people, and communities across the Pacific and the entire world while helping create opportunities for a brighter future. Guided by the spirit and values of Don Bosco, I am motivated by the belief that compassion, education, and accompaniment can transform lives and bring lasting hope.”

Our Advisory Team

The Mission Advisory team brings together key stakeholders on a quarterly basis, with Salesian Missions Australia representing the wider Salesian Family through mission initiatives, partnerships, and development projects.