Meet the Team
At Church Grounds, we’re a small but dedicated team united by one mission: to build a more inclusive and supportive world through coffee. Our backgrounds are diverse, but we’re all driven by the belief that everyone deserves a fair shot at meaningful work and purpose.
Church Grounds was initiated to create pathways into employment for those who often get left behind, by combining great coffee with practical training, hands-on experience, and a strong sense of community.
Our Passion
We Simply ❤️ Good Coffee. We are coffee snobs at heart and passionate about exceptional coffee. Immerse yourself in our world of ethically sourced, premium beans from around the world.
Each order is meticulously crafted, with beans freshIy roasted, expertly ground, and promptly delivered, promising an indulgent and unparalleled coffee experience just for you.
Premium Coffee with Purpose
At Church Grounds, we believe exceptional coffee and social impact go hand in hand. Every bean we source, roast, and serve supports our mission to create meaningful employment opportunities.
Quality Meets Mission
When you choose Church Grounds, you're not compromising on quality—you're enhancing it with purpose. Every purchase supports training, employment, and opportunity for people in our community.
Marcel De Maria
Director & CEO
Marcel De Maria is the visionary behind Church Grounds, a social enterprise that blends ethically sourced coffee with a mission for social impact. With a strong background in community development, he leads the organisation with a deep commitment to inclusion, purpose, and hope. His work centres on creating environments where people can connect, belong, and grow.
Nick Tropea
Finance Director & Secretary
Nick Tropea has over 40 years of accounting and corporate advisory experience. He has a strong knowledge of general-purpose financial reporting, corporations law and other disclosure requirements, which have led to secretarial positions on boards of both listed and unlisted public and private companies.
Valerian Rego
Director
Valerian Rego has a background in community service and grassroots leadership, with a focus on social justice and supporting vulnerable populations. He is committed to building partnerships that drive lasting community impact.
Joseph Gonzalez
Director
Joseph Gonzalez is a board director with expertise in finance, governance, and purpose-driven leadership. He is passionate about social impact and brings a strategic, values-based approach to every organisation he serves.
Lia Subrata
Head of Operations
With a background in project coordination, events, and team development, Lia is the steady hand behind the scenes at Church Grounds. She’s passionate about creating systems that work for people, and helping trainees feel confident, seen, and supported as they grow into their next opportunity.
Pina Dorrington
Event Co-ordinator
Pina Dorrington is known for her thoughtful and efficient approach to managing events, ensuring every detail runs smoothly and every guest feels welcomed. Her calm presence and strong organisational skills consistently bring people together in meaningful and memorable ways.
