Fishers of Men is a public company limited by guarantee, a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, and endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient. Our Board of Directors brings together a wide range of professional, ministry, governance, and lived experience to help guide FOM with wisdom, accountability, and care. Their oversight supports the organisation’s mission to serve people experiencing homelessness, addiction, hardship, and social isolation through practical support, community connection, and the love of Christ.
Robert (Bobby) Mearns
Co-Founder, Director
Branwen Mearns
Co-Founder, Director
Monita Wong
Director
Joseph Dujmovic
Director
Zoie Puth-Mearns
Director
Ashleigh Puth
DirectorBio
Robert “Bobby” Mearns was born in Hong Kong. After becoming dissatisfied with life, he became involved in drug dealing and later became addicted to heroin. His life changed completely when he handed his life over to Christ.
Now free from addiction for more than 33 years, Bobby brings powerful lived experience to his work with Fishers of Men. His story gives hope to others who are seeking freedom from life-controlling addictions, and his no-nonsense approach has helped many men take practical steps toward recovery.
As a Director of Fishers of Men, Bobby brings deep compassion, lived experience, pastoral care, financial insight, and decades of hands-on ministry among people experiencing homelessness and addiction.
Experience
In 1993, Bobby entered St Stephen’s Society, Jackie Pullinger’s ministry in Hong Kong, which helps people break free from addiction through Christ.
In 1995, he travelled to Australia and married Branwen, beginning work amongst the homeless in Port Macquarie. In 1997, he began helping people experiencing homelessness on the streets of Brisbane through Drug ARM and Christian Outreach Centre, particularly around what was then known as the 139 Club, now Third Space. During this time, he began feeding people experiencing homelessness and inviting them to church, many were impacted.
In 2000, Bobby left Christian Outreach Centre, was ordained in ministry specifically to people experiencing homelessness, and helped start discipleship houses through the Worship and Ministry Centre to support people coming off the streets and recovering from addiction.
In 2003, after that ministry was no longer continued by the Worship Centre, Bobby and Branwen started Fishers of Men from their own home. Fishers of Men was incorporated in April 2004.
In 2006, Bobby and Branwen privately rented “Lorimer” to give men experiencing homelessness a place to recover with support from drug and alcohol addiction. They later developed further housing support, including “743” and “10”, to assist men in second-stage recovery.
Bobby continues to play a key role in the day-to-day life of Fishers of Men. He manages the carwash, supports the men in recovery, helps hold the ministry together, and assists with everyday program needs and events. His financial acumen has also contributed significantly to the ministry’s fundraising efforts.
Qualifications
Lived experience with addiction and long-term recovery
Pastoral qualifications
Ongoing pastoral standing through Ministers’ Fellowship International
Church and Ministry Involvement
Bobby has served in Christian ministry for decades, with a particular focus on people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and hardship.
He continues to encourage the body of Christ to reach out to the lost, homeless, and downtrodden whenever he has the opportunity.
Other
Bobby is a significant source of encouragement and mentorship for the men accessing Fishers of Men’s services.
His life and ministry reflect the message that transformation is possible through Christ, and that people who feel trapped by addiction can find hope, freedom, and a new future.
Bio
Branwen Mearns is a wife, mother of four, pastor, and co-founder of Fishers of Men. She has loved Jesus since childhood and has long carried a deep desire to serve Him wholeheartedly, whether seen or unseen.
Before Fishers of Men began, Branwen served the persecuted Church in China and Vietnam, connecting with Bobby at Saint Stephen's Society in Hong Kong. The two served in homeless ministry in Hong Kong, Port Macqaurie, then Brisbane. In 2004, they started Fishers of Men, building the organisation out of a heart for practical service, faith, and compassion.
Branwen believes strongly in servant leadership — giving herself fully to the work, doing her best in every season, and trusting Jesus through it all. Her life and leadership reflect a conviction that God is able even when we are not.
Experience
Branwen has broad experience across ministry, community service, leadership, and organisational development.
Her background includes sales, hospitality, disability support work, overseas missions, outreach ministry, worship leading, children’s ministry, youth leadership, multi-level team coordination, and pastoral leadership.
She has also played a key role in establishing and developing Fishers of Men as a charity, including government registrations, tax compliance, concession applications, ongoing governance, and grant acquisition.
Qualifications
Food Safety Supervisor Certification
Certificate IV in Business Management
Bachelor of Ministry
Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors
Lead Pastor, Fishers of Men
Other
Branwen’s passion is to serve Jesus faithfully, lead with humility, and help build an organisation that reflects compassion, integrity, and practical love for people in need.
Her leadership continues to be shaped by servant-hearted faith, perseverance, and a deep trust in Jesus.
Bio
Monita Wong brings more than 30 years of experience in finance, accounting, corporate administration, governance, and strategic planning across the construction and corporate sectors in Asia and Australia.
She began her career in Hong Kong and held senior leadership positions with Leighton Asia Limited, including Group Financial Controller, Company Secretary, Director, and Group Manager of Finance and Administration for one of Asia’s leading construction and infrastructure groups.
Today, Monita serves as a Director of Fishers of Men, overseeing financial management and reporting. She brings strong financial leadership, governance experience, wisdom, integrity, and a heart for serving the community.
Experience
Over the years, Monita has led regional finance and administration functions across Hong Kong, China, Macau, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and the Philippines.
Her responsibilities have included financial management, corporate finance, treasury, taxation, strategic planning, budgeting, audits, corporate governance, ethics, company secretarial responsibilities, and regional business operations.
She has worked closely with executive leadership and regional operations, and also chaired the Leighton Asia Superannuation Fund Advisory Committee.
Qualifications
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Fellow Member, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA)
Church and Ministry Involvement
As the Lead Pastor of Balmoral Baptist Church, Monita is actively involved in ministry, including church café service, finance committee leadership, and leadership committee involvement.
Her life journey and faith in Jesus Christ have shaped her passion for serving families, children, and the wider community with compassion, wisdom, and integrity.
Other
Originally from Hong Kong and now based in Brisbane, Monita’s story is one of perseverance, transformation, and hope.
She is married and part of a blended family with five adult children. She enjoys serving her community, spending time with family, mentoring others, and nurturing meaningful relationships.
Monita combines professional excellence with a heartfelt commitment to people, purpose, and faith-based service.
Bio
Joseph Dujmovic is an experienced construction industry professional with over 30 years’ experience in Australia, Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from the University of South Australia and began his career with Baulderstone Hornibrook, a major Australian contractor.
Joe later joined Leighton Asia in Hong Kong, where he served in senior leadership roles including General Manager for Hong Kong, Macau and China, and later Managing Director of Leighton Asia. He also served with Habtoor Leighton Group, where his responsibilities included leadership of the United Arab Emirates and Oman business unit, the company’s largest operating unit.
Experience
Joe has held senior executive roles across major construction and infrastructure organisations, including Baulderstone Hornibrook, Leighton Asia Limited, and Habtoor Leighton Group.
His experience includes executive leadership, project delivery, operational management, business growth, client relationship management, contract negotiation, financial oversight, strategic planning, and leading large regional teams.
Over his career, Joe has overseen operations and projects across Hong Kong, Macau, China, Mongolia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Papua New Guinea, and Australia.
He has also held responsibility for major infrastructure and construction projects including motorway, airport, petroleum, industrial, civil, and transport infrastructure works.
Joe is currently the lead Pastor of Balmoral Baptist Church, under his leadership, it is experiencing significant growth, as Joe brings leadership acumen coupled with a heart to help others.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Engineering, Civil Engineering
Queensland Builder Licence — Open Level
Other
As a Director of Fishers of Men, Joe brings significant experience in leadership, governance, construction, operations, and organisational oversight.
His professional background strengthens FOM through practical wisdom, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of managing people, projects, risk, and resources.
Bio
Zoie Puth-Mearns has been involved with Fishers of Men since its inception and has supported the organisation’s community outreach and ongoing ministry over many years. She is deeply passionate about helping vulnerable people and strengthening community connections through compassionate and practical support.
As a Director of Fishers of Men, Zoie brings a strong understanding of governance, community engagement, and organisational leadership. She is committed to ensuring the organisation continues to operate with integrity, compassion, and a genuine desire to see lives transformed through practical support, community connection, and faith-based care.
Experience
Professionally, Zoie has extensive experience working across the community services sector, with involvement in areas including homelessness, domestic and family violence, alcohol and other drugs, mental health, and broader social support services.
Through both professional and volunteer roles, she has worked alongside government, non-profit, and community organisations to support individuals and families experiencing hardship.
Zoie has also worked extensively within Indigenous affairs and currently focuses on Indigenous governance and community capacity building. Her work includes supporting governance development, leadership training, and empowering organisations and communities to grow sustainably and effectively.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)
- Bachelor of Business (Management)
Church and Ministry Involvement
Throughout her life, Zoie has been actively involved in church volunteering and ministry, contributing across a range of areas including youth ministry, hospitality, mentoring, and supporting church programs and community events.
She has a passion for building welcoming and supportive environments where people can grow in faith, connection, and community.
Over the years, Zoie has assisted with organising and supporting outreach initiatives, discipleship activities, and practical service ministries within the church setting. She currently attends Favor Church, where she continues to serve and remain involved in the life of the church community.
Bio
Ash Puth has been actively involved in Christian ministry, church leadership, and community service for many years. Before joining Fishers of Men, he worked as a chef for 17 years in restaurants across Batemans Bay and Brisbane, developing strong leadership, hospitality, and team management skills that continue to support his ministry and community work today.
Ash became involved with Fishers of Men in 2020, volunteering on and helping lead one of the organisation’s City street teams supporting and feeding people experiencing homelessness while fostering meaningful connection, care, and community support. Since 2023, he has been on staff with the organisation, continuing to contribute to its outreach, ministry, and support services across the community.
Experience
Ash served in church leadership in Batemans Bay, New South Wales, for approximately eight years, where he also led a youth ministry during that time. He later served in church leadership within Ipswich for around one year.
Throughout his Christian life, he has been involved in a wide variety of ministry and church service roles including youth ministry, hospitality, cleaning, young adults ministry, children’s ministry, outreach programs, practical church support, and assisting with church events and community activities.
From 2020 to 2022, Ash studied a Bachelor of Ministry, further developing his theological understanding and ministry leadership skills. He has also participated in short-term mission trips to Cambodia and Thailand and has taught Scripture classes within both public primary and high schools.
Qualifications
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
Bachelor of Ministry
Food Safety Supervisor Certificate
First Aid Certificate
Church and Ministry Involvement
Ash is currently actively serving within Favor Church.
He continues to bring together his background in hospitality, ministry, practical service, and street outreach in his work with Fishers of Men.
Other
Ash’s involvement with Fishers of Men reflects his heart for practical service, Christian ministry, and supporting people experiencing homelessness and hardship with dignity, care, and compassion.