George Halkias is a well-respected community leader who has supported, motivated, inspired and educated Australians for almost 20 years.

With post graduate qualifications in psychology, his early work experience included managing a state-wide support service for victims of violent crime and training police graduates in the area of victim rights and support.

George is best known for co-founding the Big Issue Street Soccer Program which uses soccer to engage and develop homeless and marginalized people. The program began as a pilot in the public housing estates in Melbourne and since expended to thirty locations across Australia.

In this role he has coached and coordinated Australian teams at ten Homeless World Cup events: Edinburgh 2005, Cape Town 2006, Copenhagen 2007, Melbourne 2008, Milan 2009, Paris 2011, Poznan 2013, Glasgow 2016, Oslo 2017, Cardiff 2019 and Sacramento 2023. This has involved the complex process of selection and supporting the team on and off the pitch in a uniquely challenging and rewarding environment.

He was also instrumental in successfully bidding for and staging the 2008 Melbourne Homeless World Cup and his role included sourcing corporate sponsorship and acting as the public face of the event.

George’s experience with his team in Cape Town was profiled on the ABC’s Australian Story while his Melbourne campaign was documented by Channel 10. Whilst still involved in the Community Street Soccer Program which has expanded across Australia George designs continues to make an impact across the community and sector. As well as being a leadership and coach/mentor George is a sport for development consultant to a range of organizations including professional sporting clubs and associations. George was also recognised by Vicsport and the State Government of Victoria for his Service to Victorian Community Sport and Recreation at the 2016 Victorian Sports Awards. George and his assistants were also awarded UEFA Best Coaching Team at the 2019 Homeless World Cup in Cardiff whilst he also received a UEFA Coaches Award at the 2006 event.

He now continues to drive the Community Street Soccer Program and spearhead Australia’s Homeless World Cup Campaigns.

His amazing personal and professional journey provides a truly inspiring story which has made George one of the most unique motivational and keynote speakers in Australia for the past decade.  George's captivating presentations have an enduring impact on his audience making your next event truly memorable.