Serving Our People cuts ties with founder after serious criminal charges

Serving Our People has severed all ties with its founder Yas Daniel Matbouly after he was charged with dozens of serious criminal offences, including rape and sexual assault.

Mr Matbouly, 50, appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Saturday facing 51 charges, including 34 counts of sexual assault, 14 counts of rape, two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and one count of attempted rape.

Queensland Police allege the offences occurred between April and November 2025 and involved three women who were known to him. Mr Matbouly was granted bail under strict conditions.

The court heard Mr Matbouly resigned from the charity's board the day before his court appearance. He had already stepped down as chief executive in December last year, though a replacement has yet to be appointed.

In a statement released on Monday, Serving Our People confirmed it had cut ties with its former chief executive effective immediately.

The charity said it was aware of the "serious charges" laid against Mr Matbouly, describing the allegations as "deeply concerning".

"Serving Our People does not condone misconduct of any kind," a spokesperson said.

The organisation confirmed Mr Matbouly no longer holds any leadership or governance role and that the charity is currently being overseen by remaining board members while a new chief executive is appointed.

"SOP takes all allegations extremely seriously and is focused on supporting its staff and volunteers," the statement said.

"Our mission to support vulnerable members of the community will continue."

The charity's governance structure remains unclear, with four committee members having resigned last year - three of them within a single week in late November and early December.

There are no allegations of wrongdoing against Serving Our People itself.