If you would like to make an inquiry about the National child and youth homelessness conference, please fill out the contact form below. Alternatively you can email us via help@yda.org.au
Australia urgently needs a plan to address child and youth homelessness once and for all.
Homelessness Manager at the City of Sydney
Jon Swain is the Manager Homelessness at the City of Sydney. He has led Homelessness, Mental Health and Environmental teams at Local, State and NGO level over the last past 16 years. Jon is a member of various senior working groups, including the Capital Cities Council of Lord Mayors (CCCLM).
At the City of Sydney, Jon oversees direct funding of Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS), service coordination, business and community education, policy design, public space management and coordination of emergency responses. Future focus is improving pathways for people without residency status (non-residents) and ensuring environmental equity for people experiencing homelessness against extreme weather events.
Lived Experience Advisory Group member | MCM
Danielle Mason is a passionate advocate for children and young people who have experienced family violence and homelessness. Danielle is committed to telling her story about experiencing homelessness as a young mother in order to highlight gaps within the system for unaccompanied young people and advocate for reform. Danielle is a member of Melbourne City Mission’s Lived Experience Advisory Group and uses her expertise across a diverse range of roles including participatory research and design, service and housing developments and advocacy. Danielle is studying a Bachelor of Primary Education at Swinburne University.
A strong advocate for progressive change – addressing housing affordability, tackling the homelessness crisis and ensuring Australia takes meaningful action on climate change – and is deeply committed to reconciliation with our First Australians in line with the Uluru Statement from the Heart. He is acutely aware of the need for local action to reflect the best of Australia’s aspirations as a country.
His values are grounded in the experience of his family. As the grandson of migrants who left Europe and settled in Melbourne in search of a safe place to raise their families, he knows the importance of upholding a multicultural and multifaith Australia – and the profound role education can play in changing lives.
Before representing his community in the Australian Parliament, he previously worked as a teacher’s aide and a factory hand, and served as an adviser in state and federal governments, including to the Premier of Victoria.
Independent MP
Zali Steggall OAM is an independent MP who won the once-safe Liberal seat of Warringah from former Prime Minister Tony Abbott in 2019 and 2022 on a platform of climate action, integrity, and doing politics differently. She is Australia’s most successful Alpine skier and a barrister with extensive business and leadership experience.
Zali represented Australia at four Winter Olympics, winning a bronze medal in slalom at the 1998 Games in Nagano. She also became World Champion in 1999.
As a Barrister, Zali specialised in commercial, family and sports law, attending a fifth Olympics in 2018 in Pyeongchang where she adjudicated on sports doping allegations through the International Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Zali has extensive business and leadership experience at board level and has had a strong focus on gender equity throughout all those appointments.
Federal Member for Kingston
Minister for Social Services
Qualified Psychologist
Amanda Rishworth was elected to the Federal Parliament as the Member for Kingston in Adelaide’s southern suburbs at the age of 29. Prior to becoming Minister for Social Services in 2022, she served as a parliamentary secretary in the Gillard government in the areas of disabilities, carers, environment and water. In opposition Amanda served as Assistant Minister in Education, Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel and Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education and Youth.
Raised in Adelaide, Amanda attended local state schools before graduating with a Bachelor of Psychology Honours from Flinders University and a Masters Degree in Psychology from Adelaide University. Before entering politics, she practised as a psychologist working with General Practitioners in the delivery of mental health care to the community and served as the Federal President of Young Labor.
Her diverse portfolio encompasses issues including women’s safety, social security, delivering on an early years strategy, providing support for pensioners, improving the lives of Australians living with disability and tackling the harm caused by online wagering.
Amanda is passionate about improving the lives of all people living in Australia and contributing towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
CEO Melbourne City Mission (MCM)
Vicki Sutton is Chief Executive Officer of Melbourne City Mission (MCM), a diverse community services organisation that supports Victorians overcome barriers and challenges to an ordinary life. Vicki is passionate about ensuring young people have access to the housing, education, employment experiences and support services they need to achieve a positive future of their imagining MCM is Victoria’s largest youth homelessness provider, operates an alternative flexible secondary school Hester Hornbrook Academy, and has established MCM Housing as Victoria’s first youth specific social housing provider to address a significant gap in housing for young people.
Vicki brings a breadth of experience from senior roles spanning commercial and for purpose organisations with skills in strategy, finance and leadership. She is an experienced board director (GAICD) and is serving on the boards of VCOSS and ACOSS. She holds a Masters in Applied Finance, is a Fellow CPA and is currently studying psychology.
(she/her) Lived Experience Mentor and Advocate
Foyer Foundation Ambassador
Brea Dorsett (she/her) is an intersectional feminist, lived experience mentor and advocate and Foyer Foundation ambassador. Brea was born and raised on the lands of the Yorta Yorta people and is now living and working on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation.
After couch surfing in her year 12 VCE studies Brea found her passion for social justice and became a fierce human rights advocate. Ensuring that she is a voice, for the voiceless. This includes those experiencing homelessness, but not limited too as she wants to see equity and equality among all minorities.
Brea is a former Youth Parliamentarian, works in Social Impact within the Youth Homelessness sector for an organisation known as HoMie, and has her own business where she runs workshops and keynote speaks on her lived experience.
(he/him) Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities
(he/him) CEO Switchboard Victoria
Joe Ball is a longstanding LGBTIQA+ advocate and CEO of Switchboard Victoria. Joe has a twenty-five-year career of working in disability, housing and homelessness and social services. Joe sits on the LGBTIQA+ Health and Wellbeing 10 Year Action Plan Expert Advisory Group, the Victorian LGBTIQ+ taskforce, the Victorian Family Violence Reform Advisory Group, the National Suicide Prevention Governance Committee and the 1800Respect Advisory group. Joe believes in grass roots solutions to systemic issues and draws upon the voices of Lived Experience, LGBTIQA+ history and the wisdom of LGBTIQA+ elders to guide their work. Joe proudly identifies as a trans man and uses the pronouns he/him. Joe works and lives on the lands of the Kulin Nation in Narrm (Melbourne) Victoria.
CEO cohealth
Nicole Bartholomeusz has worked extensively in public health and government in executive and non-executive roles for over 20 years and has been Chief Executive at cohealth since 2019.
Nicole is passionate about community health and committed to the mission of improving health in partnership with individuals and the community. Social justice and health equity are the core principles of her decision-making and key drivers of her advocacy priorities. She feels privileged to have led an organisation that has consistently delivered outstanding services for communities who experience Disadvantage.
With her clinical background, governance experience and expertise in primary care and the acute sector, Nicole is uniquely positioned to understand the Australian healthcare landscape, navigate change and lead system reform.
General Manager | Mithangkaya Nguli Young People Ahead Youth and Community Services Indigenous Corporation
Alvin Hava is the General Manager of Mithangkaya Nguli Young People Ahead Youth and Community Services Indigenous Corporation, based on Kalkadoon Nation in the mining city of Mount Isa, and has been in this role for over 12yrs.
Alvin has a career spanning over 30 years working in the social health and community services sector, with a passion for working with First Nation children, youth and their families to address underlying social determinants to health and wellbeing in all parts of rural and remote North-West and Gulf communities and wider areas of the state of Queensland.
Alvin was previously a Board Director on several Queensland peak bodies – namely the Workforce Health and Community Council, the Youth Affairs Network of Queensland, and more recently with the Queensland Youth Housing Coalition and is a Board Director on the Queensland Council of Social Services QCOSS.
As an experienced community worker, mentored by highly esteemed Elders in community, Alvin is well versed in operational governance, intergovernmental relations and empowering individuals, groups and community to sustain strong working relationships on the foundations of self-determination, respect, collective impact, diversity and inclusion.
Alvin is committed to ensuring children and young people’s voices are heard and true commitment to have them involved in important decision making processes are adhered to and valued as they are the leaders of the future of our great country Australia.
Singer
Breanna Lee, is a seventeen year old Wemba Wemba young woman from Melbourne Victoria.
The 2022 Australia’s Got Talent “Golden Buzzer” winner prides herself on her Aboriginal heritage, as well as her emotional and cultural performances.
Taking stages such as the Victorian State School Spectacular, as a Lead Vocalist, Breanna can range from singing in language, to soulful ballads, allows herself to be vulnerable every time she is on stage.
Being inspired by the talents of Adele, Thelma Plum, Sam Smith, Callum Scott, Jessica Mauboy, and other such artists. She has dreams of making a career off of her passions.
Bree is a proud young woman who dreams of advocating for black youth through her future on stage. Coming from the system of foster care herself, through the many different obstacles she has faced in her life, she provides as she quotes, ‘No matter how hard your life is, you can always accomplish your dreams’.
CEO BHC, one of the largest Community Housing Providers in Queensland
Rebecca Oelkers is the Chief Executive Officer of BHC, one of the largest Community Housing Providers in Queensland, with over 1,800 homes developed and under management. Rebecca brings to the role a strong vision for strategic growth and a deep understanding of the company, having held Executive roles within BHC over the past 15 years.
Her experience in the affordable housing sector spans over 19 years, across a variety of affordable housing projects, with Rebecca most recently leading BHC’s involvement in the Queensland Government’s Housing Investment Fund, securing partnerships with the private sector with the intent of growing the supply of social and affordable housing by up to 1,200 homes in South East Queensland.
Rebecca is a passionate advocate for affordable housing issues and is committed to growing the supply of safe, secure affordable housing, and delivering.
Mission Australia State Director NSW, ACT and Victoria
Nada Nasser is Mission Australia’s State Director for NSW, ACT and Victoria leading services in areas of homelessness; child, youth and family; employment; mental health; alcohol and drug rehabilitation and other community services.
Nada’s work in human services spans more than three decades in the Government and not for profit sectors including in youth policy and programs.
Starting her career as a youth worker, Nada has delivered frontline services and led programs and partnerships, policy, strategy and system reform. Nada is passionate about social justice and about ending homelessness and building on community strength. She has a deep commitment to partnering to improve outcomes for young people, families and communities.
Youth Ambassador | The Foyer Foundation
Tyrah Chan-Hampton is a proud young woman from Wiradjuri country. She plays a key role as a youth ambassador with the Foyer Foundation, a NFP working in the youth homelessness space and is a passionate and caring young person with a lived experience in the out-of-home-care sector.
With a passionate focus on the over representation of First Nations young people in the care system, Tyrah volunteers her time to advocating for policy and service delivery reform and improvement. She is currently studying Social work and is an incredible advocate working towards improving the lives of other young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Youth Worker at Independence Australia
Support Worker at Mxycare
Mariam Nagawa is a youth worker at Independence Australia and a support Worker at Mxycare. She moved to Australia in 2018 From Uganda. Having experienced Homelessness, she transitioned to First Education Youth foyer. She studied her Certificate iV in community services In Shepparton. She is currently doing her Diploma in community services at open colleges. She is a Mentor and advocates for The young people’s wellbeing and bright future.
Member for Kooyong
Former Director of the Neurology Department of the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne
Dr. Monique Ryan was elected to the federal seat of Kooyong in May 2022. Formerly Director of the Neurology Department of the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne and a Professor of Medicine at both Melbourne and Monash Universities, she is the first woman and the first Independent to hold the seat of Kooyong.
She and her husband have raised three children in the electorate, and want their children to have the same opportunities that they have had; confidence in their futures, secure employment and the ability to afford a home.
Dr Ryan is committed to action on climate change, integrity and transparency in government, evidence-based healthcare, and gender equity.
CEO Colony 47, a Tasmanian based Social Enterprise supporting young people
Non-Executive Director of Metro Tasmania
Tasmanian Youth Employment Alliance
The National Youth Employment Body
Dianne Underwood has recently been appointed as CEO at Colony 47, an independent, proudly Tasmanian social enterprise supporting young people. Dianne is an experienced Executive and energetic leader with 30 years’ experience across diverse sectors specialising in strategic planning, business transformation, human resources and leading people.
Previously Dianne has been on the Executive teams of RACT, Federal Group and TasWater. In performing these roles, Dianne has been instrumental in creating many programs that have made positive and practical changes to the organisations and the lives of many Tasmanians.
Dianne has played a leadership, governance and stakeholder engagement role on various committees and Boards. She is currently a Non-Executive Director of Metro Tasmania, sitting on the Tasmanian Youth Employment Alliance, The National Youth Employment Body and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is committed to supporting and investing in young Tasmanians.
Upstream Australia. University of South Australia
David MacKenzie is an
In 2007-2008, he was one of the four Commissioners responsible for the influential National Youth Commission Inquiry into Youth Homelessness [NYC]; David has done pioneering research on early intervention and is the developer of the innovative ‘Community of Services and Schools’ model of early intervention or COSS Model.
In 2022, David launched Upstream Australia as a new form of ‘bridging organisation’ to provide
SDA National Secretary-Treasurer
Gerard Dwyer is the National Secretary-Treasurer of the Shop, Distributive & Allied Employees’ Association. Gerard has been the Secretary-Treasurer of the SDA-NSW Branch (2005-2014), National President of the Union (2008-2014) and SDA National Secretary since 2014.
The SDA is one of Australia’s largest trade unions and represents employees working in retail, on-line retail, warehousing and fast food.
Gerard is currently Senior Vice President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), a member of the ACTU Executive and a member of the National Executive of the Australian Labor Party.
Gerard grew up in regional NSW and moved to Sydney at the age of 18 to pursue tertiary studies. He has a Bachelor of Education (History and English, 1989), a Masters of Business in Employment Relations (UTS, 2002) and is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Gerard’s working life has seen him employed as a shop assistant, classroom teacher, social worker and as a Trade Union Official for over 30 years.
Youth Consultant, Policy Advisor, and Advocate
Dominique Rose is a youth consultant, policy advisor, and advocate. Dominique is passionate about eradicating youth homelessness, through increasing support and access to housing, a fundamental human right. Dominique’s other work focuses on advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, accessibility in the justice system, as well as the public healthcare system, increasing young carers’ awareness and increasing support for those living with mental illness, disability, and neurodivergence. Dominique has a diverse range of lived experiences and a deep passion and commitment to the causes she advocates for.
NSW Aboriginal Advocate for Children and Young People
Shannon Thorne is a proud Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri man with strong connections to his culture, community, and identity. He has over 17 years of experience working within health-based services in both the public and NGO sectors as an Aboriginal Health Practitioner. Shannon has extensive experience in the out of home sector and was most recently the Senior Manager for Marist180, overseeing their social inclusion programs in Sydney’s western suburbs.
Having parents who have fostered over 280 children for over 45 years, Shannon developed a passion for helping disadvantaged kids. He has seen both positive and negative impacts of children’s lives within a foster care setting and has a solid understanding of today’s issues that impact our children, families and communities.
In July 2023, Shannon was appointed to the newly established NSW Aboriginal Advocate for Children and Young People. Shannon is committed to improving the lives of children and young people in NSW and will use his new role as Aboriginal Advocate to support a future where his community can flip from intergenerational trauma to intergenerational strength.
Executive Dean of UniSA Business
Andrew Beer is Executive Dean of UniSA Business. He previously worked at the University of Adelaide and the Flinders University of South Australia and holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Adelaide and a PhD from the Australian National University. Beer has served as a Research Fellow at the University of Plymouth, a Leverhulme Fellow at the University of Ulster and a Visiting Professor at the University of North Texas. He was a member of the College of Experts for the Australian Research Council and is a Fellow of the UK’s Academy of Social Sciences.
Beer is undertaking research in a number of areas: change in Australia’s regional housing markets in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; agency as a driver of regional transformation; the quality and condition of Australia’s rental housing; and the impact of the closure of Australia’s automotive industry. Beer was appointed a ‘thought leader’ by the Wyatt Foundation (Australia’s oldest philanthropic organisation) in 2011–13 and was a Visiting Professor at the University of Southern Queensland from 2016-19 and the University of Ulster from 2008–11.
Beer has extensive experience with research translation and well-developed links to the policy community. In 2020 he worked with colleagues from George Mason University, Virginia, and the University of Newcastle (Australia) on a Pandemic Risk Tool, and he has given considerable thought to the social and economic processes that place individuals and households at risk as a consequence of COVID-19.
Professor Beer has led a number of impactful projects for AHURI including National Research Venture #2 focussed on changing housing careers in the 21st Century; work focussed on industry attitudes towards the Specialist Disability Program within the NDIS; and work on regional housing markets. Most recently he lead an Inquiry into housing and population growth in Australia’s smaller cities.
Beer was the Chair of the South Australian Government’s Homelessness Strategic Group from 2011 to 2017 and was the Chair of the Regional Studies Association from November 2013 to November 2017. He sits on the Board of the SA Housing Trust, and he has been on the Board of both Shelter SA and the Local Government Research and Development Scheme.
Rainbow Tick Project Officer | Berry Street
Currently working as Rainbow Tick Project Officer at Berry Street, Kaitlyne is dedicated to embedding meaningful youth participation and engagement within our sector. With 5+ years of experience. Kaitlyne has drawn from their lived expertise to advocate for marginalised communities.
Passionate about equitable healthcare, alternative education, early. Intervention, and intersectionality. Kaitlyne brings practical knowledge to their work. Their background includes Youth Work, Non-Profit Volunteering, Government and Freelance consulting.
Kaitlyne also specialises in Youth, Community & Stakeholder Engagement, Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI), Workshop Development & Facilitation, Project Planning, Service Co-Design and Policy Reforms.
Founder | MOHOW
Mo O’Meara founded MOHOW to advise countries on the engagement of their young people as co-creators of social, cultural and economic futures. Facilitating National Youth Policies and strategies in Srilanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives in the early 2000s led to later appointments in the Middle East, including international advisor to the Kuwait National Youth Project 2012-2020 and the UAE Youth Empowerment Strategy 2015-17.
Australian Government appointments have included – Membership of the National Homelessness Committee and Lead facilitation of The National Youth Roundtable, the 2020 Youth Summit, Agricultural Youth Thinktank, Australian Youth Forum, and the 2020 Youth Summit.
Some of the most impactful work has taken place in many smaller regional, rural and remote communities. From the youth workshop 20 years ago that resulted in the Geraldton Universities Centre to most recently facilitating the first Litchfield NT Youth Strategy and Action Plan 2022-2025.
Senior Manager | Youth and Family Homelessness Services
Lisa O’Brien has over 25 years of experience as a practitioner and leader working with young people, families and adults within the homelessness, crisis, education and employment and early intervention spheres in Victoria.
Lisa has a real passion for social justice and seeks to innovate service models to ensure that they are person-centred, treating each person respectfully and as an individual.
Lisa started her career in a local youth refuge and has continuously returned to youth homelessness throughout her journey as a social worker. Lisa is currently responsible for MCM’s early intervention and adult homelessness services spanning youth, children, adults and families.
Victorian Minister for Housing
Colin Brooks was first elected to the Victorian parliament in 2006 and represents the electorate of Bundoora in Melbourne’s north-eastern suburbs. Since then, Colin has held the roles of Minister for Child Protection and Family Services, Disability, Ageing and Carers and was also Speaker of the Victorian Parliament for five years.
CEO TaskForce
Ray Blessing has been the CEO of TaskForce since 2011 after working in employment services for 25 years. TaskForce is an amazing Charity that for 50 years has worked to support individuals and families that need positive intervention and support to address alcohol and other drug issues and seek to get back on track to employment and education. TaskForce is a collaborative organisation with several partner agencies.
South Sudanese Youth Advocate
Community Development Professional and (Bi-Cultural Consultant)
Adongwot ‘AD’ Manyoul holds a Double Bachelors in Communications in Journalism and International Studies. She is a South Sudanese Youth Advocate, Community Development Professional, and Researcher.
She is dedicated to empowering people of CALD backgrounds to achieving and realising their ambitions as demonstrated by her extensive community development work with the South Sudanese community.
Adongwot also has a special interest in bolstering excellence through education. She was awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2019 to explore ways in which African diasporas have successfully integrated in other Western Societies. With a special focus of the education system, she aspires to influence other young people of colour to follow their dreams and reach their highest potential.
Principal Commissioner | Queensland Family and Child Commission
Luke Twyford joined the Queensland Family and Child Commission as Chief Executive and Principal Commissioner in January 2022. He is an accomplished senior executive, with rich experience in the child and family sector.
Luke’s career spans more than 20 years across Commonwealth, New South Wales and Northern Territory governments in the areas of reform, research and evidence, integrity, audit, governance and complaints management. He has led critical reform of child protection systems and their legal frameworks. He also has extensive experience monitoring the performance of the systems designed to keep children safe and preserve family wellbeing.
Luke’s parents fostered a number of children throughout his childhood, with his own lived experience and those of his foster brothers and sisters profoundly shaping the perspectives and passion he brings to his work.
CEO Homes Melbourne
Vijaya Vaidyanath is the inaugural CEO of Homes Melbourne – a special entity of City of Melbourne. Prior to this role, Vijaya was the CEO of City of Yarra in Melbourne from July 2012 – January 2022. Vijaya spent over a decade as CEO at Waitakere City Council a very large metro City in New Zealand and as the CEO of Rodney District Council in New Zealand. She is a Board Member on Procurement Australia, Zoos Victoria, Parks Victoria, Ambulance Victoria and Vision Super.
Vijaya’s exemplary qualifications include a Senior Executive Fellow of the John F Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, MBA from JMKatz Graduate School of Business in Pittsburgh USA, Master of Arts (Economics) and a Bachelor of Arts (Economics) from the University of Bangalore.
Vijaya draws inspiration from a variety of global thought and academic leaders as well as from her overseas mentors who have shaped her world view. It led to her interest in social justice and value-based leadership. She has been a leader from the very early stages of her career in sectors such as commercial and central banking, international finance and Local Government in the last two decades.
Vijaya is renowned for her innovation, integrity, inspiring leadership style and a unique ability to deliver results. She instills a strong sense of pride and passion in her staff who deliver exemplary outcomes for our communities. Her strong belief in building coalitions and harnessing community capacity has been her work philosophy.
Queensland Youth Housing Coalition’s Executive Director
Lorraine Dupree is Queensland Youth Housing Coalition’s Executive Director. Her professional background spans the media and social services sector. Over the past 25 years she has focused her work on children, young people, and families. She managed a youth service for over a decade, then held policy, research, and project management roles. Lorraine is passionate about addressing poverty and abuse of power in our society. Given childhood poverty is a leading trajectory to homelessness, addressing poverty and homelessness early in a child and young person’s life is essential. Her 2004 thesis was critique of case management and a shout out to the importance of relational practice in working with young people. It’s also key to positive organisational culture and staff wellbeing. Addressing power imbalances and inequities is the key to a more just and inclusive society. It is also fiscally and socially responsible.
CEO Homelessness Australia
Kate Colvin is the CEO of Homelessness Australia, the national peak body for homelessness. Kate’s professional life has been dedicated to advocacy for social justice. This includes more than 20 years in leadership roles in homelessness and housing, and the youth and welfare sectors.
Kate joined Homelessness Australia in 2022, following her roles as the spokesperson for the national housing and homelessness campaign, Everybody’s Home and Deputy CEO at the Victorian peak body for homelessness, Council to Homeless Persons.
Kate is passionate about achieving the changes needed to end homelessness.
Chairperson | Safe & Equal
Maria Dimopoulos AM is nationally and internationally recognised as an expert specialising in the intersections of diversity, gender equality and the law. She is an outstanding communicator and facilitator and possesses an extraordinary ability to captivate her audience.
Maria has well over 30 years of continuous contribution to building strategic capability within a breadth of sectors and within peak bodies across Australia. She has worked across all tiers of government advocating for human rights and social justice informed policy responses, areas that have been a lifelong passion and professional commitment.
Maria’s incomparable contributions have seen her awarded the Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order Of Australia for significant service to women, to cultural diversity, and to the prevention of domestic violence, and a Lifetime Achievement award by the Migration Council of Australia in 2017 for her tireless devotion to Australian multiculturalism and support for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse women. She has held numerous advisory positions to government including the National Judicial Council on Cultural Diversity, the National Council to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children and the Federal Multicultural Affairs Access and Equity Inquiry panel.
Maria is currently the Chairperson of Safe and Equal, a member of the Coronial Council of Victoria and a board member of Midsumma. She was the inaugural Chairperson of the Harmony Alliance, Australia’s national coalition of migrant and refugee women and a member of the National Women’s Alliances.
Manager of Community Strengthening and Social Planning Brimbank City Council
Leanne Mitchell is an Australian government worker, writer and anthropologist, convinced that we can all do better to make the world a fairer place.
Her work and study over the last two decades – in government, the UN and the not-for-profit sector – has allowed her to respond to homelessness in many different forms.
Managing homelessness programs for the City of Melbourne and Brimbank City Council exposed Leanne to the scope and many limitations that local government faces in responding to street sleeping.
In 2022, Leanne undertook a Churchill Fellowship investigating how councils can respond to homelessness while balancing responsibilities to the wider community.
Her report, Everybody’s Business, focuses on the contribution local government can make towards ending homelessness and provides practical guidelines and case studies to assist Councils in taking action.
Executive Director of Advocacy & Campaigns | Foundation for Young Australians
Lee Carnie is a human rights lawyer and social justice advocate currently working as the Executive Director of Advocacy & Campaigns at the Foundation for Young Australians. Passionate about backing young people to fight injustice and create change – from newsrooms to protests and parliaments across the country.
Lee has worked on strategic litigation, campaigns and advocacy across a range of issues, including Robodebt, marriage equality, urgent COVID-19 measures to prevent poverty and homelessness, advocacy to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, stronger human rights and anti-discrimination protections, hate speech laws, birth certificate reform, and access to gender-affirming treatment for trans young people. Lee has previously worked as the Strategic Advocacy & Policy Manager at Victoria Legal Aid, Legal Director at Equality Australia, Senior Lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre, and Youth Homelessness & Drug Outreach Lawyer at Youthlaw.
Director of the Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre
Prof. Kate Fitz-Gibbon is Director of the Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre, a Professor of Social Sciences in the Faculty of Arts, Monash University (Victoria, Australia) and Deputy Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence against Women (CEVAW). She also holds affiliated research appointments with the School of Law and Social Justice at University of Liverpool (UK) and the Research Center on Violence at West Virginia University (US). Kate’s qualifications include a Phd in Criminology (2012), Masters of Human Rights Law (2019), Graduate Certificate of Higher Education (2013) and she is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Kate is an internationally recognised scholar in the field of family violence, femicide, responses to violence against women, and the impact of policy and practice reform in Australia and internationally. The findings of her research have been published in leading academic journals and books. Kate has advised on homicide law reform, family violence and youth justice reviews in several Australian and international jurisdictions. Her research has been cited by the High Court of Australia. In 2021 Kate was appointed Chair of Respect Victoria by the Victorian Government.
CEO Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA)
Wendy Hayhurst was appointed in March 2019 as CEO of the Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA), the peak body representing not for profit community housing organisations across Australia.
Previously she led CHIA NSW – the state peak – for four years. Wendy has spent almost her entire career in social and affordable housing – working her way from the front line to a non-executive directorship and senior managerial roles in a wide range of housing provider organisations, regulatory bodies, specialist consultancies and performance benchmarking organisations.
She has in-depth knowledge and experience of the NSW, national and international community housing sector through her work with the NSW Regulator, in shaping and administering the National Regulatory System and her work in the United Kingdom. Wendy has an Executive Masters in Public Administration taught through the Australian and New Zealand School of Government. She also has a Postgraduate Diploma in Housing awarded by the Chartered Institute of Housing in the UK.
Head of Youth Homelessness Services | Melbourne City Mission (MCM)
Leanne Nicholson is a passionate Youth Worker that has been in the sector over 25 years working across Australia and internationally in youth mental health, AOD, youth justice and homelessness. Leanne is a strong advocate for all young people having access to the care, support and resources they need.
Through innovation and strong collaborative relationships Leanne creates and drives change to ensure young people don’t fall through the gaps. Leanne’s current role as Head of Youth Homelessness Services at MCM is driving the ongoing creation of diverse and flexible support and accommodation responses for young people experiencing homelessness.
Independent Senator for the ACT, Former Wallabies Rugby Captain and Brumbies Vice Captain
Senator David Pocock is an Independent Senator for the ACT at the Parliament of Australia. Having migrated from Zimbabwe with his family as a teenager, David went on to captain the Wallabies and Vice-Captain the Brumbies as part of a stellar rugby career in which he has been awarded for leadership on and off the field.
With a Masters in Sustainable Agriculture, David also has a track record as a powerful advocate on issues ranging from climate to marriage equality.
He has been involved in multiple small businesses and has co-founded numerous not-for-profit community initiatives in Australia and overseas, including with his wife Emma.
In 2021, David attended the COP26 climate summit and led The Cool Down campaign that saw over 470 Australian athletes from 40+ sports call on the Australian Government to lift its ambition on climate change. Upon returning home, he announced his run as the community-endorsed Independent Senate candidate for the ACT. After campaigning on a platform of integrity, doing politics differently and making Canberra count, David was successfully elected at the 21 May 2022 Federal Election.
CEO My Foundations Youth Housing Ltd
Rebecca Mullins has over 25 years of experience in community services across the community housing, homelessness and advocacy sectors, most of which has been focused on ensuring access and opportunity for young people.
She is the founding CEO of My Foundations Youth Housing, a registered community housing provider focused exclusively on the housing needs of young people. In just 5 years, MFYH has grown to manage over 260 properties, with a further 150 contracted to be delivered by the end of 2021. Rebecca is determined to deliver on MFYH’s vision that “young people everywhere should have a safe, supportive and affordable home” with a strong focus on ensuring a range of housing options and tenures are available for young people to support their transition to independence.
CEO Stepping Stone House
Jason Juretic is the CEO of Stepping Stone House, a non-profit providing housing and wrap around supports for young people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, so they can achieve independence and are inspired to become the very best they can be.
As Chair of the NSW Home Stretch campaign, Jason successfully led a team of charity sector leaders to lobby the NSW Government to extend Out of Home Care from 18 to 21 years. During this time, he was awarded the 2022 Australian CEO of Year Award (up to A$100m turnover).
Jason has dedicated over 30 years in both volunteer and professional roles to developing, mentoring, and supporting disadvantaged children and youth to become the very best they can be. His unique approach to empowerment is characterised by the use of measureable goals and outcomes which foster a sense of achievement and self-belief in those he serves.
AnglicareNT/ Regional Operations Manager, Katherine
Tracey John has a grounding in Nursing, Midwifery and Public Health and has decades of experience working in international development settings managing country programs for INGOs and establishing community development initiatives throughout the Pacific, South East Asia, the Balkans and Africa. Returning to Australia less than 10 years ago, Tracey has applied her expertise to continue to work in the not for profit sector, committed to social justice, human rights and a strong belief in fostering self-determination in those most vulnerable in our community.
Tracey is currently the Regional Operations Manager for the Katherine Region in the Northern Territory, working for AnglicareNT. Overseeing a portfolio of Aged Care, Disability, Early Childhood, Financial Counselling and Housing and Homelessness.
CEO Youth Coalition of the ACT
Justin Barker is the CEO of the Youth Coalition of the ACT. Justin is an anthropologist and youth studies academic with an extensive background in conducting research with marginalised population groups and community service providers in the areas of youth work, domestic and family violence, youth and family homelessness, child protection, alcohol and other drugs and service use by vulnerable population groups.
Justin is nationally and internationally recognised for his research with homeless young people. Justin has extensive experience in program evaluation and working with community services to build their capacity for ongoing service improvement. Prior to his career as a researcher Justin was a youth worker who worked with homeless young people. This experience led onto his PhD that examined the lives of homeless young people in Canberra, providing ethnographic insights into the conditions of youth homelessness.
University of Melbourne
A/Prof. Jess Heerde is a National Health and Medical Research Council Emerging Leadership Fellow and Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Paediatrics, Melbourne Medical School, at the University of Melbourne.
A/Prof. Heerde at the University of Melbourne has established and leads a program of research that highlights both drivers of homelessness and the health consequences of homelessness in young people. Her program of work focuses on the prevention of homelessness before its consequences for health, and the social and individual assets that underpin health across the later life-course, arise.
Youth Ambassador | Foyer Foundation
CEO Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation
Jill Gallagher AO is a Gunditjmara woman from Western Victoria who has worked within, led and advocated for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Victoria for all her life.
Jill is a highly respected leader who has dedicated her life to advocating for self-determination outcomes on behalf of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Jill is the CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation where she has spent the past 27 years advancing Aboriginal health and wellbeing.
Jill was recognised for her outstanding contribution to community when she was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2009, awarded the Order of Australia in 2013, and inducted into the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll in 2015.
Jill was also closely involved in leading the Victorian journey to treaty serving as Victoria’s Treaty Advancement Commissioner from 2017 to 2019.
CEO National Shelter
Emma Greenhalgh is the CEO of National Shelter, the national peak body that aims to improve housing access, affordability, appropriateness, safety and security for people on low incomes.
Since 1976, National Shelter has worked towards this goal by influencing government policy and action, and by raising public awareness about housing issues.
Emma is a passionate advocate for better housing outcomes, having worked for 25 years in roles in housing policy, research, social impact assessment, and planning in both non-government and non-government roles.
Emma joined National Shelter in March 2022, following her role as Manager of Strategic Projects with Q Shelter.
Emma has professional qualifications in urban and regional planning, and is also an Adjunct Industry Fellow at the Cities Research Institute at Griffith University.
CEO Indigo Junction
2017 Churchill Fellowship Recipient
Board Director of Karlup Aboriginal Corporation and the Youth Affairs Council WA
Sharon Gough is the Indigo Junction CEO and has an enthusiasm for positive change, advocacy and improving the way things work. Her career has focused heavily on system reform, service design, strategic partnerships and advocacy in response to the needs of people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.
Sharon is a 2017 Churchill Fellow, a Board Director of Karlup Aboriginal Corporation and the Youth Affairs Council WA. In recognition of her work in the Youth Sector Sharon was awarded the YACWA significant Contribution to Youth Work Award in 2018.
As a result of her expertise, Sharon has been instrumental in the development of the WA Youth Homelessness Action Plan and has recently been appointed to the WA Government’s Ministerial Housing First Advisory Committee.
The Committee will provide regular advice to the Government
on the implementation of the WA 10 Year Homelessness Strategy, identify areas for system reform, and improvements to the existing homelessness service sector.
Head of Policy, Advocacy and Government Relations | Melbourne City Mission
Shorna Moore is a Social Justice Lawyer and is currently the head of Policy, Advocacy and Government Relations at Melbourne City Mission where she is responsible for leading the organisation’s systemic change work. She is the former Policy and Advocacy director of the peak body for community legal centres, sits on several not-for-profit boards and was inducted into the 2022 Victorian Honour Roll for Women.
Shorna has been a leader in the justice, youth and homelessness sectors for more than 15 years and is dedicated to driving positive social change for children and young people. Her work on the issues of couch surfing as a form of youth homelessness and children and young people experiencing family violence has resulted in lasting government and NGO reforms. Shorna also identified schools as an effective environment for young people to access justice and enforce their human rights, and this work has been replicated across Australia and globally.
CEO Anglicare Victoria
Paul McDonald is the CEO of Anglicare Victoria, the state’s largest provider of foster care, family welfare and youth support services.
Paul has chaired a range of nationally significant committees on behalf of the Australian Government and is the former chair of the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare.
He is the former Executive Director of the Children, Youth and Family Division in the Department of Human Services for the Victorian Government, being responsible for Victoria’s Child Protection Program, Youth Justice Program and Family and Domestic Violence Programs.
He has led a range of organisations including the founding CEO of Youth Substance Abuse Service, CEO of Council to Homeless Persons, Executive Director of the St Kilda Crisis Centre, Program Director for Crossroads Salvation Army and Youth Worker for Katherine Town Council.
He is the founding Chair of the national ‘Home Stretch’ campaign which extends the age of those in Out of Home Care from 18 to 21 years in every jurisdiction in Australia.
Director of the Centre for Social Impact UWA
Executive Officer for Melbourne City Mission (MCM) Housing
Lisa Dalla–Zuanna is the Executive Officer for Melbourne City Mission (MCM) Housing, Victoria’s’ only dedicated youth housing provider.
With over 15 years’ experience in both the housing and homelessness sectors, and currently studying a Masters in Property, Lisa is focused on housing, and housing design for young people.
Lisa has worked in Victorian regional and country areas, and now based in Melbourne, believes, that through communication, strong collaboration and creating change, we can start housing young people in diverse ways with flexible support.
Youth Health Nurse Practitioner and a Midwife
Dot Henning is a Youth Health Nurse Practitioner and a Midwife. She is a Registered Nurse, a midwife, has a Diploma of Adolescent Health (and Welfare), a Master of Nursing and a PhD. She was endorsed as one of the first four Nurse Practitioners in Victoria. Dot is employed at the Young People’s Health Service (YPHS), a program of the Department of Adolescent Medicine at the Royal Children’s Hospital. YPHS is located in a community setting collocated with other services to address the needs of young people experiencing homelessness. Being a program of the hospital brings the benefits of clinical governance and support while working within a social service setting provides access to highly vulnerable young people who may not otherwise access healthcare.
Dot has worked at the Young People’s Health Service (YPHS) for 21 years developing and refining her practice to best meet the complex health needs of the young homeless. She believes health access and good health care should be equally available to all young people.
Manager at Youth Housing Project (YHP)
President at Homelessness Qld (formally Council to Homeless Persons QLD)
Alison Cole has been working in Qld Homelessness Sector for over 25 years with a specific focus on Youth Homelessness. She has been the President of Homelessness Qld (formerly the Council to Homeless Persons Qld) for five years and before this a general member of the organisation. Alison has worked as a Support Practitioner within Homeless Services prior to becoming the Manager of the Youth Housing Project Association Inc in Brisbane North. She has been in this role for over 18 years and has worked hard to see her organisation grow from a 13 property Homelessness Service to now offering over 38 properties through Homelessness and Community Housing programs funded through the Qld Department of Housing.
Alison has also been involved in various organisations over the years and has been an Executive Management Committee member for many years on both the Qld Youth Housing Coalition and Young Parents Program, at times holding the position of Chairperson/President.
Alison is passionate about the issues affecting Homeless people and those issues impacting the services and organisations working hard to assist these people. Working in the not for profit sector she works hard to ensure that the sector remains solid in a time of change. She is a very active member amongst the youth and general homelessness sector and participates in many working groups and networks working hard to see the sector strengthened and resourced enabling it to provide high level services to this group of people.
Clinical Nurse Consultant at the Young People’s Health Service
Belinda Tominc is a Clinical Nurse Consultant at the Young People’s Health Service, a nurse-lead clinic that aims to advance the health of young people experiencing homelessness, and an honorary fellow at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. Belinda has recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Sexual Health, and this year has commenced a Masters course to become a Nurse Practitioner. Belinda loves preventative health care and working with young people in community.
Victorian Secretary | Health and Community Services Union
Paul Healey has been a mental health nurse for 26 years across Larundel and the Royal Children’s Hospital, spending 18 years working in in-patient units. Paul then served as the Assistant State Secretary of the Health and Community Services union for 8 years before becoming the State Secretary in 2018. Paul is currently leading the charge in Victoria to open the State’s first worker-led drug, alcohol and gambling in-patient rehabilitation and suicide prevention service and the state’s first worker-led youth housing service with access to full wrap around mental health support and access to employment in mental health, drug and alcohol and disability services.
Australian Manufacturing Workers Union
Tony Piccolo has been in the print and packaging industry for 25 years. He was the State Secretary of the printing division of the Australian manufacturing workers union for 8 years before becoming the Assistant State Secretary of the Victorian branch of the Australian Manufacturers Union 6 years ago. Tony is currently leading the charge in Victoria to open the State’s first worker-led drug, alcohol and gambling in-patient rehabilitation and suicide prevention service and the state’s first worker-led youth housing service with access to full wrap around mental health support and access to employment in manufacturing.
Projects and Political Liaison Officer | Health & Community Services Union
Stephanie Thuesen is the Projects and Political Liaison Officer at the Health and Community Services union. She worked as an organiser for HACSU, the Victorian labor party and worked as the director of stakeholder engagement for the progressive public health alliance. She has extensive experience in leading public health campaigns and initiated the Victorian push to open the states first worker-led drug, alcohol, gambling and suicide prevention service, The Crossing and began her career as an actor, arriving as a delegate for the Media, entertainment and arts alliance.
Senior Manager, Shepparton Youth Foyer and Better Futures | Berry Street
Anita McCurdy has over 20 years’ experience for the non-for-profit community services field with various roles from ground youth work through to management. Her initial employment was with Berry Street supporting young people in statutory care which has advanced to leadership roles in 1-1 care support, onto leaving care and management work at the local crisis refuge. From there, Anita transitioned into the social housing space with Beyond Housing as the Client Services manager until the opportunity arose in 2016 to become the first manager of one of the three Education First Youth Foyers in Victoria, the first Foyer to be regional (Goulburn Valley). In 2020, Anita took on the challenge of a dual role in also managing the new Better Futures Initiative which involved rolling out the Advantage Thinking approach to supporting young people leaving care as it had been evidently successfully in the Youth Foyers.
Service Delivery Director Brisbane Youth Service (BYS)
Di Mahoney is the Service Delivery Director of Brisbane Youth Service (BYS). She has more than 25 years’ experience working in a diverse range of environmental and community programs focussing on quality and innovation. Di is committed to working together to enable young people to access the opportunities and support that will enable them to thrive in their lives.
National General Manager Youth Services | The Salvation Army
Natalee O’Brien has over 20 years experience working across front line and senior leadership roles, primarily in the housing, homelessness and youth sectors. Natalee is a passionate youth worker at heart with extensive experience in quality practice, policy and program development and organisational strategy. In her current role as General Manager of Youth Services for The Salvation Army, Natalee is responsible for youth service operations and strategy across Australia, delivering AOD, homelessness, leaving and extended care, justice, independent schools and employment and training programs for young people. She has led the development and implementation of The Salvation Army’s Youth Services ,model of care ‘Journey to Independence’, underpinned by Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE).
Young person with lived experience
The Salvation Army
Luis Montero is an passionate advocate for issues facing young dads and young parents. Luis is part of The Salvation Army’s Youth Empowerment Program and regularly participates in community events, service design and recruitment of staff in youth services. Luis works and studies and is committed to achieving his goal of becoming a youth worker.
Young person with lived experience
The Salvation Army
Lavinna Farani is an incredible role model and is passionate about helping other young people recognise what they can achieve. Over the last four years Lavinna has completed a Bachelor of Health Science and is currently completing her Bachelor of Nursing. Lavinna continues to contribute to the community through the Youth Empowerment Program for The Salvation Army, in addition to raising a family and completing her studies.
Head of Research and Social Policy at Uniting ACT/NSW
A/Prof. Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney
A/Prof. Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University
Dr. Tom McClean is Head of Research and Social Policy at Uniting NSW/ACT. His team undertakes primary social research, evaluations of Uniting’s services, and social policy analysis. It supports Uniting to disrupt entrenched disadvantage through practice excellence, innovation and advocacy.
Tom has been part of Uniting’s leadership team on Foyer Central in Sydney, which is funded by a social impact bond. Before joining Uniting, Tom worked in social policy for the NSW Government, in roles that included policy, evaluation, and investigations.
Dr. McClean holds a PhD in political sociology from the London School of Economics, and is an adjunct associate professor at Western Sydney University and at UTS. His personal research interests include how institutions shape social and political outcomes, and the role of secrecy in politics.
Founder Freedom Fight Project NT
National Youth Steering Committee Member
Dawyte Hart-O’Neill is a respected young leader in their community with years of experience working in mental health, out-of-home care, intensive youth support, and peer education. A strong advocate for vulnerable children and young people, Dawyte has been recognised for their efforts both locally and nationally.
In 2022, Dawyte was 1 of 15 young people Ministerially appointed to the National Youth Steering Committee reporting to the Federal Minister for Youth, Hon. Dr. Anne Aly.
Dawyte established the Freedom Fight Project NT, an independent child and youth advocacy body that aims to ensure the voices of vulnerable young Territorian’s are heard and included in system-level decision making.
As an aspiring social worker, Dawyte aims to bring his lived experience into his practice to create an improved model of care for young people that is more inclusive and holistic. He is passionate about mental health and wellbeing outcomes for young people, and advocates for this cause every day.
Executive Manager Community Health Youth Projects
CEO Burdekin Association
CEO Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre (WAGEC)
Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors
Helen Waters Silvia is the CEO of Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre (WAGEC). Her career in social services spans 25 years, specialising in homelessness and housing, holding a variety of senior management and executive roles.
Helen’s work focuses on improving systemic responses and service delivery to marginalised people, particularly women and children impacted by domestic and family violence and the prevention of gender-based violence. Appointed to the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council (interim) in 2023, Helen has previously served on the board of Domestic Violence NSW (2016-2022), Chair of DVNSW (2017-2020), and she has served on the boards of Homelessness NSW and FAMS.
Helen has background in social work, Diploma of Management, ProSci Certified Change Practitioner, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Mentor in Youth Justice at Confit. Lived Experience Advocate for Children and Young People inciting systemic change in NSW
Managing Director Community Housing LTD
CEO Hope Street Youth and Family Services
Senator for Victoria. Qualified Family Therapist
Former employee for the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency and the Child Protection System
Senator Jana Stewart is a proud Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman from North-West Victoria, and a mother to Jude and Ari.
Jana is the youngest First Nations woman to be elected in Federal Parliament, and the first Aboriginal Labor Senator for Victoria.
Jana’s personal and professional life has been shaped by ironclad values. An unwavering commitment to children and families, a firm belief in the power and importance of community, and a deeply held feeling of responsibility to do everything she can to advocate for others.
Jana comes from a long line of strong Aboriginal women, stretching back over sixty thousand years. She is the first in her family to attend university, where she received two degrees to become a family therapist.
From her work at Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency and the Child Protection System, all the way to the steps of parliament – Jana has never been afraid to stand up for others.
CEO Foyer Foundation
CEO of SNAICC – National Voice for our Children
An Arrernte/Luritja woman from Central Australia, Catherine Liddle has a strong background in senior management positions with First Nations organisations.
Catherine has also held senior roles within the Northern Territory Education Department, the ABC, and NITV/SBS.
A journalist by trade, Catherine’s motivation has always been to drive change that leads to positive outcomes and options for First Nations people. Over the past 10 years she has led multidisciplinary teams, overseen workplace transformations, and advocated for policy reform.
Commissioner for Children and Young People
As Commissioner, Jacqueline has a statutory responsibility to monitor, protect and advocate for the rights and wellbeing of all Western Australian children and young people.
This role involves consulting children and young people on issues that impact their lives, giving priority to the interests and needs of Aboriginal children and young people and those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged.
General Manager for Housing and Complex Needs at Jesuit Social Services
Leanne Acreman is the General Manager for Housing & Complex Needs at Jesuit Social Services. Leanne has more than 30 years of experience managing services across housing, homelessness, mental health, alcohol and other drugs, disability and therapeutic programs.
At Jesuit Social Services, she oversees programs including Dillon House/Next Steps, Perry House and the Youth Justice Housing Program (Link), which includes two residential accommodation facilities for young people who have contact with the criminal justice system.
Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People in Victoria
Meena Singh is the Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People in Victoria. She is a Yorta Yorta and Indian woman, born and living on the land of the Kulin Nations. Meena started her legal career with Victoria Legal Aid, where she practised in human rights and criminal law, and was also their inaugural Associate Director, Aboriginal Services. She has led legal services and programs at the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service and the Human Rights Law Centre, as well as consulting in training and organisational development across many organisations. She has a passion for centering the voices of people with lived experience and service design that promotes inclusion, connection and ultimately achieve social justice and equitable outcomes.
CEO Berry Street
Michael Perusco is the CEO of Berry Street, the 28th CEO since Berry Street’s establishment in 1877. Michael has had extensive experience working in senior leadership roles and has been CEO of the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW and Sacred Heart Mission in Victoria. He has worked at the Department of Prime Minister Cabinet leading the social inclusion agenda, not for profit reform agenda and other social policy areas.
Michael is a member of the Victorian Government’s Roadmap for Reform Ministerial Advisory Group and the Aboriginal Children’s Forum and is on the Board of the Federal Government’s Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare.
Lived Experience Advocate for Homelessness and Mental Health Foyer Foundation Ambassador
David Saint has a lived experience of both mental illness and homelessness. David’s passion to help end youth homelessness is equal only to his passion for the footy. Cracking jokes at every opportunity to brighten up.
“I know what I’ve been through in my life so I know for certain that if I can help someone not go through it, I’ll be right by their side. Ending youth homelessness won’t be done in a day but if we can work together with community and government I believe that we can create a brighter future for the next generations of young people.”
The Salvation Army
Victorian Youth Services State Manager
Rob Ellis is The Salvation Army’s Victorian Youth Services State Manager. He has been in the community services sector for over 25 years and has extensive experience across a range of areas including youth justice, homelessness, alcohol and other drugs, child protection and education, employment and training.
Rob has lead the development and delivery of a range of innovative housing solutions for young people across Victoria and is a strong advocate for creative and sustainable housing options.
Rob has led the implementation of Psychologically Informed Environments across Salvation Army Youth Services to increase staff capabilities, drive quality practice and enhance sustainable outcomes for young people.
The Salvation Army
Youth Services Oasis ACT
Andrew Rich has worked within the community services sector for most of his life; his passion for people sparked by his experiences volunteering with a local community service when he was 11.
Andrew has extensive senior leadership experience across a range of portfolio areas including housing and homelessness, early childhood education, disability, mental health and AOD.
For the past 7 years, Andrew has led The Salvation Army’s Oasis Youth Services in the ACT; 24 crisis beds across four locations, three transitional properties in the ACT, and more recently a driver training program that assists vulnerable and disadvantaged young people to obtain their provisional driver licence.
Youth, Diversity and Inclusion Advocate
Elvis Martin is a social justice advocate who has managed to overcome very difficult circumstances and inspire many with his advocacy for social justice. The recipient of awards such as National young Community Achiever of the year.
Elvis has worked, volunteered and spoken publicly in many roles, addressing mental health, homelessness, family violence and LGBTIQA+ community issues.
Currently Elvis as Principal Ambassador of Youth Development Australia, government LGBTIQ taskforce member and on the Board of VMIAC. He uses his platform, including a large social media following, to promote inclusion, diversity and equality for all.
Senior Manager of Services at Conflict Resolution Service, ACT
Research Specialist in Youth HomelessnessUniversity of Sydney, Research Centre for Children and Families NSW/ACT
Rebecca Mawad is a social work research student undertaking a Master of Philosophy (Arts and Social Sciences) at the University of Sydney. Her research examines youth homelessness in NSW and features a critical case study of the Youth Foyer Model.
Rebecca is a Research Assistant at the Research Centre for Children and Families where she has worked on various evidence reviews for the NSW and ACT governments.
Rebecca’s academic practice is grounded by her practical experience in the housing and homelessness sector in the delivery of tenancy support and psychosocial support services.
Director of Youth Support Services at Youth off the Streets
Michelle Ackerman is Acting Director of Youth Support Services at Youth Off The Streets. She has over two decades of experience in community services, working across the government sector and not-for-profit organisations. Her areas of expertise include frontline youth homelessness responses; community housing; service delivery for LGBTQIA+ young people; community development; quality assurance and compliance; and executive leadership, among others.
Michelle joined Youth Off The Streets in 2021 as Manager of Engagement and Support, focussing on youth justice and youth engagement programs. She then moved into the Interim Operations Manager role and became Acting Director of Youth Support Services in October 2022.
Senior Policy Advisor Officer at Melbourne City Mission (MCM) on Wurundjuri Country
I have worked for the past twenty-years in community services supporting children and young people experiencing crisis. My current role is the Senior Policy Advocacy Officer at Melbourne City Mission (MCM) on Wurundjeri Country.
My key responsibilities are centring the experiences of young people across systems of care and intervention. To create healing-oriented ecosystems of care, and challenge adversarial responses to the diverse needs of our children and young people.
Advocate for Children and Young People
Zoë Robinson was appointed as the Advocate for Children and Young People in January 2021, she holds a law degree and a Masters of Human Rights. She previously worked as a solicitor for firms in NSW, for Deloitte in internal strategy and was the CEO of the NSW Peak Body for Youth Homelessness.
Prior to commencing her appointment as the Acting Advocate, Zoë worked at the Department of Premier and Cabinet. Her role was focussed on breaking disadvantage. Zoë has volunteered for a number of months for at an organisation that represented death row inmates based in Houston, Texas.
With experience in the professional services industry and the NFP sector means that Zoë brings a balance of passion coupled with a “can do” attitude to her role as Advocate. Zoë firmly believes that children and young people should be given every opportunity to succeed and set themselves up for success, and that they should have the opportunity to choose what that means to them.
Zoë believes that all children and young people should be heard, listened to and be central to the work that we do both in government, business and community. Zoë is enthusiastic, energetic, and pragmatic and thoroughly enjoys collaborating with people to achieve a purpose and an outcome.
CEO Bridge It
Carla Raynes is the Founder and CEO of new youth homelessness charity – Bridge It. Bridge It runs a supportive housing program called the Cocoon which supports care impacted young people.
Carla’s worked in the homelessness field for nearly 2 decades in the UK and Australia. Her experience spans crisis accommodation, drug and alcohol teams, tertiary hospitals and youth residential units.
She’s a trailblazer in trialling creative approaches to homelessness to make the solution lasting.
Commissioner of Lived Experience at Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission
Maggie Toko identifies as having a lived experience and as being indigenous to Aotearoa and comes from Ngati Whatua and Ngapuhi tribes. Maggie is currently a Commissioner Lived Experience at the soon to be established Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission. Maggie has worked in homelessness, youth, sexual assault and young women’s services as well as mental health most recently having been the CEO of VMIAC – Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council and the Peak Consumer organisation in Victoria.
Maggie is a staunch believer in Human Rights and has a commitment to raise the voice of Mental Health Consumers and Carers in the mental health system. Maggie believes that the voice of first nations and multi cultural communities should be championed as much as possible and has recently been involved in a project that addresses shared information in a variety of community languages. Working in codesign the Mental Health Complaints Commission worked with Polaron to hear the voice of communities in what they want to know about the complaints processes in languages that are accessible and clear.
CEO Youth Development Australia and the National Youth Commission
Keith Waters has worked in the youth homelessness sector for over 30 years. He has held Executive positions with Anglicare in NSW and the ACT as well as the Salvation Army in Melbourne, Victoria. He has experience across a wide range of areas including youth, drug and alcohol, housing and homelessness, crisis services, OoHC and child protection, family violence, prisons and courts, disability services, child care, aged care, primary health care and juvenile justice.
In addition to being a leading NGO Executive, he has pioneered numerous innovative programs for disadvantaged young people over the past 30 years and has been an advocate, author and co-author of a number of landmark reports which have impacted youth policy. He is currently the Executive Officer of both YDA and the National Youth Commission.
CEO Yfoundations
Trish Connolly is the CEO of Yfoundations. She has an extensive background in homelessness and domestic abuse policy, research service design, and service system reform in both the Australian and UK contexts. She has worked across a broad range of sectors, including the NSW State Government, UK Government, peak bodies, non-government/frontline service providers and charities. Trish was also a member of the Yfoundations Board in 2014–15 to provide expertise on impacts and best practice approaches for young people experiencing domestic and family violence.
Prior to joining Yfoundations, Trish worked in a service delivery capacity in the community housing sector. Trish is passionate about working in the youth homelessness sector, strongly committed to ending homelessness, and focused on developing a systemic approach to address the fundamental issues that contribute to youth homelessness.
CEO Brisbane Youth Service
Pam Barker is the CEO of Brisbane Youth Service (BYS) which works to support homeless and vulnerable young people, and their children, to secure and maintain housing, address physical and mental health issues, establish successful relationships and support networks, and access pathways to education and employment. Prior to commencing with BYS, Pam was the CEO of Yfoundations, the New South Wales peak body representing young people at risk and experiencing homelessness, and before that, the CEO of Open Doors Youth Service, Queensland’s LGBTIQA+ youth service supporting children and young people aged 12–24 years. She is passionate about investing in our next generation of leaders and advocating for meaningful solutions to support them to flourish.
Pam has advocated for change in policy reform at both state and federal government levels partnering with stakeholders to affect change across Queensland for LGBTIQA+ Youth. She also sits on the board of My Foundations Youth Housing, Homelessness Australia (HA), Vanguard End Street Sleeping Collaboration (ESSC), is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, holds a Bachelor of Psychology, and is currently undertaking postgraduate study in Clinical Psychology.
Associate Professor University of Tasmania
Catherine Robinson is an Australian academic, sociologist and social justice activist. She has a long-held commitment to qualitative research and advocacy in the areas of homelessness, complex trauma and social care.
Catherine is known for her work with Blackfella Films as Series Consultant and Co-Host of the SBS documentary Filthy Rich and Homeless and she is a Board Director of Homelessness Australia.
Catherine is currently Associate Professor in Housing and Communities, School of Social Sciences, UTAS where she is also UTAS Centre Director for the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute. Her recent work focuses on understanding the experiences and support system needs of children and young people who experience high vulnerability, including unaccompanied homelessness and mental ill-health.
Former Federal Human Rights Commissioner
Professor Brian Burdekin, AO (Order of Australia) has left a lasting legacy to two of Australia’s most disadvantaged groups – homeless children and people with mental illness. During his term as Federal Human Rights Commissioner, he presented two landmark reports: a National Inquiry into Youth Homelessness in 1989 and Human Rights and Mental Illness in 1983.
Our Homeless Children, the 1989 report on youth homelessness, shocked the Australian public by revealing the number of young people who were homeless and the appalling lifestyle they lived. The Burdekin Association has restructured to reflect many of the recommendations of the report and Brian Burdekin has offered his full support.
CEO Kids Under Cover
Stephen Nash became CEO of Kids Under Cover in December 2021 after being a founder and CEO of homelessness and community housing organisations for the past 25 years in Victoria.
Stephen has formed local, national and international alliances and partnerships to innovate and advocate and he has led campaigns to trial new solutions to homelessness.
Stephen has been invited to be a member of Ministerial Advisory Committees on homelessness and housing and elected by his peers to serve on national and state peak body boards.
A/Children’s Commissioner of the Northern Territory
Nicole Hucks is the Children’s Commissioner of the Northern Territory. Nicole is a Larrakia/Wadjigan and Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal woman from the NT. Nicole has defined her career in child and family welfare, with experience in child protection, care and protection research and program and policy development in Victoria and the NT.
