Speakers

Meet Our Speakers

Confirmed Speakers:

Dr Angela Cooney

A/Deputy Commissioner, Young People

Department of Justice WA

Zoë Robinson

Executive Director

Department for Education, Children and Young People, Tasmania

David brings with him exceptional knowledge from a longstanding career in both the private and public mental health sector. 

David brings with him exceptional knowledge from a longstanding career in both the private and public mental health sector. 

David McGrath

Chief Executive Officer

National Mental Health Commission

Gareth Shanthikumar is a wellness mentor, speaker and coach dedicated to helping people step into the best version of themselves. 

Gareth Shanthikumar is a wellness mentor, speaker and coach dedicated to helping people step into the best version of themselves. 

Gareth Shanthikumar

Co-Founder

Man Up WA
Young Australian of the Year WA 2026

David Mackenzie

Chief Executive Officer

Upstream Australia

Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management, Diploma of Human Resources 

Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management, Diploma of Human Resources 

Alex Apostolakis

General Manager, Youth, Justice and Industry

Workskil Australia

Maddison O’Grady Lee

Global Fellowship Project Manager

Orygen
Young Australian of the Year NSW 2025

Jack Anderson

Co-Founder

Elucidate
Young Australian of the Year WA 2025

Narelle Butt

Executive Director Strategy and Operational Support Young People

Department of Justice WA

Leisha Olliver

Executive Manager, Child, Family and Community Services

Junction Australia

Alyssia Kennedy

Founder

Life After School

Young Australian of the Year TAS 2026

Kelly-Anne Stewart ACM

Executive Director, Youth Justice NSW

Department of Communities and Justice NSW

Ian Anstee

Chief Executive Officer

Constable Care

Nil Dilushan

Young Australian of the Year
NT 2025

Jo Roff is the Executive Manager, Service Delivery at IFYS, with responsibility for a diverse portfolio spanning child protection, foster and kinship care, youth services, domestic and family violence programs, housing and homelessness services, and disability supports.

Jo Roff is the Executive Manager, Service Delivery at IFYS, with responsibility for a diverse portfolio spanning child protection, foster and kinship care, youth services, domestic and family violence programs, housing and homelessness services, and disability supports.

Joanne Roff

Executive Manager, Service Delivery

IFYS

Nicole Chaplin is Chief Executive Officer of St John's Youth Services (SJYS), a South Australian organisation supporting young people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage. 

Nicole Chaplin is Chief Executive Officer of St John's Youth Services (SJYS), a South Australian organisation supporting young people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage. 

Nicole Chaplin

Chief Executive Officer

St John's Youth Services

Meaghan Holden

Chief Executive Officer

Living Proud

Dr Henry Pharo

Director Pathways Evidence and Partnerships, Child and Family Support

Department of Human Services SA

Tania Murray

Chief Executive Officer

Youth Involvement Council

Brenda Boland

Chief Executive Officer

Lighthouse Foundation

Andrea Musulin

Director

Child Focused Safety Services

Heidi Tucker has been CEO of Anchor Community Care since June, 2015 and is passionate about supporting young people on their journey to independence. 

Heidi Tucker has been CEO of Anchor Community Care since June, 2015 and is passionate about supporting young people on their journey to independence. 

Heidi Tucker

Chief Executive Officer

Anchor Inc 

In 1986, then practicing and later Chief Justice of the ACT Supreme Court, The Hon, Terence Higgins AO

In 1986, then practicing and later Chief Justice of the ACT Supreme Court, The Hon, Terence Higgins AO

Stacey Bright

Senior Youth Outreach Worker

Raw Potential 

Monica Upward-Garcia

Assistant Director, Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Branch

ACT Health and Community Services Directorate

In 1986, then practicing and later Chief Justice of the ACT Supreme Court

In 1986, then practicing and later Chief Justice of the ACT Supreme Court

Nicky Link

Youth Outreach Worker

Raw Potential 

Cass Tinning

Director, Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Branch

ACT Health and Community Services Directorate

Frida Komesaroff

Senior Manager, National Youth Employment

Brotherhood of St Laurence

Throughout her career as a social worker Angela has worked to support families. 

Throughout her career as a social worker Angela has worked to support families. 

Angela Perkins

Child and Youth Practice Lead

OVIS Community Services

Judith joined Concern Australia in May 2023.

Judith joined Concern Australia in May 2023.

Judith Atkinson

Chief Executive Officer

Concern Australia

Amber Lee

Head of Community Services

Uplyft

Stephanie Wilks

General Manager, Youth Services

Salvation Army

Alex O’Neal

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Regional Youth Support Services

Natalie is the CEO of YACSA and has worked across the youth and education sectors in South Australia

Natalie is the CEO of YACSA and has worked across the youth and education sectors in South Australia

Natalie Matulick

Chief Executive Officer

Youth Affairs Council South Australia (YACSA)

Dr. Tammy Hand

Chief Operating Officer

Upstream Australia

Tania Hancock

Manager, HOF and Practice Innovation

Quantum Support Services

Amanda has spent more than 25 years working across government and the for-purpose sector

Amanda has spent more than 25 years working across government and the for-purpose sector

Amanda McCurry

Deputy Chief Executive Officer

Parkerville Children and Youth Care

Rana Ebrahimi is the National Manager at MYAN. She leads MYAN to advocate for young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds’ rights and best interests in policy and practice. 

Rana Ebrahimi is the National Manager at MYAN. She leads MYAN to advocate for young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds’ rights and best interests in policy and practice. 

Rana Ebrahimi

MYAN National Manager

Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network Australia (MYAN)

Rachael Parker

Chief Executive Officer

Ocean Mind Therapeutic Surfing

Cecily Rawlinson

Youth Pathways Coordinator

Bloom

Karly is the CEO of Workways Australia, a not-for profit organisation that specialises in employment, community and ecological restoration services.

Karly is the CEO of Workways Australia, a not-for profit organisation that specialises in employment, community and ecological restoration services.

Karly McCaskill

Chief Executive Officer

Workways Australia