Our Governance
Our Governance
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
- Dr Seuss
Thankfully, our Board of Directors, a band of dedicated, generous and compassionate volunteers, “care a whole awful lot”.
The Governors provide overarching governance and strategic direction for Project Youth, as well as ensuring business performance, quality and legal compliance. Once a month, they meet to discuss and review corporate reports, risk management, finances and strategy – it’s much more exciting than it sounds.
We have 10 Board positions, which are filled by wonderful community members who generously give up their time to provide the governance of Project Youth.
Our Board
Louise Birnie
Director
Louise Birnie
Director
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Business in Employment Relations
Louise is a seasoned HR professional having spent 16 years as HR Director with Tetra Pak. She has generalist HR experience in retail, manufacturing, engineering, B2B and not for profit in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Korea. Louise brings to the board a proven track record in implementing change and delivering innovative HR strategies to build organisation capability.
Louise is a seasoned HR professional having spent 16 years as HR Director with Tetra Pak. She has generalist HR experience in retail, manufacturing, engineering, B2B and not for profit in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Korea. Louise brings to the board a proven track record in implementing change and delivering innovative HR strategies to build organisation capability.
Naomi Bryant
Secretary
Naomi Bryant
Secretary
What is your role?
Director
What do you like about volunteering at Project Youth? I'm constantly inspired by Project Youth staff and the passion they show to support our Young People to live their best life. As a mother of 2 young people it's so important to have services like Project Youth available to young people, and I love being able to share my skills and experience and learning from Project Youth at the same time.
Tell us something nobody knows about you.
I wanted to be a vigneron (wine maker) when I was 17, but to get into agriculture college I had to go and pick grapes for 6 months. I decided that this was way too hard and I went on to study accounting and business because that's sooo similar!
Director
What do you like about volunteering at Project Youth? I'm constantly inspired by Project Youth staff and the passion they show to support our Young People to live their best life. As a mother of 2 young people it's so important to have services like Project Youth available to young people, and I love being able to share my skills and experience and learning from Project Youth at the same time.
Tell us something nobody knows about you.
I wanted to be a vigneron (wine maker) when I was 17, but to get into agriculture college I had to go and pick grapes for 6 months. I decided that this was way too hard and I went on to study accounting and business because that's sooo similar!
Tanya Hardy
Director
Tanya Hardy
Director
What do I like about working for Project Youth:
I love volunteering with Project Youth because together we can create a world where diversity is celebrated, young people are valued co-creators and homelessness is history.
Tell us something nobody knows about you:
Nobody knows that I am a hugging guru. I have never said "no" to an honest request for a hug yet. All are welcomed, just ask!
I love volunteering with Project Youth because together we can create a world where diversity is celebrated, young people are valued co-creators and homelessness is history.
Tell us something nobody knows about you:
Nobody knows that I am a hugging guru. I have never said "no" to an honest request for a hug yet. All are welcomed, just ask!
Melinda Graczol
Director
Melinda Graczol
Director
Mel Graczol is the Assistant Director for Public Prosecutions in the Northern Territory. Prior to this she was a Deputy Solicitor for Public Prosecutions at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions NSW. Mel has also worked in private practice in NSW. Mel is passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive legal industry and criminal justice system and whole heartedly believes in concepts around social justice.
Tsae Liew
Director
Tsae Liew
Director
What is your role?
Director
What area of expertise/background do you provide to the Board?
I am an experienced Finance professional who has worked across multiple finance disciplines including business partnering, reporting and audit in corporates, Big 4 and mid-tier accounting firms, in Australia and the United Kingdom. I enjoy collaborating with the business, to provide recommendations and insights, to deliver strategies and initiatives that drive optimal commercial outcomes.
What do I like about working for Project Youth?
I am passionate about giving back and helping others reach their full potential. The broad range of services offered by Project Youth directly support young people to achieve their potential, so I feel fortunate to able to help contribute to that work and have a positive impact on those who need it most.
Tell us something nobody knows about you
I have been fortunate to be able to travel to over 50 countries and to every continent except for Antarctica (which is on the bucket list!). I am glad I did a lot of travel before COVID, and look forward to international borders opening again soon!
Director
What area of expertise/background do you provide to the Board?
I am an experienced Finance professional who has worked across multiple finance disciplines including business partnering, reporting and audit in corporates, Big 4 and mid-tier accounting firms, in Australia and the United Kingdom. I enjoy collaborating with the business, to provide recommendations and insights, to deliver strategies and initiatives that drive optimal commercial outcomes.
What do I like about working for Project Youth?
I am passionate about giving back and helping others reach their full potential. The broad range of services offered by Project Youth directly support young people to achieve their potential, so I feel fortunate to able to help contribute to that work and have a positive impact on those who need it most.
Tell us something nobody knows about you
I have been fortunate to be able to travel to over 50 countries and to every continent except for Antarctica (which is on the bucket list!). I am glad I did a lot of travel before COVID, and look forward to international borders opening again soon!
Julie Robinson
Chair
Julie Robinson
Chair
Role:
Board Director
Why you are volunteering for PY:
I wanted to give back to my local community and I had heard positive feedback on the amazing work Project Youth does so wanted to become involved.
One thing we don’t know about you:
I recently learnt how to weave baskets and I love it. I also take photographs in my spare time.
A brief description of your background and experience that adds value to Project Youth Board:
I am a Social Worker who is passionate about young people. I have worked with young people throughout my career and know the importance of the work Project Youth does. I have also been involved with a number of management committees of not for profit organisations in the past.
Board Director
Why you are volunteering for PY:
I wanted to give back to my local community and I had heard positive feedback on the amazing work Project Youth does so wanted to become involved.
One thing we don’t know about you:
I recently learnt how to weave baskets and I love it. I also take photographs in my spare time.
A brief description of your background and experience that adds value to Project Youth Board:
I am a Social Worker who is passionate about young people. I have worked with young people throughout my career and know the importance of the work Project Youth does. I have also been involved with a number of management committees of not for profit organisations in the past.
Ben Cramer
Deputy Chair
Ben Cramer
Deputy Chair
Role:
Board Director
Why you are volunteering for PY:
I am volunteering for Project Youth to get some valuable work experience, and it is such a privilege to volunteer for an organisation that does amazing work for young people like me.
One thing we don’t know about you:
I play drums in a bluesy-metal band, but I love listening to jazz! Actually, I love all types of music. (except country)
Background and Experience:
My background is in psychology and public health, so I can understand the devastating impacts that a young person’s environment can have on their life and health. It is so important that we address these factors to make sure young people can live the life they want.
Board Director
Why you are volunteering for PY:
I am volunteering for Project Youth to get some valuable work experience, and it is such a privilege to volunteer for an organisation that does amazing work for young people like me.
One thing we don’t know about you:
I play drums in a bluesy-metal band, but I love listening to jazz! Actually, I love all types of music. (except country)
Background and Experience:
My background is in psychology and public health, so I can understand the devastating impacts that a young person’s environment can have on their life and health. It is so important that we address these factors to make sure young people can live the life they want.
Alison Brandon
Director
Alison Brandon
Director
Role: Board Director
Why you are volunteering for PY: In looking for my first board appointment, it was important that the organisation had a purpose and values that aligned with my own and I believe that is Project Youth for me. I think if you have the capacity for volunteering, then you should and it is great behaviour to model to my children.
One thing we don’t know about you (something fun or to get to know you better that you are comfortable sharing on the website): I am obsessed with Jigsaw puzzles! I have too many to count in my garage and there is always one out and in progress on my kitchen table!
A brief 2 sentence maximum of your background and experience that adds value to Project Youth Board:
My background is in Corporate communications, marketing and stakeholder engagement predominantly in a listed environment. I am hoping to provide guidance and governance support across these areas to assist the operational team in achieving group objectives.
Why you are volunteering for PY: In looking for my first board appointment, it was important that the organisation had a purpose and values that aligned with my own and I believe that is Project Youth for me. I think if you have the capacity for volunteering, then you should and it is great behaviour to model to my children.
One thing we don’t know about you (something fun or to get to know you better that you are comfortable sharing on the website): I am obsessed with Jigsaw puzzles! I have too many to count in my garage and there is always one out and in progress on my kitchen table!
A brief 2 sentence maximum of your background and experience that adds value to Project Youth Board:
My background is in Corporate communications, marketing and stakeholder engagement predominantly in a listed environment. I am hoping to provide guidance and governance support across these areas to assist the operational team in achieving group objectives.
Kathryn Thompson
Director
Kathryn Thompson
Director
Why you are volunteering for PY: I was looking for an opportunity to leverage my extensive experience in government to give back to the community. Project Youth was a no-brainer for me because its mission aligns strongly to my own values, and the programs and services it delivers are truly sector leading. Their focus on the whole person is inspiring, as is their relentless commitment to co-design with young people.
One thing we don’t know about you: People who meet me generally classify me as an extrovert, but in reality I would almost always prefer to spend time with my two cavoodles (Juno and Pluto).
Background: I have spent almost all of my career working in government. I have held senior advisor roles for the NSW Health Minister and the Minister responsible for TAFE. I have consulted for government departments (mostly in the education space), and worked in a government relations role for a NDIS provider. I believe in the transformative role good government can have on our social infrastructure, and am committed to driving better policy outcomes to let our critical services (like PY) do their best work.
One thing we don’t know about you: People who meet me generally classify me as an extrovert, but in reality I would almost always prefer to spend time with my two cavoodles (Juno and Pluto).
Background: I have spent almost all of my career working in government. I have held senior advisor roles for the NSW Health Minister and the Minister responsible for TAFE. I have consulted for government departments (mostly in the education space), and worked in a government relations role for a NDIS provider. I believe in the transformative role good government can have on our social infrastructure, and am committed to driving better policy outcomes to let our critical services (like PY) do their best work.
Vanessa Guez
Treasurer
Vanessa Guez
Treasurer
Project Youth helps young people deal with and get through difficult situations.
Project Youth acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we work. We acknowledge that this always was and always will be Aboriginal land and we pay our respects to Elders past, present & future.
