Banyule Youth Services are a generalist youth service who support young people ages 12-25 years who live, work, study or spend time in the area of Banyule. Our team includes qualified youth workers and facilitators. As well as Staff who are experienced sound engineers, musicians, artists, disability support workers, events coordinators & advocates for young people.
To find out what about what the team can offer you, head to our Get Involved page
Leonie Farrell - Coordinator Youth Services
Leonie oversees the whole youth service team, supporting staff and young people strategically to achieve great outcomes.
Leonie created the Banyule Youth Services Youth Plan 2018-2022, which oversees all actions the service undertakes.
Leonie is a great contact for local services and organisations who want to connect with our team or young people in Banyule.
leonie.farrell@banyule.vic.gov.au
9457 9939
0439 395 967
Bec Lonie – Jets Team Leader
Bec oversees the running of Jets Studios. She supports the Jets Staff, creative arts programs, pathways, community groups and events. Bec is responsible for creating a positive culture so that all staff, community groups and young people have an awesome experience when they visit Jets Studios.
Bec oversees our yearly youth festivals, including YouthFest and 2020's LiveFest.
Chat to Bec if you want to learn more about Jets Studios or education & training opportunities for young people.
rebecca.lonie@banyule.vic.gov.au
9098 8001
Lisa Said – Youth Outreach Team Leader
Lisa supports all casual staff members who work in the youth service, including our Youth Outreach & Program Support team. This team of youth workers head into the Banyule community regularly to say hi to young people, promote our opportunities and offer support and information.
Lisa runs our Wellbeing portfolio. She runs events and workshops for young people about taking care of your mental health and wellbeing. Lisa also runs our school holiday events, which include free, cheap and fun things to do in Banyule for young people ages 12-25 each school holidays.
Lisa is also available for catch-ups with young people who need support one on one over the phone, in-person or via message.
9457 9897
0427 833 321
Naomi Simmonds – Youth Engagement Officer
Naomi co-ordinates the biennial Banyule Youth Summit which is a chance for young people to discuss what matters most to them and provides the opportunity to make recommendations to Council. Naomi also makes sure the recommendations are heard and acted upon.
Naomi is also creating a new Youth Advisory Committee for Council, is developing supports for young entrepreneurs, oversees the Banyule 100 project and provides support for young carers.
naomi.simmonds@banyule.vic.gov.au
9457 9902
0422 560 109
Jess Sayers – Youth Engagement Officer
Jess works with Nillumbik Shire Council Youth Services to facilitate the BNYSN Executive Committee & Network meetings/training.
Jess works with young people who live or spend time in Heidelberg West. She also has a focus on our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and young people who have a multicultural background. Jess regularly works alongside our Australian Somali young people in Banyule.
Jess is also available for catch-ups with young people who need support one on one over the phone, in-person or via message.
jessica.sayers@banyule.vic.gov.au
9457 9983
0428 522 656
Maddi Cooper – Youth Engagement Officer
Maddi is available for catch-ups with young people via supported referrals and facilitates the Rainbow Space program for LGBTQIA+ young people, friends and allies aged 14 – 24 years.
Maddi supports local secondary schools by delivering workshops for students and also organises consultation opportunities for young people in Banyule.
Kieran West - Youth Program Officer
Kieran oversees our Communications portoflio, running our website and social media pages to give young people information and support.
Kieran runs our Street Art and Hip Hop program called New Hope that runs on Wednesday evenings at Jets Studios.
Kieran also runs opportunities for young people to get involved in recreation activities such as Skate, BMX and Scooter Jams and Comps.
kieran.west@banyule.vic.gov.au
Courtney Blackney – Jets Facility Administrator
Courtney looks after the facility and our creative arts space Jets Studios. Her role is to ensure young people and community members can use the space and resources for their projects on and offsite, including booking a space, come and try sessions, support for events and borrowing equipment.
Courtney supports people to access and book into Jets.
courtney.blackney@banyule.vic.gov.au
0468 567 605
9098 8000
Simon Eszeky – Jets Inclusion Officer
Simon looks after our inclusive programming at our creative arts space Jets Studios. This includes band, arts crew & DJ’s. He ensures that young people with a disability are supported to attend our programs and events. Simon uses his artistic and musical talents to run a DJ Program on Tuesday evenings at Jets.
Simon also works with our Band Jam group for young musos on Thursday evenings and support student placement opportunities at Jets.
simon.eszeky@banyule.vic.gov.au
9098 8000
Caitlin McKimm – Jets Youth Programs Officer
Caitlin facilitates our Podcast Program and the Live Events Team.
The 'NoteWorthy' Podcast facilitates young people to tell their stories, share their insights, and champion the causes important to them. If you would like to find out more, or have a story you would like to share, visit here: https://www.banyuleyouth.com/stories-you
The Podcast Creators Project is all about learning how to make your own podcasts - from figuring out your focus and content production, to the technical skills of editing and audio production. Mondays 4-6pm during school terms. To get involved contact Caitlin directly at caitlin.mckimm@banyule.vic.gov.au
The Live Events Team are meeting weekly on Tuesdays, 4-6pm during Term 4 to plan and run the stage for Live Fest! To find out more visit https://www.banyuleyouth.com/livefest
caitlin.mckimm@banyule.vic.gov.au
9098 8000
Leza Cullen - Jets Intake & Program Officer
Leza takes care of all enrolments into our creative arts space Jets Studios. Leza works with young people to decide which programs suit them best and help them achieve their goals.
Leza also works on the IncArt program which brings together young people to be creative and explore the creative arts in a fun group environment.
Get in touch with Leza to get involved in Jets Studios.
Leza.Cullen@banyule.vic.gov.au
0411 267 427
9098 8000
Jay Mifsud- Jets Youth Programs Officer
Based out of Jets Studios, Jay facilitates the Jets Events team with tasks such as conceptualising, developing and managing all ages events and projects. Jay works with Jets Crew Members who are interested in a career in the creative industries to collaborate on events and projects to build up their skills and networks. Interested in chatting with Jay about Jets Events & Productions team, or other Jets offerings? Find them around Jets weekly on Tuesday 4:00PM to 7:00PM, or contact them at the below.
0434 187 511
Kate James – Youth Engagement Officer
Kate is currently on maternity leave and will return to work in late January 2021.
Please contact leonie.farrell@banyule.vic.gov.au for general enquiries regarding work Kate usually does with our team. Kieran West is now the contact for any social media or website related work with our team.
