Working partner: Department of Social Services (DSS)
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About
The advisory group provides advice to the working partner on Safe and Supported, the national framework for protecting Australia’s children. They will meet regularly to:
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design and deliver policies and programs for young Australians in the context of Safe and Supported.
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advise DSS on how to improve its programs that support vulnerable youth.
Members
James (he/him)
21 years old, from Queensland
James is 21 years old and hopes to bring a new insight to the table and work alongside others with different stories and provide a new perspective to be shared with the Minister.
Samantha (she/her)
22 years old, from Tasmania
Samantha lives in a beautiful coastal beach town in Tasmania with her partner Tim. Samantha works in Early Childhood Education and is studying Nursing. She hopes to share some of her personal experiences and knowledge as well as absorb information from all other participants.
Jaida (she/her)
22 years old, from New South Wales
Jaida is originally from Newcastle/Lake Macquarie and is currently living in rural NSW. She has recently completed a Bachelor of Psychology and has almost finished a Diploma of Youth Work. Jaida is currently employed with Friends of Femili PNG, which supports victims of domestic violence in Papua New Guinea. She believes it is essential to provide young people – especially those who have experienced domestic violence, homelessness, and mental illness – with the opportunity to re-establish autonomy over their own lives. Jaida hopes to use her experience, in combination with that of others, to support the Australian government in achieving this.
Kathleen (she/her)
23 years old, from Western Australia
Kathleen is a single young parent who has experience in care and living in poverty and experiencing the challenges that come with it. She is insightful and passionate about keeping children safe and supported. Kathleen works in the Out of Home Care (OOHC) and Youth sector as a full-time worker and volunteer. She is always looking for a chance to expand her knowledge and experience. Kathleen’s commitment to participating on the Youth Advisory Group is to offer professional and personal knowledge as she feels lucky enough to have experienced these issues firsthand as a support worker and recipient. Kathleen would like to share through yarning and a space of openness to understand what works and what does not in a strengths-based way. Kathleen would love to represent her communities in a strong and powerful way.
Sharnya (she/her)
24 years old, from Tasmania
Sharnya is a single mum of two beautiful children. She is hoping to be able to voice her opinion on what changes need to be made and to hear other people’s voices in this space.
Stephanie (she/her)
21 years old, from South Australia
Stephanie is 21 years old and lives in Adelaide, South Australia. She grew up living in various homes from the age of 1 years old. She struggled with growing up in this situation as she did not feel safe or heard or like she mattered. Stephanie wishes she could have experienced being safe and secure in an environment that allowed her to grow. Stephanie wants to make sure that vulnerable peoples’ voices get heard, especially for vulnerable children. She is hoping to show everyone that their voice and their story matter. Stephanie wants to advocate for children so they feel safe and are able to get the support they need. She wants to achieve a new beginning for the next generation.
Jordy (he/him)
17 years old, from Northern Territory
Jordy is currently studying Year 12 at St Philip’s College. He was on the NT Youth Round Table in 2022 and is a 2023 NT Youth Week Ambassador. Jordy is a strong advocate for people living with disability, as well as mental health and youth rights. As a victim of bullying, he also advocates for greater support and protection for victims of bullying. He is the co-chair of the inaugural NT Youth Strategy Project Reference Group and was named the 2023 Young Centralian of the Year in January. In this role, Jordy hopes to ensure all young Australians live in safe environments where they are equal and feel supported and understood, free from any discrimination.
Sarah (she/her)
24 years old, from Queensland
Sarah is a 24-year-old from the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. She is studying a Bachelor’s degree in Literature and Anthropology. Together with a passion for helping others, she has an interest in the humanities, social science, and global politics, specifically human rights, and social justice. She hopes to accomplish effective and sustainable changes to the services, accessibility, policies, and programs provided to vulnerable children and young people through the Department of Social Services. Moreover, Sarah hopes to critically think about how young people’s experiences and ideas can meaningfully contribute to improvements in the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.