Banyule Youth Services
We 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.
Our Team
This is who we are and how to get in touch with us.
Leonie Farrell
Coordinator Youth Services
She/Her pronouns
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.
Email: leonie.farrell@banyule.vic.gov.au
Phone: 9457 9939
Mobile: 0439 395 967
Maddi Cooper
Jets Team Leader
She/Her pronouns
Maddi oversees the running of Jets Studios. She supports the Jets Staff, creative arts programs, pathways, community groups and events. Maddi 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.
Maddi oversees our yearly youth festivals, including YouthFest.
Chat to Maddi if you want to learn more about Jets Studios or education & training opportunities for young people.
Email: maddi.cooper@banyule.vic.gov.au
Phone: 9490 4222
Mobile: 0481 003 524
Lisa Said
Youth Outreach Team Leader
She/Her pronouns
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.
Email: lisa.said@banyule.vic.gov.au
Phone: 9457 9897
Mobile: 0427 833 321
Sadia Ali
Family Support Worker (Diverse Communities) title
She/Her pronouns
Sadia is responsible for delivering high-quality, evidenced-informed, strengths-based, and community-led capacity building activities, support programs, workshops and events for parents, carers and families with a specific focus on CALD and Somali-Australian community members.
Email: Sadia.Ali@banyule.vic.gov.au
Kieran West
Youth Engagement Officer
He/Him pronouns
Kieran is available for catch-ups with young people via supported referrals and oversees our Communications portoflio, running our website and social media pages to give young people information and support.
Kieran runs our 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.
Email: kieran.west@banyule.vic.gov.au
Jay Mifsud
Youth Intake & Programs Officer
They/Her pronouns
Based out of Jets Studios, Jay facilitates the Jets Events team on Tuesdays and is the Intake Officer who brings young people onboard into the most suitable program for their personal and creative goals.
Jay supports the Jets Events team with tasks such as conceptualising, developing and managing all ages events and projects. Jay works with Jets Participants who are interested in a career in the creative industries to collaborate on events and projects to build up their skills and networks – this can also include regular posting of opportunities on the Jets Crew Noticeboard. Interested in chatting with Jay about Jets Events, or other Jets offerings? Find them around Jets weekly on Monday and Tuesday 4:00PM to 7:00PM, or contact them at the below.
Email: jay.mifsud@banyule.vic.gov.au
Jets Studios: 9098 8000
Mobile: 0434 187 511
Saeed Ahmed
Youth Programs Officer (Diverse Communities)
He/Him pronouns
Saeed is working predominantly with Somali-Australian young men. He is providing a range of events, opportunities and programs for young men. Saeed is also be available to catch-up with young people and provide individual support and referrals assistance.
Email: saeed.ahmed@banyule.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 9490 4222
Mobile: 0481 053 420
Leza Cullen
Youth Engagement Officer & Jets Inclusion Officer
She/Her pronouns
Our Inclusion Officer looks after our inclusive programming at our creative arts space Jets Studios. This includes band, arts crew & DJ’s. They ensure that young people with a disability are supported to attend our programs and events.
Leza also facilitates our IncArt visual arts group. IncArt brings young people with all abilities together in a fun group setting to learn about the visual arts by exploring art and trying out art techniques, playing art games and working with local guest artist. Sessions are facilitated every Monday 4pm – 7pm.
To get involved email Leza directly at Leza.Cullen@banyule.vic.gov.au
Mobile: 0411 267 427
Caitlin McKimm
Jets Youth Programs Officer
She/Her pronouns
Caitlin is currently on long service leave
Position To be Filled
Youth Engagement Officer
INFO COMING
Kate James
Youth Engagement Officer
She/Her pronouns
Kate is available for catch-ups with young people via supported referrals. Kate oversees the cultural diversity portfolio in our team and facilitates the African Women’s Action Group (AWAG) which helps to empower and educate young African women in our community.
Kate oversees the Banyule Nillumbik Youth Services Network (BNYSN) by running workshops and training for people who work with or support young people in Banyule/Nillumbik.
Email: kate.james@banyule.vic.gov.au
Phone: 9457 9929
Mobile: 0428 522 656
Duncan Stephen
Jets Facility & Technical Administrator
He/Him pronouns
Duncan takes care of the Jets facility and all of our amazing resources and equipment. Duncan overseas the live stream of Jets & Banyule City Council events and activities.
Duncan uses his industry skills as a musician and sound engineering to support young people in the Jets Production / Live Events crew & the Jets music production program, MixTape.
Email: duncan.stephen@banyule.vic.gov.au
Jets Studios: 9098 8000