SERVICE MESSAGE - IYC Young People, Families, Staff, Volunteers, Board, Student Placements and Community would like to give a big warm thank you to all who support IYC, not close the centre doors. It's with a heavy heart that IYC informs you that IYC closed its centre doors on March 1st 2024 at the location in Bundoora due to not being refunded by the government, IYC acknowledges and is grateful for the Federal Government grant to grow IYC with the centre in 2022. IYC campaigned to all tiers of government, did a fundraiser with events, went to media, had a petition, tried auspices and unfortunately could not raise enough funds to keep the centre operational. IYC will not close as a charity/service organisation and reflect to provide NDIS services, consulting work, information and referral, and program work that will be done on a smaller scale until IYC grows again and can do more and run a centre again. As the motto goes at IYC
"Believe and Create"
OUR ADVISORY BOARD
Our fantastic Board is made up of expert professionals from varying backgrounds who graciously give their knowledge.
ALEX MESSINA- Pronouns He/Him
BOARD MEMBER
Alex is an accomplished public affair professional with direct experience working in human services, particularly at the Department of Health and Human Services Victoria.
In particular, he undertook communications, media, and issues management responsibilities across juvenile justice, child protection, family services, disability services, public housing, and health.
He brings to the IYC three decades of coal-face experience in journalism, government affairs, community, and stakeholder engagement, and consulting to an array of industries.
He has extensive experience in dealing at Board and C-levels and directly with Government. Alex is a past long-standing member and current Fellow of the Public Relations Institute of Australia and has served on the National Board of the Institute and as the Victorian President.
As a strategist, thinker, manager, and mentor, he will focus on supporting IYC to deliver demonstrable outcomes in the lives and prospects of young Victorians, especially in the northern regions of Melbourne.
Email: Alex.Messina@iyc.org.au
ANA KERES - Pronouns She/Her
BOARD MEMBER
Ana concluded her Bachelor of Law and Criminology at Latrobe in 2021. She is currently working as a paralegal at a personal injury law firm. She has an interest in justice. She sees IYC's work as achieving this outcome by providing those with less opportunity with an outlet and a space to grow in numerous ways. She is a believer in positive measurable social change and wants to be part of this change through her role at IYC.
Email: Ana.Keres@iyc.org.au
PAULA GETHING - Pronouns She/Her
BOARD MEMBER
Paula Gething is a senior leader in the fundraising, philanthropy and communications not for profit sector, with a special passion for raising funds for vulnerable Victorians. Her experience at large Victorian based welfare and community charities has seen her raise funds which prevent harm, protect victims and empower people to succeed in life. Additionally, Paula is a northern suburbs local, having lived her whole life in the City of Whittlesea, and is particularly focused on supporting young people through her advocacy, fundraising and philanthropic work.
Email: Paula.Gething@iyc.org.au
Lisa Payne - Pronouns She/Her
BOARD MEMBER
Lisa is a social worker who has been working within the Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) sector for the past 7 years. She is currently employed as an AOD clinician part-time at DFFH Child Protection, and part-time at a women’s only day rehab for women in recovery from substance use. Lisa also has work experience with adolescents from an asylum seeker background, and youth experiencing homelessness. She is passionate about feminism, human rights, and working with marginalised communities; in her spare time, she enjoys martial arts, video games and traveling.
Email: Lisa.Payne@iyc.org.au
MARIA PAPADATOS - Pronouns She/Her
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Maria is committed to supporting young people and the community and is passionate to be part of IYC. She has qualifications and experience in retail management and personal training. Maria has managed many retail stores and supported clients in gaining their best personal fitness goals, through being a personal trainer. In her previous roles, Maria has done front desk administration roles to support the workplace she served. Maria is very kind and sociable and she is committed to making people feel a part of the IYC family.
Email: Maria.Papadatos@iyc.org.au
PAUL PAPADATOS - Pronouns He/Him
DIRECTOR
Paul Papadatos Innovation Youth Centre Director is a Highly skilled youth and community services professional with over 20 years of experience. Worked in roles from direct client services and team leadership to senior management. In every role, He has always sought to measurably improve the circumstances of the individuals and communities he serves. More Info...