"Innovation Youth Centre is a young people’s organisation that works to create the best outcomes for young people community, by using innovation and youth participation, working hand in hand".
OUR BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
TROY VAN DER PLUYM - Pronouns He/Him
ACTING CHAIR
Troy is an accomplished and passionate Community Development professional with domestic and foreign work experience, knowledge and skills in programme development, coordination, administration, and communications and journals.
Troy has skills in staff management and coordination, community and international development, project and programme development, coordination and assessment, case management, volunteer supervision, education and training, business and financial management, sport and recreation programme coordination, and event and organisational communications and publications. More Info...
GEORGE KANELOPOULOS - Pronouns He/Him
TREASURER
George is a lifetime professional who, upon graduating from La Trobe University, has worked in various roles within the finance business sector from Team Leading to Facilitating training for new employees and streamlining day to day processes.
George has a background within an Analytical framework specialising in Business Analytics and Digital Analytics. More info...
MARIA MATTHEWS - Pronouns She/Her
SECRETARY
Maria is undergoing the Master of Social Policy at the University of Melbourne and is a graduate from the Bachelor of Youth Work at Victoria University. She became involved with IYC as a youth reference group member and became inspired to further help the organisation via her studies to be a youth worker and later a social policy advisor and researcher. She continues to build her experience as a youth worker in other organisations and most recently in local government.
Maria has authored with developing program concept plans for IYC regarding to boost the social capital of disadvantaged young people. She also has a keen interest in exploring the possibilities of young people living, studying, and participating in the northern peri-urban suburbs of Melbourne for IYC. More info...
ANA KERES - Pronouns She/Her
BOARD MEMBER
Ana concluded her Bachelors 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
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
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...