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 team at IYC are positive social change makers who think outside the box when servicing the community and young people. They hold a range of skills, training, and experiences.
OUR SERVICE TEAM
PAUL PAPADATOS
Pronouns: He/Him
Director
(Monday to Friday)
Paul is a youth worker and a strong believer in creating positive and measurable social change that empowers young people and their communities. Paul holds a Master of Business Administration, Bachelor in Youth Studies, Diploma in Community Development, Diploma in Youth Work, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and Certificate III in Sport Coaching in Martial Arts. In his 20-year career, he has worked on and led school-based, street-based, drop-in, youth committee and personal development programs. He has also worked in youth counselling, built youth centres and developed innovative service models for youth support. Paul’s core philosophy is that young people are experts in their own lives. He works to amplify their voices and advocate for their rights in every aspect of his working life.
Paul holds a Master of Business Administration, Bachelor in Youth Studies, Diploma in Community Development, Diploma in Youth Work, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and Certificate III in Sport Coaching in Martial Arts. He is also a father to three awesome kids with his wife and a husky named Achilles
Email: paul.papadatos@iyc.org.au
BIANCA NASH
Pronouns: She/Her
Manager Youth Support
(Monday to Friday)
Bianca Nash is a passionate social worker with 20 years of experience in the community services industry. Bianca holds a double degree in Sociology and Social Work and a Masters in Counselling. Bianca has worked in counselling and case management roles throughout the course of her career and has extensive experience in the provision of counselling support, case management and the development and facilitation of therapeutic groups. Bianca has supported vulnerable young people with experiences of physical and psychological abuse, sexual abuse, school refusal, strained family relationships, family violence, homelessness, mental health and drug abuse.
Bianca's areas of interest are trauma-based practice with children and young people, service provision for LGBTIQA+ young people and support for refugee and asylum seeker communities. Bianca's aspiration is to assist young people to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to realise their potential.
Email: bianca.nash@iyc.org.au
GEORGIA TRAPALIS
Pronouns: She/Her
Coordinator Youth Development
(Monday to Thursday)
Georgia is a youth worker with 25 years’ experience in both local government and the community sector. In her career, she has supported young people from diverse backgrounds and run a broad range of personal development programs. She has also led a youth resource centre and coordinated many large youth participation events.
Georgia is energised by empowering young people to grow in confidence and skills. She believes the best way of doing this is by giving them loads of opportunities to be actively engaged. On a personal level, she has a young son who is full of beans, a great partner and a supportive network of friends and family. She loves music and dancing, craft, gardening, reading and keeping fit and active.
Email: georgia.trapalis@iyc.org.au
MICHAEL JAKUBOWSKI (MJ)
Pronouns: He/Him
Coordinator Youth Programs
(Monday to Friday)
MJ has a background in wellbeing and psychology and has worked with young people in a range of capacities. His past roles include coordinating Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) and working with VCAL students in both educational and well-being roles. He has spent the last few years working on the Reconnect program, assisting participants with wrap-around supports to help them re-engage in education or employment.
MJ is passionate about empowering young people to break through perceived limitations and become confident and successful members of society and creating a positive change in their lives. He has a Diploma in School-Aged Care and Education, Certificate IV in Education Support, Certificate IV in Fitness, Certificate IV in Sports and Recreation and he has almost finished a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences. He enjoys sports and gaming, as well as spending time with his partner, his dog and his cat.
SINEAD MARTIN
Pronouns: She/Her Youth Engagement Worker
(Tuesday & Wednesday)
Sinead recently completed a Diploma In Community Services and has a strong belief in the possibility of a better world. She has spent the last 2 years working in the disability sector and is very passionate about the rights of marginalized people. She is committed to creating opportunities for young people to grow and thrive.
Email: sinead.martin@iyc.org.au
PETA - JOANNA ADGEMIS
Pronouns: She/Her Rainbow Tick Youth
Support Worker
(Monday & Thursday)
Peta-Joanna. is part of the team here at Innovation Youth Centre, her role is Rainbow Administration Support every "Thursday ''. This role is to ensure that the LGBTIQA+ have a safe place to come and feel supported, whether you're a Young Person, Volunteer, Student Placement or Staff Member.
Peta- Joanna is passionate about helping young people in need of extra support, and being able to be themselves and in an environment where they can come to where they feel safe and comfortable. I want to show them that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I'm here to help and listen to anything you may need!
Innovation Youth Centre is such an incredible place to be a part of, with so many fun activities, and a cool place to come hang out and meet new people. Also, an amazing team that goes above and beyond for the young people and centre, I would love to meet many more of you and have you be a part of IYC.
Email: Peta-Joanna.adgemis@iyc.org.au
ALANYS LEWIS
Pronouns: She/Her Administration Support & Senior Youth Reference Group Member
(Friday)
Alany's (Ally) is currently studying Certificate 2 in Animal Studies at Kangan Institute. I am a receptionist at Innovation Youth Centre because I have a passion for helping those who are less fortunate and like to give back to my community. I have been a part of the IYC Youth Reference Group since it started and will continue to still be a part of that. I love hanging out with my dog Ajax, my partner, and friends, I enjoy the outdoors and meeting new people, especially at the events IYC puts on. I have a passion for music as I sing, play instruments, and dance as I feel music puts things into better perspective.
Email: info@iyc.org.au
SARAH DENTON
Pronouns: She/Her Administration Support & Senior Youth Reference Group Member
(Wednesday)
Sarah receptionist at Innovation Youth Centre (IYC). I have been a part of IYC since the very start I started as a young youth reference member. Sarah loves helping out, having fun, and being involved with IYC. The staff at IYC have helped me out over the years. My hobbies are hanging out with friends, going for walks, coming to the IYC drop-in to meet new people, and helping out others as much as I can I enjoy coming to IYC because it’s a fun relaxing hangout spot for young people
Email: info@iyc.org.au
