"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 SERVICE TEAM
PAUL PAPADATOS
Pronouns: He/Him
Director
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
GEORGIA TRAPALIS
Pronouns: She/Her
Coordinator Youth Development
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
BIANCA NASH
Pronouns: She/Her
Manager Youth Support
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
MICHAEL JAKUBOWSKI (MJ)
Pronouns: He/Him
Coordinator Youth Programs
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.
CHIARA MESSINA
Pronouns: She/Her Grant Writer
Chiara is a writer and social work student with a strong belief in the possibility of a better world. She has spent the last four years refining her writing skills at university. She is committed to creating opportunities for young people to grow and thrive. It is with this passion that she works as a grant writer on the IYC team.
Email: chiara.messina@iyc.org.au