Our Team

Dedicated professionals supporting vulnerable young people

Streetwork is led by CEO Helen Banu OAM and supported by a dedicated team of qualified Youth Caseworkers, outreach workers, volunteers and part-time staff.

Our frontline team provides high-quality support to vulnerable young people aged 12–18 across Northern Sydney. This includes outreach, one-on-one mentoring, advocacy and practical support to help young people feel safe, build confidence and turn their lives around.

Streetwork is supported by a small and efficient operations team. This lean structure helps ensure that funding is directed where it matters most — to frontline programs that support vulnerable young people.

CEO

Helen banu OAM, Chief executive officer

Helen Banu OAM leads Streetwork’s strategic direction, building on the strong foundations established by the organisation’s previous leaders.

Over the past 35 years, Helen has held senior management and leadership roles across the not-for-profit sector, with a particular focus on youth development and volunteer management.

Helen has played a key role in professionalising Streetwork’s operations and is now leading the organisation’s expansion into new communities across Sydney’s north.

Helen was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2023 and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD).

Youth Service Team

Willie Bishop, Youth CASEWORKER

Willie Bishop is a strong advocate for early intervention and positive role modelling. Drawing on his professional rugby training background, Willie brings discipline, resilience, and teamwork into his work mentoring young people. He is known for building strong connections, engaging youth through practical and motivational approaches, and creating supportive environments that empower young people to develop confidence, wellbeing, and life skills.

jacqueline tuivaiti, Youth CASEWORKER

Jacqueline is a dedicated youth worker with over five years of experience supporting young people with complex needs. She is committed to creating safe, inclusive environments where young people feel heard, respected, and empowered, and is known for building strong rapport and supporting young people to grow in confidence, independence, and community connection.

ROWAN LOCKYER, Youth CASEWORKER & outreach coordinator

Rowan believes in bringing authenticity and a genuine client focused approach to youth work. With over 10 years’ experience in the music industry, he places great value on creativity and the power of self-expression. Rowan is passionate about creating a safe, non-judgemental space where young people feel heard, valued, and empowered. His goal is to help each young person build self-belief, discover their passions, and develop the confidence to create a positive future on their own terms.

DANIEL BERKELEY, Youth CASEWORKER

Daniel’s experience brings a broad background of client and account management from multiple industries, all while providing a therapeutic lense through his work as a counsellor, allowing him to deliver on the Streetwork ethos of “turning young lives around”. By gaining a understanding of the young person’s needs and goals he connects them with appropriate services through strengths based, collaborative mentoring.

HANNAH EASTWAY, ADMINISTRATION OFFICER (YOUTH SERVICES)

Hannah is our administration officer at Streetwork helping assist our Youth Services team. Hannah is driven by a passion for social justice and early intervention.  She believes in supporting and empowering those at risk can create a meaningful change within the justice system. The complexity and impact of this field inspires her to take on roles that provide support for real reform.

Assertive Outreach Youth Workers

Our assertive outreach youth workers support vulnerable young people through Streetwork’s pop-up Mobile Youth Hubs.

These soft-entry, early intervention programs help young people connect with trusted youth workers in familiar, community-based settings. Each activity is shaped with input from young people, helping ensure the programs are relevant, engaging and responsive to their needs.

Current programs include:

  • barbering in Dee Why

  • street art in Chatswood

  • sport in St Ives

Our Youth Workers

  • Adam T

  • Connie S

  • Georgia K

  • Keith B

  • Luke D

  • Ruby L

  • Sarah K

Strategic Partnerships-Govt, Corporate & Philanthropy

Paul Metcalfe, Strategic Partnerships Manager

Paul is a purpose-driven leader with more than 20 years’ experience in strategic partnerships, fundraising and community-focused initiatives supporting children, young people and families.

Across his career, Paul has worked with youth-focused organisations spanning education, social enterprise, charities, Indigenous-led initiatives and global brands. He has led stakeholder engagement, resource development and cross-sector partnerships across Australia and the Asia-Pacific.

Paul brings a strong background in social impact, youth empowerment and collaboration across corporate, philanthropic and community sectors. He is deeply committed to working alongside frontline teams to strengthen outcomes for young people and their communities.

finance and Administration team

  • Lisa Sellars-Jones, Finance Manager (part-time)

  • Stephanie Angkhawut, Bookkeeper (part-time)

  • Virginia Wise, Administration (part-time)

  • Marissa Banu-Lawrence, Grant Writer (part-time)