the streetwork TEAM
Streetwork is built around a tight knit team of dedicated, specialist youth caseworkers, led by Helen Banu a seasoned non-profit professional. Most back-office support is provided by volunteers, allowing us to dedicate a significant portion of funds raised to our front-line activity.
Helen banu OAM, Chief executive officer
Helen is responsible for driving Streetwork to the next level, building on the solid foundation established under prior leaders. Over the past 35 years she has held senior management and leadership roles across the not-for-profit sector with a focus on youth development and volunteer management. Helen was instrumental in professionalising Streetwork's operations and is now leading our expansion to new communities in Sydney's north. Helen was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2023 and she is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD).
NIGE COTTINGHAM, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP GENERAL mANAGER
Nige joins the team with significant Strategic Partnership, Marketing, Brand, PR and communications experience. Having previously held the sponsorship purse strings and ‘business for good’ ambition for large corporates, he brings a keen understanding of the reciprocal value to corporate partners of choosing to financially and emotionally invest in a Not-For-Profit organisation like Streetwork. With 3 school-age boys himself, Nige also has an innate passion for the development and nurturing of young hearts and minds and how best to support any opportunity to turn young lives around.
YOUTH SERVICES TEAM
Thomas dent, youth SERVICES MANAGER
Tom has been a youth worker since 2002 and has worked in a broad range of roles, from youth accommodation services, to employment services and the arts and music sector. In recent years Tom moved to youth work management and brings his expertise to leading Streetwork's youth team.
Alistair Webster, Information Officer & youth Caseworker
Alistair has had broad experience in Youth Work across Sydney's North for a number of years. In 2013, he was recognised for his contributions, being named Young Citizen of the Year in the annual Australia Day honours. Alistair has a Bachelors degree in social studies and a Certificate IV in youth work. In addition to StreetWork, he also works at youth centres in Chatswood and Gordon.
PAIGE CHRISTIE, Youth caseworker
After completing a Certificate IV in Youth work and a Diploma of Community Services (Case Management), Paige is fully committed to and passionate about providing a personal supportive mentoring service to young people, believing that she can help turn their lives around and bring back their self-belief so that they can make a positive contribution to society. Outside of work, Paige enjoys early morning Group Fit classes at the gym and socialising with friends.
harry smith, Youth caseworker
Harry joined Streetwork in early 2022 after assisting Streetwork as part of the Macquarie University PACE program. He is a Psychology student hoping to complete his Bachelor of Psychology in mid-2022. Impressed by the unique approach of Streetwork, Harry saw an opportunity to support vulnerable young people in the community. Harry’s passion for Youth Work grew out a deep understanding and empathy toward the issues that many young people face in our society. Outside of work, Harry enjoys exercising as well as spending time with friends and family.
OLIVIA BRYANT, YOUTH CASE WORKER
After completing TAFE courses, Olivia jumped into the sector, working with a range of clients across several services, including rehabilitation programs for adolescents, young parent programs and alternative behaviour schools. Passionate about the ever-changing reform of the Youth Sector, Olivia is driven in being a stepping stone of encouragement for the youth who are our future. Spending her spare time in the sun exploring bushland surroundings, gardening, cooking, and preparing food with mates after a day rummaging through second-hand shops to snatch up a bargain.
gregory holm - YOUTH CASEWORKER
Gregory brings a wealth of knowledge and life experience to his role with Streetwork. Affectionately known to some team members as “Uncle”, Gregory has been involved with youth mentoring across a variety of settings including nature-based bush camps, Lifeline Telephone Crisis Support and most recently, Youth Caseworker. In a past life, Greg ran tours through Africa, dabbled in film and television, and worked extensively in landscape design and construction sectors. Gregory is passionate about working with young people and assisting them to navigate the challenging, confusing, and formative years of adolescence in a mindful, respectful, and fun way.