The BYSA Crew

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Manager & Finance Manager

With over 30 years of experience in accounting within the non-profit sector, Toni has dedicated her career to ensuring financial integrity and sustainability for organisations committed to making a difference. 

Her work has particularly been driven by a passion for improving the lives of the Aboriginal community in Blacktown.

 Toni is deeply committed to the wellbeing of women, and is a strong advocate against domestic violence. She strives to create a safer and more supportive environment for all individuals affected by this issue.

Outside of her professional and community endeavours, Toni enjoys cycling, farming, and spending quality time with her family. These activities bring balance and fulfilment to her life.

Youth Practitioner & Partnerships

Ben has over a decade of experience in community services, specialising in supporting young people facing complex challenges. He develops partnerships and programs that empower young people, helping them overcome barriers to community integration. 

Ben draws on both his lived experience and strong educational foundation to design initiatives that promote long-term social change, equipping young people with the resources and support needed to thrive. Ben is a firm believer in using a person-centred approach, and finding solutions to meet the needs of each young person while addressing the broader systemic issues that perpetuate disadvantage. 

Currently pursuing a Doctor of Social Work, his research explores the gap between welfare policy frameworks and the lived experiences of those receiving welfare benefits. His previous research has focused on the development of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and how the cycle of disadvantage is passed from one generation to the next.

As a strong advocate for collaboration, Ben works closely with community members, service providers, and local organisations to create meaningful, lasting change. He is dedicated to ensuring young people build resilience, access opportunities, and become key people within their communities. 

Youth Practitioner & Creative Lead

Britt is a passionate youth advocate who aims to empower young people to be leaders. They have their own unique experience and history at BYSA, having been a young person at the service themselves once upon a time. Britt uses this personal connection and understanding of BYSA to further inform their practice and to establish impactful connections with BYSA's clients.

With a youth-centred approach, Britt believes young people should be the loudest voice when making decisions that shape their lives. By centering young voices, they empower young people to lead, foster inclusivity, dismantle systemic barriers, paving the way for meaningful social change.

As a local Britt is a staunch advocate for the Blacktown area, and is always looking for new ways to connect with the community. It is because of this love of Blacktown and their own lived experience as a local queer person that Britt became the co-founder of AllOut! Blacktown, a safe space for queer young people seeking social connection and community wellbeing. 

Britt has long term goals of working for a queer youth organisation which aims to support communities like Blacktown to learn and understand the intricacies and diversity of the queer community.

In their spare time, Britt enjoys creative projects, getting out into nature, reading, and intensely analysing their favourite media and characters.

Youth Engagement Worker

With my 2 years experience in youth work primarily volunteering in the non-profit sector I have participated in events like The Elevated Culture Festival Event and Kites for Kids. 

My background in youth work has predominantly been as a mentor helping young people with school reintegration as well as emotional and social development. 

I am passionate about empowering young people by using a strength-based approach, assisting them in developing life skills and I believe everyone should have a safe space to find who they are.

Youth Engagement Worker

Joshua who grew up around the streets of Brooklyn NY and Bridgeport CT has witness first hand experiences of shared hardship and ruin in the many deprived low economical multi cultured communities of the United States Northeast.

Joshua is fairly new to Sydney and comes with a background in Psychology and Sociology. 

Although still an aspiring student he still believes in teaching the current youth and the generations ahead about respect, honor, and the importance of the world around us. 

During Joshua’s free time he enjoys playing basketball, working out, traveling, and cooking. Even though these activities can take up a lot of time and energy, he still  appreciates the little things.