Youth Connections North Coast Incorporated (YCNC) is a body registered under the NSW Association Incorporations Act 1984.

A  Board of directors articulates YCNC’s purpose and defines  the organisation’s culture, values and strategic leadership.

The key responsibilities of the Board are to:

• Determine the organisation’s purpose
• Provide effective organisational planning
• Provide adequate resources and to maintain and manage these resources
• Determine, strengthen and monitor the organisation’s programs and services
• Enhance the organisation’s public standing
• Ensure legal and ethical integrity
• Maintain accountability
• Oversee the financial position of the organisation

2012-2013 Board Members

 Chairing Panel

Karen Hazen (Public Officer)

Karen is a solicitor and director with Trenches McKenzie Cox Solicitors, and brings extensive experience in industrial and family law and in working with disadvantaged youth. Karen has held positions on Boards of several community organisations, and brings expertise in risk management, problem solving, communications, regulation and compliance.

Scout Symons – Youth Rep

Scout is 20 years olf and  studying a Double Degree in Law and Social Science at Southern Cross University, Lismore. I have had a very socially conscience mind since I was a little girl. I love my degree and hope to make a difference with the skills and knowledge I gain every day.

I am the Student Mentoring Co-ordinator at Southern Cross University Law Student Society, an AIME (Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience) Mentor, a Student Mentor, Outreach Mentor and UNI-BOUND Mentor at Southern Cross University. I believe in the power of sharing experiences and setting up support systems. I am a proud Rotarian and member of Casino Rotary Club. My role within the club is Youth Adviser.  I hope to provide perspective from younger individuals in our community to this board

Kate Olivieri (Chairing Panel)

Kat ehas recently taken up the challenge on the YCNC board.

Kate is a  local, having grown up in the area and gone to school here Kate is now working in Southern Cross Universities  Equity and Diversity Office, conducting monitoring and evaluation on our programs, and also organise the Uni-Bound Residential School for Year 9 students from SCU partner high schools (students must be from one of our equity target groups to attend).

Kate has aMasters of Applied Anthropology and Participatory DevelopmentBachelor of Arts (Honours) (Cross-Cultural Linguistics and Bahasa Indonesia major)

Mark Ippolito (Secetary)

Mark is new to the YCNC’s Board in the 2011-2012 financial year. Mark holds a bachelor of education/arts and is the Head Teacher of English & CAPA at Kadina Park high school and has taught in areas of remote nsw such as walgett and cobra. Mark has been pivotal in fforming  ‘PACE’ (Parent Community Engagement), whose acronym has now been swapped for the bigger mouthful of CAKE (Country Rugby League and Kadina Engagement). And recently one the National Teacher of the Year Award by the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARL). Mark is A true believer in the importance of sport in education

Dr. Jennifer Johnston

Dr Jennifer Johnston is the most recent recruit to the YCNC board and her valued expertise and knowledge is welcomed. Jennifer is currently involved in the Management of an NHMRC-funded clinical trial investigating the safety and efficacy of lithium for the management of cannabis withdrawal, conducted at Riverlands Alcohol and Dug Centre, at North Coast Area Health Service. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Behvaiour Science and DOcotor of Philsophy and has been involved in a number of research, stratergy and policy intitaives relating to Drug and Alcohol and drugs for government, and has a range of published peer reviewed work.

Julia Melland

(Treasurer, Business Sub Committee Member)

Julia is another long term member of YCNC’s Board. She is a bookkeeper with Lismore and District Financial Counselling Service and has extensive experience in community sector financial management. She Chairs YCNC’s Business Services Sub Committee, overseeing the Financial and Business Management of YCNC. In addition to financial management, Julia brings expertise in Risk Management, Occupational Health and Safety, Communication and community engagement.

Ross Tully

(Business Sub Committee Member)

Bio Coming Soon