Policy Advisory Group

The Policy Advisory Group provides a forum for members who wish to be involved in the ongoing policy development and policy setting processes of the organisation.

The PAG provides a structured avenue for members to actively shape the policy setting of the organisation. It is comprised of between 6-15 members and, following an open call for nominations each year, is appointed by a selection committee determined by the Board.

The Terms of Reference for the Policy Advisory Group are revised each year and are available upon request.

A report on what the Policy Advisory Group has done over the past year is available in our latest Annual Report.

Policy Advisory Group 2005-06

Robyn Broadbent
Victoria University

Bio to come..

Alison Coelho
Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues

Alison Coelho, migrant and mother of two is the Community Policy Officer at the Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues where she provides sector development and support. She has a Bachelor of Arts, a Diploma in Community Development and is a provider of cross-cultural training to government/non-government agencies, young people and groups.

Alison has over twelve years of experience of working specifically with newly arrived and refugee young people and their families. This has included: extensive work in the inner metropolitan, western and northern regions of Melbourne; work in the inner London with homeless young people; work in Kenya on a HIV preventative program focussing on displaced young people and their families. Alison is committed to human rights and her work is based on the belief that 'everyone has the right to live free from discrimination and poverty and have the knowledge and capacity to access what they need in order to live healthy fulfilled lives.'

Andrew Lavin
Australian Catholic University

Andrew Lavin is a Melbourne-based sociologist. He has studied public health, genetics and sociology at Swinburne University and is now completing a degree in social and behavioural sciences at ACU. He has completed clinical work in support of intellectually disabled same-sex attracted young people through a program of FPV and was a contractor with OFY. He is now collaborating with ARCSHS to write youth-friendly qualitative research reports.

Lenche Kozmevska
Melbourne City Mission

Bio to come..

Michelle Marvin
ORYGEN Youth Health

Bio to come..

Deilia Murray
City of Casey

Deilia Murray holds the position of Youth Development Officer with City of Casey where she works in partnership with youth sector stakeholders and the community, to create a safe and supportive environment, and opportunities that enhance the quality of life for young people and their families.

A qualified youth worker, Deilia has worked for the City of Casey for many years. Her roles have required working extensively with disadvantaged, at risk young people and families such as the Youth Activities Service (YAS) / Family Liaison coordinator. Another role was with the City of Casey Recreation Access Project (RAP) for four years where she worked with adults with disabilities in the recreation program and coached the Cranbourne Bullets men’s basketball team.

Deilia’s keen interest in multicultural youth affairs has enabled her to work in partnership with the Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues (CMYI) to develop Casey Refugee and Culturally Diverse Youth Action Plan which provides culturally sensitive services to Casey’s increasingly diverse youth population.

Deilia is committed to social justice principles and promotes access to adequate and alternative education for young people of all abilities. She encourages and promotes opportunities and resources that enable young people to be active and positive members of the community.

Tiffany Overall
Youthlaw

Bio to come..

Benjamin Skepper

Bio to come..

Heather Stewart
Australian Catholic University

Bio to come..

Andrew Williamson
William Angliss Institute of TAFE

Andrew is the Manager of Victoria University’s Partnership Outreach Education Model (POEM) project, TOTeM. Working closely with community networks, TOTeM offers a stimulating environment for learning, development and re-engagement of disconnected young people. Andrew is involved with a wide range of youth initiatives and services including JPET and the Maribyrnong Workers with Youth Network. Andrew is also a member of Victoria University’s Vocational Education Board, and is the Vice President of VISTA.