The Team

CHAIRPERSON (INTERIM)

Born and raised in Albany, Dennis attended high school at Aquinas College in Perth. Dennis spent 8 years in Perth, following his study, only returning to Albany to raise a family and work in his own business. As a talented sportsman and involved community member, Dennis spent 23 years on the City of Albany Council, 12 of those as Mayor of Albany during a period of exceptional growth and development particularly in community facilities, culture and arts and economic development.

Dennis has a unique ability to understand the priorities of those living and working in Albany and the region and in empowering local solutions to issues that shape the community for the better. Dennis brings his diverse range of experiences and networks to the AYSA Board hoping to use them to drive positive outcomes to address ‘at risk’ youth in Albany and the Great Southern region.  

DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON

Ricky's previous roles include CEO of AYSA, CEO of WA Local Government Association, Director General of the Department for Culture & the Arts, CEO of Perth Zoo and the Director of Human Resources at the WA Tourism Commission.

Ricky holds a Masters - Leadership and Management, a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Development, a Certificate in Psychotherapy, and Coaching Diplomas. Ricky has been a member of the Murdoch University Senate, the Board of Nudge and a member of state and Local Government Committees and Boards.  Ricky is a past President of the Australian Institute of Management and of the Art Gallery of Western Australia.  She was Western Australian Businesswoman of the Year 1997 and awarded a Public Service Medal in 2007.

Ricky's passion is assisting youth to achieve their full potential and supporting those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.  

SECRETARY

Julie de Jong is a registered architect and Director of H+H Architects and is the current Board Secretary for AYSA. Julie first joined the AYSA Board in xxxx and was attracted to the organisation because of its focus on addressing youth homelessness - the basic need of ‘shelter’ being a passion in both her professional and philanthropic life. 

Julie is actively involved in campaigning for enhanced crisis and transitional accommodation for regional youth, as well as contributing pro-bono architectural support towards the renovations of both the Open Access Youth Centre and Young House in Albany. Julie believes that it is important to show our regional youth that they are valued by the broader community and enjoys working with AYSA in all their initiatives that support young people.

MEMBER

Growing up on the south coast, Simon London moved away for study and work and ultimately followed one of his mentors into youth work. Working predominantly in the metro area, Simon worked in the youth sector in outreach, youth justice, accommodation support and various music programs. Over time Simon moved into the training sector, working casually at various TAFEs in the metro area while continuing in the youth work sector. Happily returning home to the south coast, he now coordinates courses in the youth and community services areas at SRTAFE in Albany shaped by his strong passion for social justice and advocacy.

Simon is currently AYSA's Deputy Chair and believes that an organisation's strength ultimately comes from its people, the knowledge and skills that they possess and the care and support that they receive. After joining the AYSA Board in 2017, Simon discovered that his dad had been one of the founding Board members of AYSA some thirty years prior. An ardent Carlton supporter, he'll always be happy to talk footy with you, or music too.

MEMBER

Meg grew up on a farm in South Stirlings, completing high school in Albany, and then studying at university in Perth and Melbourne. Meg returned to get back to a close-knit community and is a passionate supporter of local community.  Meg has seen first-hand the struggles that many  youth face and believe the right supports and opportunities in a young person’s life can open doors and empower them to thrive.

Meg is involved in the sporting community, playing hockey, footy and basketball, and is Vice President of Manypeaks Hockey Club. Meg has worked for a not-for-profit organisation in the health sector and in government in Social Housing and the District Leadership Group, working on initiatives in the Youth Engagement, Mental Health and Family Domestic Violence space. Meg has a strong interest in driving meaningful and positive change in the region and is excited to contribute to AYSA’s vision and to support young people in our beautiful community.

MEMBER

Hazel chose their surname in connection to the Young House – the closest thing to a stable home during their teenage years. Hazel is AYSA’s Young Person Representative on the Board and a growing youth voice across Albany and the Great Southern region.

With lived experience of family and domestic violence and youth homelessness, Hazel brings a perspective grounded in real-world experience. In 2019, with support from AYSA, Hazel was able to leave an unsafe environment and later purchase their own home.

Hazel now volunteers extensively across Albany’s community sector, advocating for youth-led voices, mental health, and inclusive support for LGBTQIA+ young people.

Provider of emergency and critical funding under the Premium Partner Funds for Young People at risk or under housing stress.

This group provides feedback to the AYSA CEO and Board on issues facing young people and young people’s experience of accessing AYSA programs. Great Southern Homelessness Forum: Regional multiagency forum focused on addressing homelessness.

Palmerston attends AYSA clinical intake meetings and provides joint case management and support to AYSA clients with chronic AOD issues. Palmerston also attend AYSA intake and group clinical supervision.

Community Housing Provider co-delivery of transition housing program with the SHOT Program (Support Housing Outreach and Tenancy Program). The key partner in the development of Great Southern Foyer.

Partner in delivery of Navig8 program, young people leaving care services up to the age of 18.

Partner in delivery of Home Stretch, provides young people leaving Out of Home Care in Western Australia with the option to continue to receive support up until the age of 21.

AYSA is a Headspace Consortium Partner and delivers Reconnect Services from Albany Headspace and attends Headspace intake.

Partner in local government initiatives.

AYSA has a regional focused MOU with the Department and provides joint case management and support to many young people in care of the department and/or leaving care through the Navig8 program. AYSA represents Youth on the Mental Health, Youth and Family Violence Working Groups.

Partnering in the OAK Pilot Program