I am an advocate, a listener and a compassionate counsellor. I believe in walking alongside our young people to hear their worries, to celebrate their wins, to come up with real strategies they will use when they are in times of trouble. My vision is that all young people find their voice, and that they have someone in their corner at all times who believes them.
This year, James will be delivering programs at Palmerston Middle and Senior College, where he’ll continue to empower and guide young people toward positive futures.
We can’t wait to see the difference he will make in 2025!
Winnie is based in Milikapiti and brings so much heart, wisdom, and cultural strength to everything she does. As our Young Cultural Lead, Winnie helps guide our work in a way that’s grounded in Tiwi culture, language, and community connection. Winnie is a powerful role model for young people, walking alongside them with pride and purpose. Her voice, leadership, and deep local knowledge are a vital part of our team. With many projects coming up in collaboration with Australian Federal Police, NDIS access clinics, Tiwi College and Darwin Youth Services, we know Winnie is a proud Tiwi leader and an essential part of our team, helping to ensure our programs reflect and respect local culture, values, and community voices.
Dianne Hiini is our Staffing and Recruitment Coordinator, bringing over five years of experience working in youth detention centres across New Zealand, including Te Puna Wai. Her background in frontline roles has given her deep insight into what it takes to support and empower young people in complex environments. Dianne has a strong understanding of the qualities needed in staff who work with young people, especially in prevention and early intervention spaces. She is known for her approachable nature, professionalism, and sharp eye for identifying team members who align with our values and vision. Dianne is deeply committed to building strong, capable teams who are both community-minded and culturally responsive. Her people-first approach and ability to connect with others make her an invaluable part of Darwin Youth Services.
Amy Murphy plays a key role in the day-to-day operations at Darwin Youth Services, bringing with her a strong background in administration and a deep understanding of the remote and regional settings we work closely with.
Having worked across complex, fast-paced environments—including remote communities—Amy is highly organised, creative, and always thinking ahead. She oversees our internal systems and social media platforms, helping to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
Amy’s commitment, and heart for community make her an invaluable part of the DYS team.
Charmaine is the creative force behind our digital presence, working closely with Darwin Youth Services to ensure our website is approachable, accessible, and always up to date. With a strong eye for design and user experience, Charmaine has played a key role in shaping a platform that reflects the energy, professionalism, and values of our team. Her work goes beyond aesthetics—she ensures that every page is easy to navigate and inclusive for all users, especially young people and community stakeholders. Charmaine’s collaborative approach and quick turnaround make her a trusted partner in all things digital. She understands the importance of clear communication and visual storytelling in the youth and community sector. Whether it’s launching new features or refining existing ones, Charmaine brings a fresh, and bright touch to all of our website updates.
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