Meet the team


Hello!
I am Sarah Austin

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.

Mark Anderson
Domestic and Family Violence Facilitator

Mark is one of our dedicated Youth Domestic and Family Violence Facilitators who brings energy, fun, and a genuine commitment to creating change. 

With a strong background in sports coaching, Mark knows how to motivate and engage young people, helping them feel comfortable to open up and learn.

He’s easy-going, and very approachable who believes deeply in the power of prevention. Mark knows that the conversations we have today can change the outcomes of tomorrow. 

Mark loves seeing young people grow in confidence, build healthy relationships, and walk away from our sessions feeling empowered.

 

James Austin
Domestic and Family Violence Facilitator

James Austin, is an experienced youth worker who has made a significant impact across various settings in the Northern Territory. With a strong commitment to supporting young people, James brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and hands-on experience to every space he works in.

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!

 

Amy Murphy
Administrator Support

 

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.

Ili Bari
Youth Worker

Ili is a dedicated Youth Worker who brings a calm, compassionate and approachable nature to every interaction. Having attended Tiwi College herself, she has a genuine understanding of the unique strengths and challenges faced by many young people across the Northern Territory.

A former professional rugby league player with the Canterbury Bulldogs and an experienced junior rugby league coach, Ili is passionate about mentoring young people to build confidence, resilience and respectful relationships. She creates safe, supportive environments where young people feel heard, valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

Charmaine Marquez
Website Queen

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.