Our Staff

OUR STAFF

Koorie Youth Council is the representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in Victoria. Our Staff are made up of passionate advocates and we value the diversity and strength of young people as decision-makers.

Our Staff are guided by our Executive of 15 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and our state-wide network. We advocate to government and community to advance the rights and representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Want to join the team? Check the opportunities page.

Bonnie Dukakis (she/her)

Chief Executive Officer
Gunditjmara

Leyla Quartermaine (she/her)

Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Noongar 

Malika Kirby (she/her)

Office Assistant
Wemba Wemba & Gunai Kurnai

Maya Hodge (she/her)

Communications Officer
Lardil

Zach Smith (he/him)

Policy and Advocacy Officer
Gunai

Yalanda Edwards (she/her)

Regional Youth Engagement Officer Barwon South-West
WaddaWurrung, Gunditjmara & Arrernte

Drew Paten

Community Programs Manager
Gunai/Kurnai

Jye Charles

Community Engagement Officer
Yorta Yorta

Daphne Arapakis

Policy and Research Officer

Max Gust (he/him)

Policy and Advocacy Officer

We advocate for the rights and representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people living in Victoria.

Koorie Youth Council (KYC) is based on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of Kulin Nation in Naarm (Melbourne). KYC gives our deepest respect to people of the Kulin Nation, in particular, to all Elders past, present and emerging for their knowledge, wisdom and legacies that continue to drive us as we walk a path toward positive social change.

We also acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and pay respect to the knowledge, cultures and continued history of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nations.

We respectfully acknowledge and thank the custodians and communities across Victoria who continue to support all KYC projects.

@2024 KOORIE YOUTH COUNCIL