Background
The VYMA is an incorporated, non-government, representative organisation of youth mentoring programs in Victoria. Our members represent the entire spread of youth mentoring programs operating in Victoria, including community-based programs, school-based programs, and cultural and faith based programs.
There has been significant growth in youth mentoring in recent years. The VYMA was established in recognition that a formal structure was needed to provide support and coordination to the sector as it expands and matures.
Purpose
The VYMA supports the successful implementation of high quality mentoring practices in regional and urban communities. Our goal is to be an effective Alliance of youth mentoring programs that advances youth mentoring through:
- Advocacy
- The sharing of good practice
- Providing professional development
- Enhancing communication networks
- Promoting youth mentoring
What We Do
Our activities include:
- Professional development forums
- Practice-based networks
- A referral service to people or organisations interested in youth mentoring
- Advice and support to organisations who are establishing new programs
- A central point of information and resources
- Developing & maintaining communication networks
- Promoting youth mentoring through events and other mechanisms
- Advocating to government and other funding bodies
For more information about our activities including upcoming events please click here.
Who We Are
The VYMA is governed by a Board of Directors. Director positions are voluntary and are elected each year by our members. We also have one paid staff person, Sarah Johnson, Secretary of the VYMA. The current VYMA Directors include:
Acting Chair: Sue Fowler
Sue has been Executive Officer of the Marybyrnong & Moonee Valley LLEN since 2001. In response to community consultation and subsequent recommendations, Sue initiated the YMAP (Youth Mentoring Assisted Pathways) Program in 2002 which has grown from a trial of one school to nine schools this year. Sue has also worked in youth affairs at Victoria University and as a secondary maths teacher. In total, Sue has over 20 years experience working with young people in the western suburbs of Melbourne. Her work as a teacher helps to inform her practices now, “I consider the professional relationships that teachers and mentors have with their students is of highest priority in delivering best practice education – providing a sense of belonging for individuals forms the basis for classroom practice which in turn leads to positive outcomes and destinations for young people.”
Treasurer: David Roche
David is currently the Executive Officer of the South Gippsland/Bass Coast Local Learning & Employment Network. He previously held senior management positions in local government, and in various education and training organisations in regional Victoria. David also brings to the position experience as Chair of community-based not-for-profit organisations. He holds Masters Degree in Public Policy and Management and is an Associate Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management.
Secretary: Mick Murphy
Mick Murphy has over 30 years experience working with young people. He spent many years in the education sector, both as a teacher predominantly dealing with higher risk young people and in various administrative roles. Mick’s passion for young people’s development led him to found a number of adolescent programs which re-engaged young people with formal learning pathways and created stronger links between employers and the community. Mick has also established youth mentoring programs in schools and communities across Gippsland. He is currently the Executive Officer for the Baw Baw Latrobe LLEN and the Convener of the Gippsland Mentoring Alliance.
Director: Bronwyn Davison
Bronwyn currently works at the Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues where she manages a number of projects including a Statewide Multicultural Youth Mentoring program that works with newly arrived, refugee young people. Bronwyn has worked in the community and youth sector for 15 years in different program areas ranging from the Homeless and Employment, Education and Training sectors with young people. She has extensive experience in Youth Mentoring including one on one mentoring, peer support, group mentoring and school based mentoring. Bronwyn has a wealth of knowledge and experience working with groups of disadvantaged young people in program delivery. She is passionate and strongly advocates for young people to participate in their community by providing them opportunities to engage and develop leadership skills and social connection principles.
Director: Mark Watt
Mark Watt is the CEO and co-founder of Whitelion. He holds a Masters of Social Work and a Bachelor of Business. Mark has had extensive experience in the Youth Justice and Out of Home Care systems and has held senior positions at the Department of Human Services, Anglicare and Youth For Christ over the past 20 years. He is very passionate about the long term positive impact Mentoring can achieve with young people.
Director: Paul Mathewson
Paul commenced his social work career in North Western Victoria with Mallee Family Care and has 20 years experience working in the child, youth and family services sector. He has qualifications in social work, and a Masters in Public Policy and Management. He is a Williamson Community Leadership Program Fellow (2006) and is a board member for Best Buddies Australia, a friendship program for young people and adults with an intellectual disability. He is currently employed as the Executive Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Melbourne, one of the oldest youth mentoring programs in Australia.
Director: Lyn Simmons
Lyn is the co-ordinator of ‘Reaching More Kids’ Latrobe Community Mentoring Project at Berry Street. She has over 30 years experience working with young people. The journey began with art teaching in both Primary and Secondary schools. Following further studies she has been passionately involved in supporting families and young people with challenging issues through welfare and intervention programs in schools, government and community organisations and in her Counselling Practice.
“Since being involved in the pilot Plan-It Youth school-based mentoring program for Gippsland, I am and will continue to be committed to supporting and promoting and the life-changing benefits of mentoring. My dream is that mentoring will be embedded in our communities as the most significant contribution we can make to the health, well-being and safety of the whole community.”
Jennifer Brooker
Jennifer Brooker is the Youth Work Coordinator (TAFE) at RMIT University.
Here she is responsible for the delivery of the Cert. IV in Youth Work, Cert. IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs, the Diploma in Youth Work and other youth work programs. She came to this role after work in the community
services, natural health and education sectors for more than 20 years.
Contact detail
Become a Member
For information about becoming a member please click here.
Supporters
The Victorian Youth Mentoring Alliance is proudly supported by the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust
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