Lianda oversees YACWA’s Advisory Services and has over 20 years’ experience of designing and delivering innovative consultations, strategic planning, project management and evaluation in the youth and community sector. Lianda’s experience spans working for and with not for profit or and a wide range of Government Departments, as well as managing her own consultancy company focused on the inclusion of children and young people in planning and decision making.
Matthew is a young person and an active member of his local community. He focused his studies of Political Science and Anthropology on the experiences of marginalised groups, particularly LGBTIQA+ populations. Matthew's background is in university research and Union organising, where he had instilled within him the power of knowledge and the power of collective action, being inspired to use these skills to advocate for a more just and equitable society. Matthew is a passionate and experienced educator, having previously been a University teacher, and continuing to be a community dance teacher and workshop facilitator. In his spare time he enjoys swimming, reading sci fi, riding his bike and seeing friends.
Caitlin is an enthusiastic young person. Currently studying Behavioural Science, Social Justice, and Politics, they are dedicated to applying their knowledge and lived experience to help better the representation, inclusion, and empowerment of young people. They believe it is vital that young people are meaningfully included in the creation, implementation, and review of strategies, policies, and initiatives that impact them. They have experience on multiple councils and reference groups, such as YACWA's COVID-19 Steering Group, the Fremantle Youth Network, and as president of their university's LGBTQIA+ group. In their spare time, they enjoy dance, podcasts, and phone calls with their nan.
Emily is a proud and passionate youth advocate who is driven by a strong desire to contribute to meaningful change in the world. In her commitment to advocacy and activism, she actively engages with a diversity of communities to amplify and empower their voices. She has represented herself across numerous platforms in the youth, mental health and disability sectors, and strives to collaborate with stakeholders and communities to drive positive change. Emily has been involved with Women with Disabilities Australia, People with Disabilities WA, the Y WA, the WA Association for Mental Health and her local youth advisory group. Through her studies in Political Science, she strives to use her lived experience and expertise to empower and uplift marginalised communities through impactful policy and legislative changes
Troy is a young leader who has been a part of more than 22 youth advisory groups, locally, nationally and internationally. Troy has led change in the LGBTIQA+, mental health and youth sectors in WA and Australia through his roles as Chairperson, Community Development Officer and advisor. Notable work has been co-facilitating the European Spring School on Youth Climate Assemblies and the power of deliberative democracy and public participation in the NFP and Government sector as well as, Chairing the peak body of LGBTIQA+ people in WA the Youth Pride Network and being appointed on the Federal Government's Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Youth Advisory Group. Troy has studied community services and mental health, he now studies political science, international relations and German at the University of Western Australia
Matilda is a young person driven to create safe, equal and inspiring experiences and opportunities for young people as an advocate. She is a passionate and active learner and is constantly looking to gain new perspectives, information and experiences so she can be a voice for change and for those that are not heard. She is currently in Year 12 but has been heavily involved with politics and non-profit organisations for some time. She has led and been a part of projects with over 14 charities, 4 leadership teams and is an active community member and volunteer
