Founded by legendary youth worker Les Twentyman OAM, the Les Twentyman Foundation has a history of more than 30 years supporting at-risk youth. The Foundation believes that every child and young person, regardless of economic circumstances, race or gender deserves an equal opportunity in life. Working across Greater Melbourne, our dedicated team supports hundreds of kids aged between five and 25, who face multiple stresses holding them back from living a life that every child deserves… Show more Founded by legendary youth worker Les Twentyman OAM, the Les Twentyman Foundation has a history of more than 30 years supporting at-risk youth. The Foundation believes that every child and young person, regardless of economic circumstances, race or gender deserves an equal opportunity in life. Working across Greater Melbourne, our dedicated team supports hundreds of kids aged between five and 25, who face multiple stresses holding them back from living a life that every child deserves, including poverty, mental health, unemployment, racism, addiction, domestic violence and crime.After an initial significant change management process. my role at the Foundation is now focused on leading the Programs group to deliver on and grow existing programs and develop and implement new and exciting projects. Show less

The Get Active Kids Voucher Program helps eligible families get their kids involved in organised sport and active recreation activities. Eligible children may receive up to $200 to cover the costs for membership and registration fees.My role was to lead the policy team to implement the project, including working with Services Victoria to build the online infrastructure to roll out the program. I also lead the sector engagement work with the Victorian State Sporting Associations… Show more The Get Active Kids Voucher Program helps eligible families get their kids involved in organised sport and active recreation activities. Eligible children may receive up to $200 to cover the costs for membership and registration fees.My role was to lead the policy team to implement the project, including working with Services Victoria to build the online infrastructure to roll out the program. I also lead the sector engagement work with the Victorian State Sporting Associations, National Sporting Organisations and other key partners and stakeholders.The project was immensely successful, delivering on all project aims on time and under budget, and the GAKV Program is still delivering for Victorians today. Show less

As Victoria’s pioneering health promotion agency, VicHealth works with its partners in health, sport, the arts, workplaces, research and education to discover, implement and share solutions for the long-term health and wellbeing of all Victorians. During this period I implemented a significant change management process while acting in an Executive role.

As Victoria’s pioneering health promotion agency, VicHealth works with its partners in health, sport, the arts, workplaces, research and education to discover, implement and share solutions for the long-term health and wellbeing of all Victorians. At VicHealth, Chris is responsible for a range of programs supporting Victorians to become more physically active to improve their overall health and wellbeing. Chris oversaw millions of dollars of grant and sponsored programs across the… Show more As Victoria’s pioneering health promotion agency, VicHealth works with its partners in health, sport, the arts, workplaces, research and education to discover, implement and share solutions for the long-term health and wellbeing of all Victorians. At VicHealth, Chris is responsible for a range of programs supporting Victorians to become more physically active to improve their overall health and wellbeing. Chris oversaw millions of dollars of grant and sponsored programs across the State, including major evaluation projects and the the design and delivery of significant new investments which are now being delivered across thestate. Show less

Reclink Australia provides evidence-based sport and art programs to disadvantaged Australians to create socially inclusive, life-changing opportunities. In partnership with more than 450 community organisations, Reclink Australia's programs create pathways to improved health and wellbeing, education and employment outcomes for all participants.As Victorian State Manager it is my responsibility to oversee all the operations in Victoria including the Reclink National Program, ActVIC… Show more Reclink Australia provides evidence-based sport and art programs to disadvantaged Australians to create socially inclusive, life-changing opportunities. In partnership with more than 450 community organisations, Reclink Australia's programs create pathways to improved health and wellbeing, education and employment outcomes for all participants.As Victorian State Manager it is my responsibility to oversee all the operations in Victoria including the Reclink National Program, ActVIC program, AAA Play, VRGF Regional projects, Link JVEN Project and Streetgames projects. As part of my role I also responsible for managing key stakeholder relationships, securing funding for future work and and the strategic and operational development of new programs. Show less

The core of this role with Whitelion has been in the development of Social Enterprise projects that fulfill the core mission of Whitelion, connecting high risk young people back into commmunity by providing employment opportunities and support.Projects in development include those in the warehousing/pick, pack dispatch industry, the retail industry and the hospitality industry. Utilising corporate and community partnerships to maximise the development and success of these projects has… Show more The core of this role with Whitelion has been in the development of Social Enterprise projects that fulfill the core mission of Whitelion, connecting high risk young people back into commmunity by providing employment opportunities and support.Projects in development include those in the warehousing/pick, pack dispatch industry, the retail industry and the hospitality industry. Utilising corporate and community partnerships to maximise the development and success of these projects has been core to our overall Social Enterprise strategy. Our Paws Fulfilment business is currently trading through our website http://onlinepaws.whitelion.asn.au and will be soon trading through eBay. We expect to announce future projects over the course of 2015.Opportunities exist for both community and business partnerships so please get in touch to discuss further.Other key achievements include the managing of Stride Foundation's merger into the Whitelion Group and the development and roll out of the Emerge program in partnership with Bridging Worx.Whitelion opens doors to opportunities, relationships and community for at risk young people in the Australian community. Whitelion has been supporting at risk young people for more than 15 years, helping them to change their lives.The organisation provides youth-focused, gender and culturally-specific services in several areas. These include employment, role modeling, specialist outreach support, and education-based prevention programs.Whitelion’s mission is focused on connecting young people aged 10 to 24 with the community. It provides them with practical and effective supports that enable them to make positive choices in their lives. The young people that Whitelion works with have seldom had positive influences in their lives, and are often victims of abuse and neglect. Many come from backgrounds that are characterized by multi-generational disadvantage, unemployment, substance use and offending behaviour. Show less

Urban Seed is a community-based organisation that engages faith, community and culture in order to respond to poverty in Victoria. Urban Seed prioritises small, dynamic projects run by and for locals in ways that creatively complement and connect traditional services. Through advocacy and engagement Urban Seed also seeks to address the underlying causes of poverty.As Executive Director and formerly a member of the Executive Team Chris is and has been responsible for the management and… Show more Urban Seed is a community-based organisation that engages faith, community and culture in order to respond to poverty in Victoria. Urban Seed prioritises small, dynamic projects run by and for locals in ways that creatively complement and connect traditional services. Through advocacy and engagement Urban Seed also seeks to address the underlying causes of poverty.As Executive Director and formerly a member of the Executive Team Chris is and has been responsible for the management and executive oversight of Urban Seed’s work. Show less

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Urban Seed's Youth & Schools Team was created in 2002 with 2 part time staff; it now speaks to over 15000 people each year including students, business and church groups and has a 5-member team. Chris oversaw the development of this program, coordinated bookings and managed the team of educators. Chris also developed the Edge (a youth community and leadership development program) and Praxis Victoria (a diploma in youth work) programs.