the streetwork TEAM
Streetwork is built around a tight knit team of dedicated, specialist youth caseworkers, led by Helen Banu a seasoned non-profit professional. Most back-office support is provided by volunteers, allowing us to dedicate a significant portion of funds raised to our front-line activity.
Helen banu OAM, Chief executive officer
Helen is responsible for driving Streetwork to the next level, building on the solid foundation established under prior leaders. Over the past 35 years she has held senior management and leadership roles across the not-for-profit sector with a focus on youth development and volunteer management. Helen was instrumental in professionalising Streetwork's operations and is now leading our expansion to new communities in Sydney's north. Helen was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2023 and she is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD).
NIGE COTTINGHAM, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP GENERAL mANAGER
Nige joins the team with significant Strategic Partnership, Marketing, Brand, PR and communications experience. Having previously held the sponsorship purse strings and ‘business for good’ ambition for large corporates, he brings a keen understanding of the reciprocal value to corporate partners of choosing to financially and emotionally invest in a Not-For-Profit organisation like Streetwork. With 3 school-age boys himself, Nige also has an innate passion for the development and nurturing of young hearts and minds and how best to support any opportunity to turn young lives around.
YOUTH SERVICES TEAM
Thomas dent, youth SERVICES MANAGER
Tom has been a youth worker since 2002 and has worked in a broad range of roles, from youth accommodation services, to employment services and the arts and music sector. In recent years Tom moved to youth work management and brings his expertise to leading Streetwork's youth team.
Alistair Webster, Information Officer & youth Caseworker
Alistair has had broad experience in Youth Work across Sydney's North for a number of years. In 2013, he was recognised for his contributions, being named Young Citizen of the Year in the annual Australia Day honours. Alistair has a Bachelors degree in social studies and a Certificate IV in youth work. In addition to StreetWork, he also works at youth centres in Chatswood and Gordon.
PAIGE CHRISTIE, Youth caseworker
After completing a Certificate IV in Youth work and a Diploma of Community Services (Case Management), Paige is fully committed to and passionate about providing a personal supportive mentoring service to young people, believing that she can help turn their lives around and bring back their self-belief so that they can make a positive contribution to society. Outside of work, Paige enjoys early morning Group Fit classes at the gym and socialising with friends.
Philip Loveday - Youth Outreach Coordinator
Philip started volunteering for Streetwork in 2022 and joined the Youth Services team as our Outreach Co-ordinator in early 2024. Philip strongly believes in the power of mobile youth work and the impact that it can make on the at-risk young people in our society. Philip wears his Streetwork t-shirt with great pride and looks forward to more positive engagement with more at-risk young people in upcoming outreach programs.