About us

Cherry Grimwade (she/her)

Coordinator Youth Engagement and Pathways
CherryG@hume.vic.gov.au

Cherry started at Hume in June 2021 and leads the Youth Engagement & Pathway Unit.  She has worked in the youth sector for over seventeen years predominately in local and State government. Cherry has extensive experience designing, delivering, and evaluating responsive prevention and early intervention programs and supports for middle years children (6-12) and young people (12-24). In addition, Cherry provides strategic advice to Councillors and the Executive; and works closely with schools, service providers, community agencies and community leaders in Hume. 

When not working, Cherry loves to travel, garden, hang out with family, read and the occasional binge-watching Netflix shows! 

Shola Amusa (she/her)

Business and Program Support Officer
SholaA@hume.vic.gov.au 

Shola has recently joined the Youth Engagement and Pathways team, in August 2024, as our Business and Program Support Officer. Her role provides administrative support to the Coordinator, Youth Engagement and Pathways and Youth Services team; and she can be contacted for any enquiries regarding programs offered by the unit. Shola has previously worked in HR and administrative support within the local government sector and enjoys providing support to assist with the efficiency of the department.

In her free time, Shola frequently spends quality-time with loved ones and enjoys trying out new computer games. She is often talking about her beloved cat, Cleo, and will show you many photos, if asked. 

Rebecca Ferris (she/her)

Team Leader Mental Health, Wellbeing and Leadership
RebeccaFe@hume.vic.gov.au

Bec is our Team Leader Mental Health Wellbeing and Leadership. Bec has worked in a range of youth work roles such as housing support and education and employment services and local government youth services. She is passionate about young people being safe to be their authentic selves and to have access to inclusive and supportive spaces.

Outside of work Bec enjoys reading and yoga. She also loves her dogs, much like everyone in her household where pets outnumber humans 5 to 3. Bec's heart can be won over with a delicious pasta or brunch with pals!

Anna Lewenhagen-Allvin (she/her)

Mental Health, Wellbeing and Leadership Development Officer
AnnaL@hume.vic.gov.au

As the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leadership Development Officer, Anna leads a team of Youth Support Officers providing engagement and development opportunities for local young people through youth center's, local schools, and various community spaces in Broadmeadows and Central Hume region which includes both Broadmeadows Youth Central and Roxburgh Park Youth Centre. 

Anna completed a Bachelor of Youth Work and Youth Studies at RMIT University and has been working and volunteering in the youth work sector for the last 7 years. Anna has experience in the design and delivery of early intervention programs, homelessness, disability, pathway support and supporting young people who have recently arrived in Australia. Anna is the program lead for the Youth Action Committee, which aligns with her passion for community, connection and advocacy. Anna enjoys drinking coffee, travelling and dancing (badly)

Adam Forman (he/him)

Mental Health, Wellbeing and Leadership Development Officer
AdamF@hume.vic.gov.au

Adam is the Acting Mental Health and Wellbeing Leadership Development Officer leading a team of Youth Support Officers providing engagement and development opportunities for local young people through youth centres, local schools, and various community spaces in Broadmeadows and Central Hume region which includes both Broadmeadows Youth Central and Roxburgh Park Youth Centre.

Adam completed his degree in community and youth studies in 2009 in the UK, following that he worked across a variety of spaces supporting young people. Including youth justice, schools, community centres and homelessness support services.

Adam loves soccer and specifically (unfortunately) Leeds United. He is also unbeaten at FIFA since 2019. So, challenge away.

Emilia Todaro (she/her)

Youth Support Officer
EmiliaT@hume.vic.gov.au

Emilia is Officer is a Youth Support Officer within the Broadmeadows and Central Hume Region which includes Broadmeadows and Roxburgh Park Youth Centres and has been a youth worker for over 13 years.

Emilia works with the Mental Health, Wellbeing and Leadership Team to deliver programs for young people age 12 to 24 years.

Emilia is passionate about empowering young people to identify their strengths and give them the opportunity to be the amazing people that they are and reach their full potential.

Dance, music and reading and having a bash on her electric drumkit makes her heart sing!

Tyronne Gietzmann (he/him)

Youth Support Officer
TyronneG@hume.vic.gov.au

Tyronne is the Acting Mental Health, Wellbeing and Leadership Development Officer responsible for the Sunbury and Craigieburn region which includes both Sunbury and Craigieburn Youth Centres. He leads a team of Youth Support Officers providing engagement and development opportunities for local young people through youth centres, local schools, and various community spaces.

Tyronne has been working in the youth sector for over eight years, both in metro and regional Victoria across a diverse cohort of young people ranging from custodial, employment and community services. Tyronne is a driven, passionate and empathetic professional with a wide range of experience, having worked varied roles throughout his career as a youth worker.

Outside of work, Tyronne is an established visual artist, musician and social justice advocate, combining all these to strive for a better tomorrow. He is also a self-confessed geek who loves anything Sci-Fi, Anime or Lord of The Rings.

Sunbury & Craigieburn Region

Lorence (Cruz) Bakri (he/him)

Mental Health, Wellbeing and Leadership Development Officer
LorenceB@hume.vic.gov.au

Cruz is the Acting Team Leader Mental Health Wellbeing and Leadership since August 2023.

Cruz has been working with young people for over 13 years, predominantly from the Hume region and has been with Hume City Council since 2011, moving through multiple roles during this time.

When not working, Cruz loves spending quality time with friends and family, watching a good movie or series and spending time outdoors.

Natalie Spear (she/her)

Youth Support Officer / Middle Years & Transitions Officer (until April 2025)
NatalieBi@hume.vic.gov.au

Natalie is a Youth Support Officer within the Sunbury and Craigieburn Region which includes Sunbury and Craigieburn Youth Centres.

Natalie has over 10-years’ experience in the youth sector working in Out of Home Care, homeless and community development.

She is passionate about providing opportunities for young people to be heard and giving skills to aid them in their future.

Personally, Natalie loves to play tabletop games, cooking and spending time with her friends and family.

Larni Blythman (she/her)

Youth Support Officer
LarniB@hume.vic.gov.au

Larni is a Youth Support Officer in the Hume Region which includes Sunbury and Craigieburn Youth Centres. 

Larni graduated with a Bachelor of Youth Work from Victoria University. While studying she completed her placement with Hume City Council Youth Services. She has worked with young people as a mentor in a volunteer capacity.

She is a passionate and empathetic youth worker who is dedicated to empowering young people by helping them recognise their inner strengths to showcase their unique qualities.

Outside of work, Larni loves to spend time outdoors especially at the beach, cooking new dishes, and attending concerts with her friends.

Vanessa Petridis (she/her)

Team Leader Partnerships, Engagement and Pathways
VanessaP2@hume.vic.gov.au

Vanessa is the Partnerships, Engagement and Pathways Team Leader. She has been working with Hume City Council for 12 years moving through multiple roles, and in the youth sector for over five years.

Vanessa works across the municipality and is responsible for the development, delivery and evaluation of skill-building and pathways to education, training and employment for young people predominantly aged 18 to 24 years.

Vanessa loves being creative and having fun exploring different art techniques and styles. She also loves going on long walks with her dogs! 

She is also a passionate Collingwood supporter…. only when they win! 

Richard Craig (he/him)

Youth Engagement and Pathways Officer
richardc@hume.vic.gov.au

Richard is one of the Youth Engagement and Pathways Officer. Richard has been working in the youth work sector for 10 years across multiple different roles and started with Hume City Council in April 2022.

Richard supports with the planning, development and delivery of programs that support young people to engage and build positive pathways that can help them find employment or engage in education.

Richard loves football (real football!) and is a passionate supporter of Liverpool FC, and spending time with his family and friends. 

Ursula Cliff

Youth Engagement and Pathways Officer
ursulac@hume.vic.gov.au

Ursula is a Youth Engagement and Participation Officer in the Partnerships, Engagement and Pathways team. She has worked in the education and youth sector for nearly 10 years and was a teacher before moving into the community education sector. She started in the PEP team in January 2024, and works on programs that help young people across Hume to engage in further education, training, and employment. She loves helping people to find and follow their passions and supporting them to break down the barriers to education and employment they face.

Ursula loves travelling, looking after her many indoor plants, getting out into nature, and is trying to learn how to sew!   

Em Dewhurst

Youth Engagement Support Officer
emd@hume.vic.gov.au

Em is the Youth Engagement and Support Officer. Em has worked in the youth sector and community services for 4 years and started working in the PEP team at Hume city council in April 2024. Em is responsible for supporting the team to plan and deliver programs for young people through support, engagement and positive pathways that can help them find employment or education opportunities. Em is passionate about creating inclusive and accessible services for all young people. 

Em loves to go bouldering, going on hikes, or sitting in a park with a good book (or podcast). Em also loves to cook and bake, frequently attempting new dishes. 

Youth Central is a facility that has been set up with open space as the key feature that allows for multiple uses. The main venue space has vinyl flooring throughout with a lounge space, dining space and kitchenette incorporated close together. This venue allows for the potential of multiple suitable bookings taking place at the same time.

The facility can be hired from 9am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday.
This venue is only available for the delivery of programs, activities and events for young people.

This centre offers:

• Kitchen
• Dishwasher
• Industrial Kitchen
• Meeting Rooms
• Wall mounted TV
• 4 computers
• Wi-Fi
• Air Conditioning
• Heating
• Toilets
• 10 Tables and 60 Chairs
• Dining area space for estimated 12 people
• Parking adjacent to the centre
• Pool table
• Table tennis table
• Couch space for estimated 16 people
• Studio B estimated 24 people

Venue Capacity

Main Venue Space - Maximum of 100 people

Photo Gallery

Please visit the Youth Central hire page for more information.

Roxburgh Park Youth Centre is a newly renovated facility that has been set up with open space as the key feature. The main venue space has both a vinyl floored space with access to a kitchen and a carpeted lounge area.

The facility can be hired from 9am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday.

This centre offers:

• Main activity space
• Kitchen
• Wall mounted TV
• 3 computers
• Air Conditioning
• Heating
• Toilets
• 4 Tables and 20 Chairs
• Parking adjacent to the centre
• Pool table
• Table tennis table

Venue Capacity

Main Venue Space - Maximum of 60 people

Photo Gallery

Please visit the Roxburgh Park Youth Centre hire page for more information.

Craigieburn Youth Centre has an entry foyer that opens to one main room with capacity to separate into two spaces via a movable wall. This allows for a training room or formal meeting space to be set up in one area.

One half of the room is set up as an activity space with pool table, couches, TV, meals area with vinyl flooring and access to the kitchen. The majority of the space has carpet throughout.

The facility can be hired from 9am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday.
This venue is only available for the delivery of programs, activities and events for young people.

This centre offers:

• Entry foyer
• All abilities access
• Activity space
• Meeting room
• Air conditioning
• Heating
• Kitchen (microwave, fridge, stove, oven and kettle, dishwasher)
• Toilets
• 3 x tables
• 37 x chairs
• 2 x couches
• Television
• Pool Table
• Parking

Venue Capacity

Activity Space (used as one space and not divided) - Maximum capacity of 50 people.

Photo Gallery

Please visit the Craigieburn Youth Centre hire page for more information.

The Sunbury Youth Centre front entry is located on Evans Street, Sunbury. The main activity space is at the front of the youth centre and connects to an open plan kitchen. The main space opens to an outside courtyard which has an outdoor table and seating. The youth centre also offers a rear venue space which includes a stage and access to a kitchenette. The centre has carpet throughout.  

The facility can be hired from 9am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday.
This venue is only available for the delivery of programs, activities and events for young people.

Counselling rooms on site: 

Two counselling rooms with two access doors are available for services to book and host client meetings. These can be booked on a casual or ongoing basis.

This centre offers:

• Entry foyer
• All abilities access
• Activity space
• Venue space with stage
• Air Conditioning
• Heating
• Kitchen (microwave, fridge, stove, oven and kettle, dishwasher)
• Toilets
• Tables
• Chairs
• Couch
• Television
• Pool table
• Table tennis

Venue Capacity

Front Activity Space - Maximum of 60 people

Rear Venue Space - Maximum of 100 people

Courtyard - Maximum of 12 people 

Photo Gallery

Please visit the Sunbury Youth Centre hire page for more information.