Donate Today
Need Help?
The Board of Directors is comprised of members from the community who have an interest in youth homelessness and oversee the Governance and Strategic Development of Hope Street.
The Board is the ultimate authority being legally, financially and ethically accountable for the performance of the entire organisation in achieving its stated purpose. Its role is to govern and it may delegate authority to the CEO to manage the day to day operation of the organisation.
Board members meet once every second month for approximately 2 hours.
Kat George
Board Chair
Joined Hope Street in 2019; BA Arts (Media & Communications), LL.B, LL.M; Human rights and consumer policy professional
Role: To support the governance of the organisation and help it to meet sustainable long term strategic goals.
I am a passionate advocate for human rights. Hope Street's work with young people facing hardship is invaluable and inspiring. I am excited to support this work, and strive towards a future where everyone has equal opportunity, including a roof over their head.
Andrew Nette
Director and Chair of Business Development and Partnerships Committee
Joined Hope Street in 2012; Founding member of the Board; Extensive research and policy experience in housing and homelessness services
Role: To ensure the governance of the organisation is effective and robust and that the organisation is meeting its strategic plan and making the most of opportunities for expansion.
I believe the shortage of affordable accommodation is one of the most serious social issues facing Australia. Young people are particularly disadvantaged. Through my involvement in Hope Street, I feel like I am making a small contribution to helping to turn this situation around.
Anthony Goldsworthy
Treasurer and Chair of Finance Committee
Joined Hope Street in 2020; BComm (Finance & Accounting), Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, CFO Advisory & Assurance Director
Role: To utilise my expertise in continual improvement of financial governance and to assist the drive of sound commercial outcomes supporting the strategic direction of Hope Street.
Being raised in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne, the Hope Street mission to empower young people in the Western and Northern Suburbs to overcome disadvantage really resonates with me. Being able to contribute to the organisation through membership on the Board and Finance Committee is a privilege.
Riley Ellard
Secretary and Chair of Millennial Advisory Group
Joined Hope Street in 2020; BA, LL.B, LL.M; Human rights, justice and social policy professional
Role: To support the governance of the organisation through evidence-based decision making and a focus on the needs, goals and experiences of young people.
There is strong evidence that without access to safe, stable housing, young people are less able to engage with education, employment, health services and therapeutic supports. Housing is crucial to enabling young people to get their lives on track and thrive. I’m excited to be on the Board of Directors, Chair of the Millennial Advisory Group and a member of the Business Development and Partnerships Committee, highlighting Hope Street’s work supporting young people in times of crisis and working with them to achieve sustainable housing solutions.
Judith Cooke
Director
Joined Hope Street in 2007; Founding member of the Board; MBus, BA, Dip Ed; Equity/human rights professional in universities since 1995
Role: To develop and ensure strong governance systems and practices and to support the vision and strategic development of Hope Street, with particular focus on risk management.
I believe that Hope Street is doing a fantastic job for young people and their families. I want to be part of expanding and improving our services and those of the homelessness systems for young people everywhere.
Simon Jackson
Director and Chair of Risk Management and Compliance Committee
Joined Hope Street in 2021; BPsych(Hons), MPsychOrg; Human focussed, People, Technology and Projects professional
Role: To support governance and to help build on the unique strengths of the organisation through collaboration with the Board Directors and CEO.
I believe all people have a right to a safe place to call home. I feel fortunate to work with an organisation that is taking an active, human-centred and innovative approach to address this goal. Through my Board Director role at Hope Street, it is a privilege to be part of the community of Hope Street management, staff, volunteers and partners who are dedicated to supporting young people facing hardship to find a safe and supportive home.
Elizabeth Young
Director
Joined Hope Street in 2021; Significant experience in the health sector; Considerable knowledge and skills in public policy, program management, evaluation, strategic planning and advocacy
Role: To support the governance and strategic direction of the organisation.
I have a passion for public health and prevention, and have worked across community and youth, hospital, academia, local and state governments.
Neb Kocevski
Director
Joined Hope Street in 2024; MConstrLaw, BEng
Role: To engage in achieving the strategic goals of the organisation.
It's an honour to serve on the Hope Street Board, supporting their purpose to provide accommodation for youth facing hardship or displacement. I am committed to giving young people the opportunities they deserve to stay safe and thrive in the community.
How can I join the Board?
To ensure a strong, functioning Board we seek people, who are not current Hope Street clients, with experience or involvement in:
- Issues of social justice;
- A community organisation, agency, service and club;
- Young people;
- Legal/accounting;
- Fundraising
No formal qualifications are required however an interest in youth homelessness is essential. Please contact us for further information.
