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Youth National Reference Group
The hY NRG team is made up of a group of people who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people. Hailing from all over Australia and from a diverse set of backgrounds, many of the hY NRG team have experienced their own struggles but overcome them to become advocates of youth mental health.
hY NRG makes sure that any new initiative from headspace will make a positive difference in the lives of young people, and the resources headspace receive from government and corporate partners are put to the best use.
Angus works as a disability support worker and is currently studying a Bachelor of Social Work. Angus is passionate about youth mental health, particularly addressing the misconceptions around mental health and seeking support among young men.
His own mental health journey and seeing his friends’ challenges motivated him to apply for hY NRG. Angus hopes to use his experiences to help other young people and give back to headspace – an organisation that played a crucial role in his own path to finding joy.
Outside of advocacy, Angus has played Australian Rules Football for the Mayne Tigers since he was seven and is involved in the club as a captain, assistant coach, and committee member. His goals include making the world a safer place for young people and helping them learn from his mistakes, with a few laughs along the way. Angus's advice to young people having a tough time is: "Even if you were 'perfect,' it would be okay to ask for help. That's what your support networks are for."
Casey is finishing a Certificate IV in Vet Nursing and works at a veterinary clinic with exotic and unusual pets. He loves learning about the world, especially animals and ecosystems. Casey has two axolotls, Pesto & Ravioli, and is passionate about herpetology.
They also enjoy connecting with their chosen family, exploring nature, and having deep conversations. He is passionate about youth mental health, driven by their experiences with the barriers young people face in accessing support. Casey aspires to be an advocate for mental health support in the veterinary field and one day work in amphibian conservation.
Their advice to young people is: "You are not bound by the people around you and their expectations or control forever, and I promise you there are humans out there who will value and respect you for the being you are. It is never too late to ask for help."
Currently on a gap year, Cass works in hospitality and tutoring and has also worked in film production. She plans to study arts or humanities and social sciences. Cass' passion for youth mental health stems from her own experiences with severe OCD and ADHD. She joined hY NRG to advocate for greater youth mental health resources in regional Australia and bridge the gap between diagnosis and support. Outside of advocacy,
Cass enjoys soccer and loves being in the ocean – snorkelling and seeing wildlife. She also has a passion for the arts, including performing, writing, and creating. Cass is an avid reader and has a ragdoll cat named Elvie. Cass's goals include releasing her own mental health resource for young people, writing a screenplay, and continuing to create change on topics that matter to her.
Her message of hope is: "Just because you think someone else has it worse, it doesn’t make what you are going through any less significant. If you have a headache and someone else has a migraine, you wouldn’t feel guilty for having a headache just because they have a migraine"
Chelsea is studying a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Politics Philosophy and Economics at Monash University. Chelsea also works within the education and non-profit sector in Melbourne's Western suburbs, supporting multicultural young people. Chelsea's passion for youth mental health comes from growing up with parents in the field and is particularly interested in ensuring effective resources are more accessible for young people.
Through her work, Chelsea has observed the disproportionate challenges faced by African Australian young people. She applied for hY NRG to contribute to how youth mental health is handled, with a particular interest in the rehabilitation and support of Bla(c)k kids.
Outside of her advocacy and study, Chelsea enjoys spending time with her university society (of which she is currently president), consuming and creating media. Her goals include gaining a deeper understanding of the mental health crisis and its effects on BIPOC women. She also wants to fix her sleep schedule, but admits that seems like a hefty goal. Chelsea's advice to young people is: "Talk to those you feel safe with, and in time, with work, this too shall pass."
Along with working at headspace, Faris also works as a mentor for people with disabilities. He has completed an undergraduate degree in psychological science and plans to pursue a master's in psychology in 2026.
Faris' passion for youth mental health stems from his own experiences with OCD and depression during high school and university. As a Multicultural Gay Person of Colour, he is passionate about the mental health of members of the LGBTQIA+ community, especially those who have conflicting intersectional identities. Faris was motivated to apply for hY NRG for the opportunity to work across youth mental health in a big-picture manner and contribute to positive cultural shifts by having an input on processes and policies that relate to young people.
When Faris isn’t working or studying, he enjoys language learning, cooking, origami, sketching, script writing, listening to music, gardening, reading classical poetry, sewing, and bouldering. One day, he wants to become a sports psychologist and also contribute to changing the culture of mental health to one without stigma – where mental health is practised in the same manner as physical health. When asked to give advice to young people struggling with their mental health, Faris implores them to recognise that they deserve better than the negative state that they are in, and to keep fighting for the life that they desire.
Hannah works as a disability support worker and is currently studying a Diploma of Applied Health and Community Support. Hannah is passionate about youth mental health and is driven to advocate for herself and people whose experiences have not yet been accepted or understood. She believes that accessibility, affordability, and equitable education are crucial for the mental health of the next generation. As a late-diagnosed Autistic woman with ADHD, Hannah advocates for ADHD and Autism acceptance and awareness. Her goals are to educate, improve accessibility, and break stigmas around accessing mental health services.
Outside of advocacy, Hannah enjoys online content creation, golf, quality time with friends and family, trying new hobbies and new restaurants. She wants to travel and immerse herself in the worlds beauty, continue achieving her personal goals and allow herself to be exactly who she is while advocating for Autism, ADHD, and Coeliac communities. Hannah's message of hope is: "You are here to be you, even if you don’t like you right now. When you feel like your life is falling apart, it’s because the pieces that are falling apart are about to build something even better."
Hope works in the Social and Emotional Wellbeing program at the Katherine headspace Centre, while studying Bioscience at Charles Darwin University and a Certificate in Alcohol and Other Drugs at Star College. Hope wants to raise awareness of mental health issues and help more young people feel comfortable discussing their feelings and challenges. She is also an advocate for better mental health education in schools and creating awareness around recognising early signs of mental ill-health.
Outside of work and study, Hope loves staying fit by powerlifting every day. She loves to be involved in community events in her hometown and across the Northern Territory, performing in singing, playing instruments and rapping. Her future goals are to eventually study psychology and become a CEO. She also hopes to complete her studies and continue to work in the mental health field. Hope's message to young people is “We only understand what we know. Eventually you'll figure it out! Everything takes time, just like a diamond.”
Jack is currently pursuing a social work degree, which as one of his goals, will hope to make a greater impact through his work with hY NRG. Motivated by his positive experiences as a youth reference group member, Jack applied for hY NRG to support others and contribute his unique perspective. He is passionate about youth mental health, recognising the increasing challenges young people face today and his own mental health journey has shown him the importance of kindness and self-care.
Outside of advocacy, Jack enjoys poetry, sci-fi novels, and absolutely adores cats. He believes that failure is often times part of the process, that there is beauty in persevering despite knowing that and that it's okay to fail. In the constant rush that is life, Jack advises young people to take a moment sometimes, and appreciate the little things in life that bring them joy.
Kaila has recently completed a Master of Public Policy and Management. She is currently working in client services for disability services. Kaila's passion for youth mental health stems from her own experiences and witnessing the struggles of her friends and community. She emphasises the importance of seeking help early, having felt isolated as an LGBTIQA+ teenager with mental health challenges. Kaila applied for hY NRG to use her experiential knowledge, work experience, and education to advocate for change, bridge the gap between support services and the community, and ensure that policy and change are driven by grassroots voices.
Outside of advocacy, Kaila enjoys spending time with her dog, reading, and working in the disability services sector. Her future goals include developing her advocacy skills and working with the government to create community-focused social policies. Kaila's advice to young people is to remember that they are not alone and that many different support services are available.
Karen is a passionate social work student and community advocate from the Wide Bay-Burnett region of Queensland, living on Butchulla land. With a deep commitment to improving mental health access and support for young people, particularly in regional communities, she began her journey in 2018 with the Maryborough Suicide Prevention Network. As a long-standing member of the Youth Reference Group at headspace Hervey Bay, Karen aims to bridge the urban-regional divide and empower young people to create lasting change.
Outside of their role at hY NRG, Kora runs a First Nations, Aboriginal Moriori, and Māori small business with their mother, creating skincare and wellness products from their Nations' knowledge systems. Kora is passionate about youth mental health, drawing from their own experiences as a young trans person and the importance of having supportive people.
They applied for hY NRG to bring their perspective and lived experience as an active member of their community to peer support work, legislation, groups, and initiatives. Outside of advocacy, Kora enjoys makeup and its creative expression, fantasy video games, and crocheting. Kora's goal is to live life to the fullest, without regrets, and to have loved and been loved.
Lachlan is currently working as a graduate law clerk and expects to be admitted as a lawyer later this year. Lachlan is passionate about youth mental health because he believes that young people are feeling more anxious, isolated, and judged than ever before, and that addressing their mental health needs is crucial for their success.
Professionally, Lachlan is practicing primarily in criminal and migration law. He enjoys F1, hockey, table tennis, netball, and chess. Lachlan's advice to young people struggling with their mental health is that even if you can’t see it right now, there is a place where you will feel seen, welcomed, and at home – it’s real and waiting for you.
Mahir is currently studying Journalism and Law at UTS and works as a social media news reporter and public speaker. Mahir’s passion for youth mental health stems from his own experience of being bullied throughout high school. He believes in the power of vulnerability and inclusivity, aiming to empower young people to own their mental health.
Mahir volunteers as a student journalist, is a director in university societies, and is a student board director for ActivateUTS. He also enjoys tennis, table-tennis, performing card magic, and publishes a monthly blog titled 'Breaking-Point' where he interviews successful people about their career breakthroughs. His advice to young people struggling is: "Everything you need is already within you. All you have to do is remove what's in the way of seeing it, by not holding back and speaking up."
Maya is currently completing her Year 12 studies and enjoys mentoring other young people through tutoring. Maya's passion for youth mental health began during the COVID-19 lockdowns, where she witnessed the strain on the mental health system. She aims to use her experiences along with other passionate young advocates to create real, tangible change.
Maya enjoys meditative hobbies like knitting and hand-sewing to help her relax. She also writes fiction and non-fiction to explore explore the big ideas in life. Her goals include continuing to grow as an advocate and expanding access to mental healthcare.
Ness is a proud First Nations woman working in Community Services and volunteering in her community. Ness wants to empower young people and be a voice for those who feel unheard, especially in communities where mental ill-health is taboo. Motivated to mentor young people towards resilience, self-awareness, and self-compassion, Ness believes every young person deserves access to mental health resources and to feel heard. Ness' connection with headspace began through her local headspace Youth Advisory Committee.
Outside of advocacy, Ness enjoys time with family and friends, especially her younger brothers, and being a positive role model. Ness is a big NRL fan and supports the Penrith Panthers.
Noma is currently studying a Bachelor of Business with a major in Marketing. She lives on Ngunnawal, Ngunawal, and Ngambri Country and was born in Zimbabwe. Identifying with the BIPOC and CALD communities, Noma’s experiences of living in both rural and urban Australia have shaped her passion for empowering multicultural young people to stay connected to their cultural heritage while navigating life in a Western country.
As Chairperson of the Multicultural Hub (MHub) ACT and NSW Youth Reference Group (MYRG), Noma works to amplify the voices of multicultural young people and strives to create spaces where they feel empowered to invest in their mental health, embrace their identities, and build a resilient future.
Parker is passionate about making it easier for young people to access the support they need, especially in times of crisis. Parker’s lived experience with mental health challenges drives his dedication to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and creating safe, inclusive spaces where people can speak openly and honestly about their struggles.
Parker is currently co-designing training on self-advocacy within the mental health system and is involved in several advisory groups focused on mental health advocacy and policy. He also volunteers for Tasmania's only dedicated LGBTIQA+ support, advocacy, and education service. Outside of his advocacy work, Parker enjoys music, gaming, spending time with loved ones, and connecting with nature.
Rahim is an Engagement Lead & Project Officer with the Mental Health Lived Experience Peak Queensland & National Mental Health Consumer Alliance. Rahim is studying a Diploma of Project Management and a Certificate IV in Peer Work. He also recently graduated from the Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Psychology. Rahim is passionate about creating a world where young people - especially those from refugee, multicultural, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and marginalised backgrounds - can thrive.
He draws on his own experiences of mental ill-health, trauma, and displacement to advocate for systems change, believing deeply in the power of co-design and the importance of lived experience in shaping mental health services, working with over 6 organisations across Queensland and federally. Rahim has received mental health support from headspace, along with professional help through headspace’s work & study programs. He has also been involved with his local headspace youth advisory groups. Rahim enjoys writing poetry, cooking, movies, TV shows, sports, video games, and learning.
Usha is a fifth-year medical student in the Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine program. She is passionate about ensuring young people have access to mental health support that reflects their lived experience. Usha’s experiences with headspace, St John Ambulance, and other youth organisations have shown her the importance of providing care that is compassionate, inclusive, and culturally appropriate.
Usha believes in breaking down stigma, creating supportive environments, and ensuring that young voices help shape the future of mental health care. Usha enjoys volunteering with St John Ambulance, tutoring, spending time outdoors, listening to music, and recharging with family and friends.