Our Staff
Emina has a rich history with BABI (since 2005) and has worked in different roles and programs. During this period, Emina has had much success in ensuring BABI continues to remain and thrive in the local community and has shown extreme commitment and passion in creating the organisational structures, processes and programs that are relevant and responsive to the needs of our clients and the community. “I love the dedication and commitment of our BABI Team, their passion towards making a positive difference in the lives of young people and families we work with inspires me every day. I feel honour and a great privilege to work alongside them as they truly are great leaders, advocates and change makers in our local community”.
“Ellie is BABI’s Administrator and first point of contact, in person and over the phone, to clients and visitors. She is undertaking studies within the Community/Social Housing field, and has a passion for supporting vulnerable people. Ellie prides herself on being a welcoming, friendly face for BABI, and enjoys her interactions with clients.” There is always something happening at BABI that puts a smile on your face; each day, no matter what your role is at BABI, we get to interact with so many resilient and amazing young people, it is a privilege to be part of their journey in any capacity.
Fadia Joined BABI in Oct.2015. Fadia holds a bachelor’s degree in business majoring in Accounting from Cairo – Egypt. After moving to Australia in 1990 she attended QUT for further studies to update her skills to Australian standards and is proud to call Australia home. Since 1982 Fadia worked in both the corporate and the non-corporate sectors. Since 1994 Fadia is working exclusively for the not for profit sector in Queensland and has developed an extensive experience within the sector. During these years Fadia has assisted many Community Based Organisations through time of changes such as staffing restructuring, the implementation of tax reform, the application of GST, the changes in the fringe benefit regulation, the implementation of the Standards for community-based organisations and most recently during changes to QLD State award for community workers. Fadia also assisted many organisations transitioning from manual to computerised accounting systems providing system setting up and training. Fadia loves her work and enjoys developing and implementing strategies that overcome the financial challenges faced by the not for profit sector. Fadia loves being part of a dynamic, experienced, diversified and caring team.
Allan first worked with BABI as a Volunteer Caretaker from 2005 to 2010. During this time Allan also worked with community housing provider Mangrove Housing and with the Qld Department of Housing offices in both Wynnum and Capalaba. In 2011 Allan joined the BABI team in a full time capacity as a Housing Support Worker and currently holds the position of Housing Program Manager in our Specialist Youth Homelessness Service. Allan also serves as a general committee member with the Queensland Youth Housing Coalition. Allan has a passion for all things Social Housing and is continuously motivated by the resilience, tenacity and resolve displayed by the young people we are working alongside.
Kara joined BABI in 2021 as our Property and Intake worker. Kara has come to BABI with significant experience having worked in the community sector for over 20 years (yes I’m old!!!). Most of her experience has been in working with young people but also more broadly with families and also in Community Development. Kara is passionate about seeing young people live their best lives and is all about creating opportunities for young people. Kara first studied Agriculture when she left school (that’s a whole other story) before returning to university to study social work and has recently completed a Graduate Diploma in Counselling.
“Advocating and Service which are values that inspire me to do the work that I do, seeing the positive impacts and journey that each individual conquers while accessing BABI services. As a caseworker I often see a number of youth go through a number of trials and tribulations, for me it is an honour to help each individual through their journey and be a part of the growth. This is why I choose to be here, right now at BABI Youth & Family Service. “Be the change you want to see in the world” – M. Gandhi
Julie Figliano is excited to be working at BABI Youth and Family Service since the beginning of 2022 and is impressed at the compassionate and fervent team that she works in. Julie loves her role as a Youth Case Worker that allows her to support our Youth and families to thrive. Julie is dedicated in meeting the support needs of her clients and enjoys working with diverse communities to empower their aspirations.
Catriona has been working with youths and families in the not-for-profit sector for over 20 years. Her roles have included front line practice, education and management. Catriona has completed a Bachelor in Counselling and Psychotherapies and is passionate about creating a trauma informed organisation. Catriona loves seeing people heal, learn and grow, including the team at BABI. Catriona has a love of learning, social justice and human rights.
Anna joined the team at BABI Youth & Family Service in late 2017 and has loved providing support to the Wynnum, Manly and Redlands community since. It is a privilege to work with our community, walk alongside them and hold space for them as they continue to strengthen their relationships, families and themselves. Anna loves spending time in nature – the beach or the rainforest, loves animals and has a cute, sassy little cat called Foxy. Finally, Anna loves singing and enjoys performing in local musical theatre and is part of the Scomodo Voce Singers. She also enjoys humming all day every day, and can sometimes be found humming in the kitchen whilst making a cup of tea.
Carly joined BABI in 2018 in our Youth Engagement role after completing her University student placement here. She is now the Youth Case Worker on our Get Set for Work program. Carly holds a Bachelor of Social Work and is currently studying a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health. Prior to youth work, Carly was in Early Childhood in an Assistant Director role. Carly is a passionate advocate for young people and enjoys the role of supporting them through the adversities and challenges they face. “I have a passion for empowering and advocating for young people so my job never feels like work. It blows my mind how much I have learnt from the amazing, resilient and confident young people that access our service”
Maddie is the Youth Case Worker on our Youth Support program at BABI Youth and Family Service. Maddie is an experienced new graduate social worker with a passion for creating safe and inclusive spaces for young people to feel seen, valued, empowered and accepted. Maddie provides individualised, holistic, practical case management and outreach support to young people aged 12-21 living in local Wynnum/Manly community. Maddie enjoys connecting with young people and supporting them to navigate complex systems and barriers, so that they are able to overcome the personal and environmental challenges to reaching their goals.
Our young people are our future, and it makes me proud and excited to work alongside them at Babi. I am always grateful to be in a position where I can learn, laugh and grow with them. Babi helps facilitate our Youth to have a pivotal voice out in the community. I am passionate about the magic that BABI has created and excited for the magic that is to come.
“I am passionate about young people and believe that they are the future and worth investing in. Through BABI I endeavour to provide advocacy and a voice to young people, especially the marginalised and misunderstood. I am all for second chances and believe that young people are capable of great things - if they are given the opportunity and the right supports.”
“I am a laid back guy who loves the outdoors. I find a lot of joy in being able to assist youth who often feel like they don’t have anywhere else to turn. My goal is to be able to show the youth some healthy ways of coping when life gets tough”
As a youth worker I have a dedication to do the best I can in supporting all youth from different walks of life. When youth come into the Babi community youth space, they are greeted by an amazing passionate team that look to support in whatever way possible!
In the BABI community, there is a family-like effect of everyone knowing everyone, and genuinely wanting the best for each other. As someone who has worked within the childcare sector, and now as a youth worker, I understand the importance of family, chosen or otherwise, and the positive effect that community involvement has on the development of young people. Being and creating a safe (and fun) space for young people is one of the many things about this type of work that brings me joy!
Our Board of management
Bayside Adolescent Boarding Incorporated (BABI) is governed by a Board of Management which is responsible for the development of the strategic vision of the organisation and monitoring professionalism and compliance.
Samantha is a senior Governance, Compliance and Regulatory expert. Her career spans over 17 years working for a top tier law firm for a decade, inhouse legal and senior compliance roles for a mid-tier bank, partner in the Governance, Risk and Compliance division of a Sydney law firm and now as Counsel in the Financial Regulation practice at Ashurst Australia. Samantha’s Governance experience includes previous non-executive/management committee roles for the Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing House, CSIRO ethics committee and Stadiums Queensland. Samantha is passionate about lifting the standards of governance and compliance in Australian organisations and with two young children of her own, is committed to ensuring youth support organisations such as BABI continue to thrive in local communities.
Edward joined the Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL) in 2006 and is currently employed as PBPL Community Relations Advisor. His responsibilities include oversight of community sponsorship programs and management of community amenities inclusive of visitors centre, cafe, conference rooms and port tours. Previously, Edward worked in a variety of management positions in hospitality in Melbourne, Adelaide, the UK and Sweden. Edward has been a board member of BABI since 2014 and is well known across many non for profit entities in the local area. Edward has an interest in community issues and assisting community organisations to achieve their social aims.
Sarah is a communications specialist with a career spanning over 15 years within government, community and union organisations specialising in building power through political and community campaigns. Sarah has proven abilities to successfully work collaboratively with multiple levels of government, utilising well developed interpersonal and negotiation skills to achieve positive results. Sarah is committed to working with local community organisations to improve outcomes for those who need support.
Chris worked as a Technical Officer with Telstra until 1998 (30 years), a Retail Sales Assistant for 5 years (1998-2003) and Admin/Bookkeeping part time (2003-2021). He currently volunteers with the Community Visitors Scheme (Aged Care) since 2010, the Redland Community Centre since 2017 and Love and Hope Redlands since 2021. He is Company Secretary of RWM Community Financial Services Limited (the company that holds the franchise to operate the Bendigo Community Bank branches in Victoria Point and Wynnum Manly), and Chairperson of the Redland Community Centre.
Leanne is a previous service user of BABI who became a member of the Board in 2020 as a youth representative. Since coming to BABI in 2016 Leanne has gone through the housing program where she was able to transition to public housing and later to private rental. She also went through the Get Set For Work program where she completed her Cert 3 in Community Services and went on to study at university and gained employment with the Brisbane City Council. Furthering this Leanne participated in BABI’s youth engagement programs and joined the Youth Voice Committee where she was able to develop skills in leadership, community engagement and project management which allowed her to participate in the Queensland Youth Parliament and became a co-coordinator of Rosies Wynnum/Manly branch. Leanne has strong passion and commitment towards social justice and supporting organisations like BABI to fulfil their mission and deliver high quality services to youth who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Sharon joined the BABI Board in 2022 after a 30 year career in the provision of housing and housing-related services in local, state and commonwealth government agencies. Sharon held senior leadership roles responsible for housing acquisition and construction, maintenance, portfolio management and the delivery of property and tenancy management services to social housing and Defence clients. Sharon brings to BABI many years’ experience in leadership roles with responsibility for strategic management and governance. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Business majoring in Public Management. Sharon has a strong belief that access to safe, secure and affordable housing and a place to call home are fundamental to health, education, employment and life opportunities. The services that BABI provides play an important role in addressing this need in the Wynnum community.
Carly joined the BABI board in 2022, bringing with her 10 years experience in not-for-profit fundraising. She has previously worked with charities that support at-risk and disadvantaged youth, as well as members of the disability community. She also volunteered extensively as a grant writer and has been Lota State School P&C president since 2018. Carly now works in local government. Prior to entering the not-for-profit sector, she was a reporter and editor. Carly has lived in the Wynnum Manly region her entire life and was motivated to join the BABI board after seeing the important role that BABI plays in improving outcomes for local young people.