Our Team

Laura founded THEIRS in 2021, building the organisation from the ground up with a strong focus on community need, youth leadership and trauma-informed practice. She leads with creativity and courage, developing innovative approaches to mental health and suicide prevention while mentoring others to grow and succeed.

Laura’s advocacy spans policy, education and public speaking. She has spoken in Parliament, represented young people at national events, and is one of the youngest people to sit on multiple committees and boards, including TasNetworks, Mental Health Family & Friends, the Mental Health Council of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Suicide Prevention Committee. She has also completed an Honours degree in Social Work to support her work.


Her work has been widely recognised, including a LiFE Award for Suicide Prevention, being named a 2024 Heywire Trailblazer, finalist for Young Tasmanian of the Year, winner of the MAIB Excellence in Leadership Award (Young Achiever of the Year) 2025, and one of the youngest ever to receive an Order of Australia Medal.

Even at her young age, Laura is a force to be reckoned with and has paved a way for people’s voices to be heard, becoming not only a leader of her time but a beacon of hope to inspire others around her.

Mateya is the second longest-standing member of THEIRS and has played a significant role in shaping the organisation into what it is today. Through years of dedication, reliability and genuine commitment to the mission, Mateya’s contribution naturally progressed into a Board Member position. Her ambition, loyalty and strong sense of responsibility have seen her grow into a confident and respected leader within the organisation.

Although Mateya is currently studying interstate, her connection to THEIRS remains strong. When she returns, she seamlessly steps back into the team, continuing to support operations, events and strategic direction as if she never left. Mateya has been instrumental in securing a range of guest speakers for THEIRS events and has consistently supported the smooth, professional delivery of programs and community initiatives as well as now leading and mentoring those around her.

In 2024, Mateya joined Laura and Jaspah in Canberra as part of the ABC Heywire Trailblazer program, where they pitched THEIRS and shared their lived experience stories on the Parliament stage. Since then, Mateya has stepped into the role of MC, bringing warmth, confidence and authenticity to events. Her leadership and advocacy have been recognised through awards including YFCC’s Inspiring Youth Awards.

Ashley is a versatile and multi-skilled team members, contributing across a wide range of roles including technology support, documentation and note-taking, event operations, BBQ coordination and community networking. Ashley has played a key role in helping THEIRS reach and engage more people, often building meaningful connections without ever being fazed by titles, status or recognition. Their genuine, down-to-earth nature means everyone is treated with the same respect, whether they’re a community member, partner or high-profile stakeholder.

Ashley brings a steady sense of wisdom to the team alongside a strong can-do attitude. They are often the first to step forward with new ideas, offer practical support or help turn concepts into action, making them a trusted and reliable presence across all aspects of THEIRS’ work.

Alongside Charlotte, Ashley co-led the refinement and delivery of THEIRS’ training program, helping bring it to life through thoughtful insights and real-world practicality. Their contributions to trial sessions were highly valued, strengthening the program’s relevance, accessibility and impact for participants and partner organisations alike.

Ruth joined our THEIRS team during the trial phase of our training program late 2025. Initially participating as an attendee, Ruth naturally stepped into a support role, offering help wherever it was needed and quickly becoming an integral part of the team. Her ability to adapt, contribute and connect meant she fit in seamlessly from the very beginning.

Ruth brings exceptional teamwork skills and a genuine willingness to learn, making her a valued presence during both training and event delivery. She approaches each task with enthusiasm, reliability and a strong sense of collaboration, supporting others and strengthening the overall flow of the team.

With an infectious laugh and positive energy, Ruth helps create an environment that feels welcoming, encouraging and grounded — particularly important in spaces that can involve heavy or complex conversations. We are incredibly excited to officially welcome Ruth to THEIRS and look forward to seeing her continue to grow, develop and make her mark across future events and programs. Her early contribution already reflects the values of connection, care and community that sit at the heart of our work.

Isabella has been part of the THEIRS team since 2023 and has grown alongside the organisation during a key period of development. While completing her social work degree, Isabella generously gives back to THEIRS by applying her learning in real time, supporting the organisation to strengthen its sustainability, professionalism and trauma-informed practice.

Since joining the team, Isabella’s confidence has grown with each event and initiative. What began as a quiet presence has evolved into a capable and proactive leader, now confidently taking the lead on projects and inspiring those around her through both action and dedication. Her growth reflects the supportive culture of THEIRS and the power of creating spaces where young people can step into leadership at their own pace.

Isabella played a significant role in the refinement and delivery of THEIRS’ training program, contributing thoughtful insights grounded in both study and lived experience. She also provided substantial support at major events, including Jazz’s event and others across the calendar. Alongside her professionalism, Isabella brings an infectious energy that keeps the team laughing and connected, even in challenging moments.

Finley has been part of the THEIRS team since 2025, yet from the moment she joined, she stepped in as though she’d been with us from day one. Her natural confidence, reliability and willingness to get stuck in make her a familiar and trusted face across our events and the many community initiatives we support.

You’ll most often find Fin helping to run our stalls, engaging with the community, supporting conversations, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. She has also earned the unofficial title of Chief Blue Tree Project Painter, playing a hands-on role in delivering visible, meaningful mental health initiatives across our communities. Laura often jokes that Finley knows more politicians than she does, reflecting Finley’s ease in connecting with people from all walks of life.

Finley brings a calming presence and genuine warmth to everything she does, helping to create spaces that feel safe, grounded and welcoming. Through her work with young children, she contributes valuable skills in connecting with younger audiences and tailoring engagement in age-appropriate, trauma-informed ways. She is also learning sign language, strengthening our ability to be more inclusive and accessible, and helping THEIRS reach a broader and more diverse community.

Charlotte joined the THEIRS team shortly after Jazz’s event, and in a relatively short period of time has made an exceptional impact. What she has achieved so quickly speaks to her natural leadership, creativity and deep capacity for compassion and empathy. Charlotte has an innate ability to create trust, drawing people toward her for guidance and support in ways that feel genuine, safe and empowering.

In 2025, Charlotte stepped into an ambassador role, representing THEIRS as part of the ABC Heywire Takeover event. Through this opportunity, she worked alongside a group of young people to identify and address a critical gap in connection between generations, contributing thoughtful insights and youth-led solutions grounded in lived experience.

Charlotte also co-led the refinement and delivery of THEIRS’ training program, playing a key role in bringing it to life. Her willingness to show vulnerability, share lived experience and engage openly resonated strongly with participants, with trial sessions receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback. Charlotte’s contributions continue to strengthen THEIRS’ programs and culture, and her leadership reflects the values of connection, courage and community that sit at the heart of the organisation.

Tianna has a remarkable ability to quickly read and connect with people, helping THEIRS build meaningful relationships across every event and initiative. She is a powerful storyteller and insightful advocate, using her voice to amplify perspectives that are often overlooked and ensuring that all participants feel seen, heard and valued.

Alongside her advocacy, Tianna brings a creative edge to the team, shaping innovative approaches to events and engagement that make each experience impactful and memorable. Her energy and enthusiasm are contagious. She is very much the team’s “hype person,” ensuring participants are excited, engaged and ready to take part, whether it’s during workshops or major events. For example, when Jazz visited, Tianna was instrumental in energising students and fostering a sense of connection and participation.

Tianna has also represented THEIRS on numerous occasions, including at the Suicide Prevention Walk this year, showcasing her confidence, professionalism and commitment to community advocacy. Through her creativity, passion and authenticity, Tianna continues to strengthen THEIRS’ programs and culture, leaving a lasting impact on both the team and the communities we serve.

Jaspah brings strong networking skills, deep passion and a clear sense of justice to his role within THEIRS. He is a powerful advocate for equitable mental health support, firmly believing that no young person should receive inadequate care or be overlooked simply because of their age. Through his advocacy and lived experience, Jaspah has helped challenge stigma and has encouraged many young men to speak up, seek support and engage in conversations around mental health that are often avoided.

Although Jaspah now lives outside of Tasmania, he continues to contribute meaningfully to THEIRS through remote involvement and strategic input. His ongoing commitment ensures continuity, connection and momentum as the organisation looks toward national expansion. Jaspah will play a key role in supporting THEIRS as it scales its impact beyond Tasmania.

In 2024, Jaspah joined Laura and Mateya in Canberra as part of the ABC Heywire Trailblazer program. Together, they pitched THEIRS and shared their lived experience stories on the Parliament stage, amplifying youth voices at a national level. This experience further strengthened Jaspah’s leadership and advocacy, reinforcing his commitment to systemic change and improved outcomes for young people across Australia.

Madelene brings a sharp, solution-focused mindset to THEIRS, with an impressive ability to identify challenges and think critically to overcome them. Her reliability, adaptability and wide-ranging skill set mean she can step confidently into a variety of roles, and you’ll often see her supporting different aspects of each event depending on where she’s needed most.

Through her professional experience communicating with diverse groups and her involvement in youth advisory roles, Madelene has developed into a strong and trusted mentor for younger members of our cohort. She offers guidance with empathy and clarity, helping young people feel heard, supported and empowered to find their voice.

Alongside her leadership and problem-solving strengths, Madelene brings an infectious energy to the team. Her bubbly personality, quick humour and well-timed jokes lift spirits in challenging moments and help maintain morale during demanding work. Known as our unofficial team cheerleader, Madelene plays a vital role in fostering connection, resilience and positivity across THEIRS. Her presence strengthens both our culture and our capacity to deliver meaningful, youth-led mental health initiatives.

Morgan has been an integral part of the team since its formation almost five years ago and has grown alongside THEIRS from the very beginning. Known for her light-hearted energy, genuine warmth and willingness to have a yarn with anyone who needs it, Morgan plays a key role in creating welcoming, safe and inclusive spaces at our events.

Her presence naturally puts people at ease. Whether she’s checking in with attendees, supporting the team behind the scenes, or simply sharing a laugh when it’s needed most. Morgan’s ability to connect with people helps foster the sense of belonging that sits at the heart of our work.

Often seen with a camera in hand, Morgan is also our star photographer, capturing the moments, stories and emotions that reflect the true spirit of our community. Through her lens, she helps ensure the impact of our events lives on celebrating connection, resilience and the people who make THEIRS what it is.

Rhiannon is one of THEIRS’ stall holder champions and quickly became a strong presence within the team. Within her first few weeks of joining, she was already actively supporting multiple stalls, confidently engaging with the community and building genuine connections with people from all walks of life. She brings an ease to conversations that helps others feel comfortable, heard and welcome.
Rhiannon is a thoughtful and adaptable contributor, often identifying practical ways to improve how our stalls operate and how we engage with the community. Her ability to think critically in the moment helps THEIRS create more meaningful, approachable and effective spaces for connection and conversation.
With a background in the retail industry, Rhiannon brings strong people skills and clear, effective communication to the team. She upholds the values of THEIRS through her warmth, professionalism and commitment to creating inclusive, respectful spaces. Rhiannon’s presence helps turn simple interactions into meaningful moments, strengthening how THEIRS builds trust and connection within the community.

Sophie is a thoughtful and creative contributor to the team. She supports the organisation through planning, design and idea development, helping shape how events, resources and initiatives come together. Her input adds clarity and intention to the early stages of our work, strengthening the foundation on which our community spaces are built.

Sophie brings a calm, happy and approachable energy to everything she’s part of. Her presence helps create environments that feel safe, friendly and easy to work within, particularly when teams are collaborating or navigating complex ideas. She approaches her role with care, kindness and genuine consideration for others, making her a trusted and valued team member.

Through her creativity and attention to detail, Sophie contributes to the way THEIRS communicates and presents its work. Her perspective supports thoughtful growth and reflects the importance of the behind-the-scenes work that allows meaningful connection to happen in community. We’re grateful for Sophie’s contribution and the steady, positive influence she brings to the team.

Savannah brings a fresh perspective to THEIRS, combining curiosity, creativity and insight well beyond her years. Her thoughtful approach and willingness to see the world through a different lens help challenge ideas, spark new conversations and ensure young people’s voices remain at the centre of everything we do.

With a strong understanding of digital spaces, particularly platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, Savannah plays an important role in helping THEIRS connect with younger audiences. Her knowledge and awareness of emerging trends help ensure our messaging remains relevant, accessible and genuinely youth-led, allowing us to engage young people in meaningful and authentic ways.

Savannah approaches every opportunity with enthusiasm, openness and a genuine desire to make a difference. She confidently shares her ideas, embraces new challenges and is always looking for ways to strengthen the work of THEIRS. Her creativity, curiosity and passion for ensuring young people feel represented continue to make her a valued member of the team.

Chelsea brings a level of intelligence, empathy and emotional awareness that is well beyond her years. She has a remarkable ability to understand different perspectives and approaches every conversation with genuine care, curiosity and respect. Whether supporting a teammate or contributing to discussions, Chelsea encourages those around her to think more deeply, creating space for meaningful conversations and stronger connections.

One of Chelsea’s greatest strengths is her quiet courage. She isn’t afraid to ask difficult questions, challenge ideas or step forward when something matters, always doing so with kindness and integrity. Her thoughtful approach allows her to balance compassion with logic, making her someone people trust for both her perspective and her ability to listen without judgement.

Within THEIRS, Chelsea brings a calm and considered presence that strengthens the team. Her willingness to learn, contribute and advocate for those around her reflects the values that drive the organisation. Through her intelligence, authenticity and unwavering belief in others, Chelsea continues to demonstrate that meaningful leadership is built through empathy, courage and a genuine commitment to making a difference.

Stanton is passionate about changing the way young people talk about mental health. Through honest conversations and the example he sets for those around him, he encourages his peers to see that asking for help and speaking openly are signs of strength, not weakness. His positive outlook, genuine nature and ability to connect with others make him someone people naturally feel comfortable turning to.

Outside of THEIRS, Stanton is an active member of his community through soccer, mountain biking and youth leadership initiatives. He has contributed to the Mental Health Council of Tasmania Youth Advisory Group and co-design projects, ensuring young people’s experiences help shape the services and decisions that affect them. In recognition of his dedication, Stanton was awarded the Raw Strength Young Achievers Award in 2026.

Stanton brings energy, humour and perspective to THEIRS. He has a unique ability to represent voices that are not always heard while reminding the team to celebrate the friendships, laughter and connection that are just as important as the work itself. His wisdom, optimism and commitment to others continue to make a lasting impact on everyone around him.

Kalani is a passionate advocate who demonstrates that creating meaningful change doesn’t require the loudest voice in the room. Through her calm confidence, thoughtful approach and genuine commitment to her community, she has become a respected leader who encourages others to believe in the difference one person can make. Her ability to bring people together and create inclusive conversations is one of her greatest strengths.

Kalani has dedicated countless hours to supporting her community through volunteering, including Surf Life Saving, Live Well and the SAP Program. She also played an important role on the Headspace Youth Reference Group, helping strengthen youth mental health services in Burnie by ensuring young people’s experiences and ideas remained at the heart of the process. In 2026, her commitment was recognised when she received the Mental Health Council of Tasmania Young Achiever Award.

Within THEIRS, Kalani is known for her ability to connect with people from all walks of life. She approaches every conversation with empathy, respect and authenticity, helping others feel comfortable contributing their ideas and experiences. Her leadership, compassion and unwavering belief in community continue to inspire those around her and strengthen the work of THEIRS.

Jana brings a bright and welcoming energy to THEIRS that makes people feel comfortable from the moment they meet her. Her bubbly personality, genuine curiosity and willingness to connect with others allow her to build relationships easily and create a sense of belonging wherever she goes. Jana has a natural ability to bring positivity into a room while making sure the people around her feel included.

Through her time with THEIRS, Jana has continued to find and strengthen her voice as a young advocate. She is someone who does not just talk about change but actively looks for ways to contribute, represent others and stand up for what matters. In 2025, Jana was part of the ABC Heywire Takeover event in Burnie, where she represented THEIRS and contributed to conversations focused on young people, community and leadership.

Jana continues to inspire those around her through her courage, determination and belief that every person has something valuable to contribute. Her willingness to step forward, embrace opportunities and advocate for others reflects the heart of youth leadership and makes her an important part of the THEIRS team.

Annie is someone who brings kindness, reliability and a genuine commitment to supporting others into everything she does. With a huge heart and a natural willingness to help wherever needed, she is the person who quietly steps in, gets things done and ensures the people around her feel supported. Her generosity and down-to-earth nature make her a trusted presence within THEIRS.

Drawing on her previous experience within the community sector, Annie brings valuable knowledge, perspective and understanding to the team. She played a significant role in bringing together Jazz’s community event in 2024, helping transform an idea into a meaningful opportunity for connection and support. Her practical approach and ability to stay calm under pressure allow her to contribute in ways that strengthen both events and the wider organisation.

Within THEIRS, Annie provides a steady foundation for those around her. She offers guidance, encouragement and a grounded perspective, helping the team navigate challenges while celebrating successes. Her compassion, commitment and willingness to support others demonstrate the powerful impact of showing up and caring deeply.

Bianca has a special ability to make people feel welcome, comfortable and like they truly belong. With her warm personality, sense of humour and genuine care for others, she brings a unique energy to THEIRS that helps create strong connections between people. Bianca has a natural way of making conversations easier and helping others feel comfortable being themselves.

One of Bianca’s greatest strengths is how she uses her own experiences to connect with those around her. Through honesty and compassion, she helps others recognise that their experiences matter and that they do not have to navigate challenges on their own. The way Bianca shares her story to create understanding and connection is a reflection of her courage and her deep commitment to supporting others.

Within THEIRS, Bianca brings creativity, enthusiasm and a willingness to find new ways to engage with young people and strengthen community. She is always thinking about how to bring people together and create meaningful experiences for others. Her optimism, compassion and ability to build genuine relationships make her a valued member of the team.