Open Doors Youth ServiceOpen Doors Youth ServiceOpen Doors Youth Service Inc officially began operation as an independent Organisation 1st July 2003.
Chairperson
Matthew (he/him) is an experienced Human Resources Manager. Partnering executive leadership he specialises in delivering transformational change, people strategies and process improvement. He has a Bachelor of Business in Human Resource Management, a Post Graduate Certificate in Legal Studies and is completing a Master of Business, in Applied Finance.
Matthew is passionate the changing nature of work and the role inclusion and diversity play in enabling high performing teams and organisations. He is the co-chair of Aurizon’s LGBTIQ+ employee network and has been on the Board of Open Doors Youth Service for two terms, currently serving as Vice Chair.
Identifying as gay, Matthew is proud to see the positive and life changing impact the ODYS team have on the lives of young people within the rainbow community and is excited to be able to support and enable the team in fostering empowerment and social inclusion.
Secretary
Melissa (she/her) is a Social Worker with over 25 years’ experience. During this time, she has worked in the areas of child protection, youth justice, sexual abuse counselling and crime prevention. Over the last 12 years she has worked in specialist teams within child and youth mental health in Queensland, including in the forensic, complex trauma/attachment-based treatment and eating disorders. She currently works as a clinical educator within Queensland Health (mental health). She holds a Masters in Counselling and is currently undertaking a Masters in Suicidology.
She has her own lived experience of being ‘the only gay in the village’ having come out to friends and family holding conservative Christian beliefs. She is happily partnered, has a totally cool stepson, a beautiful golden retriever and two cats! She enjoys cycling, mountain biking and sleeping. Melissa is delighted to have joined in board of ODYS in late 2019.
Treasurer
I’m a consultant with a broad range of experience working across different sectors, countries, and specialty financial areas. I have my CA and CFA and qualified with a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Economics from the University of Queensland. Throughout my career I’ve been passionate about understanding new things, trying to solve complex problems using numbers and using evidence-based techniques to prioritise opportunities and increase productivity. More recently I’ve become a mum which has been an incredible experience and taught me so much in a short space of time. In between juggling work and life commitments, my wife and I enjoy spending time with our daughter and overindulging in coffee.
I was drawn to Open Doors as I was looking for an opportunity to support the LGBTIQ+ community more directly. Open Doors is an organisation with amazing people and a strong sense of purpose. It’s been an exciting experience getting to know everyone so far and hear what the team and clients are continuing to achieve together. I’m looking forward to being involved in the next stage of the Open Doors journey as it continues to grow and evolve to support the changing needs of our young community now and into the future.
General Member
Rhys (he/him) is an experienced business development specialist with a track record building successful relationships and partnerships as well as developing and implementing organisational strategic plans. He has worked across government and the private sector in a variety of roles across social infrastructure, urban development, energy and resources.
General Member
Corinna (she/her/they) is an experienced project officer with extensive background in social media, marketing and project management within the Australian federal government sector. Having previously worked with and supporting some of Australia’s most vulnerable people in their most vulnerable circumstances she understands the importance of empathy, understanding and compassion. With certifications in project management, government, management and service operations and currently studying a Diploma of social media and marketing.
Corinna, identifying as pansexual, is also a proud parent of an openly gay and gender fluid child. She is an active volunteer with the ‘Free Mum Hugs’ initiative providing love and affirmation to the LGBTQIAP+ community.
Having personally utilised the Open Doors service as a parent and for her son, Corinna is excited to be offered an opportunity to act as a member of the board and help contribute towards this immensely supportive and life-changing organisation and proactively supporting our community as a member and ally.
General Member
Colette (she/her) is a Lawyer and Director of the Family, Domestic Violence and Elder Law Practice at Caxton Legal Centre. She has practised in family law, child protection, domestic violence, civil law and elder law. She has extensive experience in advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. Colette is passionate about access to justice and empowering those who face intersectional issues.
