In July 2008, Jill commenced working at Picabeen in the role of Youth Information and Referral Officer (YIRO) and in 2011 was promoted to the position of Centre Manager. This is a role that is quite diverse and includes grass roots interactions with people who access the centre, managing the volunteer and student programs, applying for grant funds and more.
Jill has a Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Community Development and Human Services Studies which she completed with Southern Cross University in 2006. Jill’s work experience prior to Picabeen has been wide and varied and has included working in the disability sector, mental health sector, 5 years serving in the Qld Police Service in her early career and 8 years as a stay-at-home mother. Providing quality services in the North West Brisbane region is something that Jill is committed to; she has a passion for ensuring that vulnerable people are supported and that they feel a sense of connection and belonging within their community.
When not at Picabeen, Jill enjoys spending time with family, teaching Yoga and going to the beach.
Vicki has been with Picabeen for over 12 years. commencing as Information and Referral Officer, and later promoted to the role of Community Support Advisor – funded by Department of Communities and other programs that are secured through grant funding.
Vicki was Acting Centre Manager during Jill’s secondment in 2016.
Vicki completed a Master of Social Work at QUT, she also has a PGDip in Careers Guidance and a BA (Hons) in Communications and Criminology. She previously worked as a Team Leader in the UK for a government-funded youth initiative called Connexions. She coordinates our student Social Work placement program, supervising students from QUT and previously from UQ and ACU.
David’s involvement with Picabeen commenced in 1995 when he was elected to the role of Treasurer. Since then he has held a number of positions on the Management Committee and in 2006 was awarded Life Membership of the Association. In 2011 David was appointed to the part time position of Finance and Administration Officer, a role that carries the responsibility of managing the Association finances and assisting the Centre Manager with administration tasks.
David has a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accountancy from Queensland University of Technology and prior to his mature aged tertiary study he worked at Westpac Bank for 23 years. He has seen a number of changes in Picabeen over the past 27 years and is committed to its values and ideals.
Jane has been with Picabeen for over seven years. She started on a student placement whilst studying for her Diploma in Youth Work. After completing her placement, Jane continued on in a volunteer role and was later offered a Youth Worker role which became available under the St. George Foundation funding. Jane works mainly in the local High schools delivering group work programs for Years 7-11.
Jane’s previous experience includes supporting children in care and working with families who foster children. She has also worked in a primary school, supporting children with additional needs and spent many years working with seniors in residential care and in the community. With her down-to-earth attitude and naturally caring nature, Jane brings with her a passion to help and inspire all people she has contact with.
When Jane is not working she enjoys her time with her daughters, cats and their new fur ball cavoodle puppy who is regular at many group work sessions.
Christine joined Picabeen in 2020 as the Centre community engagement and admin support officer. Her background has been working in Community Centres and volunteering with Defence families and veterans. Christine holds a Diploma in Community Development and has training in admin, community services and is a trained Indonesian language teacher.
Within the Centre Christine works to support the activities and classes facilitated by our volunteers as well as oversees placement students at Picabeen. Christine engages with our local community to form a strengths-based approach to community development. She will often be answering calls at the front desk, taking appointments, organising calendars, and completing office admin.
In her spare time Christine loves to go out and explore the Brisbane region, especially markets and op shops. She also likes to read as many books as she can and watch a movie or two
Lynne has a background in health administration in both the private and public sectors; and has also been a business owner – having owned cafes and a real estate business.
As co-ordinator for the Changeroom Op Shop, Lynne enjoys engaging with the local community and being able to help with clothing , having a chat and providing a safe happy place for them. Lynne is assisted by a dedicated band of volunteers to make this possible
Lynne also volunteers on the reception desk at Picabeen Community Centre one day a week – this enables her to keep her administration skills current and meet community members who seek assistance from Picabeen
In her spare time Lynne’s interests include gardening, reading, and helping with the grandchildren.
Daisy started with Picabeen in early 2022 on a student placement as part of her Bachelor of Social Work studies. Daisy has continued on with Picabeen after her placement to provide groups for local LGBTQIA+ young people and allies. She is passionate about working with young people and the LGBTQIA+ community to promote engagement, connection and inclusiveness in the local area.
Daisy is keen to continue working closely with young people and providing groups for social connection. She also looks forward to exploring her role further when working with young people in a school environment.
In her free time Daisy enjoys baking (and eating), going to the beach and hanging out with her dog, Gus.
Joanne is one of many new staff members that have joined our Picabeen team. She recently completed her studies for the Bachelor of Social Work and is very excited with her work here at Picabeen. Joanne is passionate about helping people and strives to give her best. Joanne will be working alongside Kristi in community engagement and will be helping in the office and front desk.
In her spare time. Jo likes to go to the gym and takes her dog for walks. She also enjoys looking out for new places to eat
Kristi completed a Bachelor of International Development in 2020, with a focus on participatory grassroots community projects. Since then, Kristi has worked with refugee families, supporting with settlement processes, and developing community connections. Kristi also has a background in supporting young people with disabilities to have better access and engagement in schooling. She is now excited to be working at a grassroots level in the area where she grew up and is passionate about collaboratively supporting holistic wellbeing for the community
When not at Picabeen, Kristi enjoys spending time with her family, hiking ( or most outdoor activities), learning about other cultures, writing children’s books and woodcraft
Caitlin has joined Picabeen as a Youth and Community worker. Caitlin works as a case manager, connecting with young people aged 12-18 who are at risk of homelessness, early school leaving, and disconnection from family and community. Caitlin has a Bachelor of Social Work and has extensive experience working with young people. Her primary experience is providing outreach support to young people with experiences of complex trauma, homelessness, and engagement with the child safety system. She also has experience working as a welfare worker in a primary school, and providing disability support.
In her free time, Caitlin plays in a band and enjoys dance, sewing, craft, and spending time with her geriatric cockatiel, Citizen Squeaks.
22 Hoben Street
Mitchelton Qld 4053
Phone: 07 3354 2555
Email: info@picabeen.org.au
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