About Us
Empowering young people through transformative mentoring relationships.
Our guiding principles
Specialised mentoring. Recreational support. Opportunities for health and wellbeing.
At Kickstart, we support children, young people and young adults aged 8–30 who are NDIS participants or connected with DFFH-funded supports.
Our aim is to create a supportive environment for young people experiencing disadvantages and vulnerability.
We understand the complex needs of each of our clients and we work in collaboration with professional support, child protection and community systems to identify the needs of every young person we see.
The entire Kickstart approach is evidence-based, and our central commitment is towards improving young people’s lives. Diverse needs are the name of the game, and we empower those in our care to lead full lives as equal members of the community.
We work tirelessly towards achieving this for our young people – who are often the most vulnerable in our society. We know we’ve done our job when we see our young people improve their mental health, mood and overall well-being.
01.
Unified
We are one team with one purpose. Aligned in our approach and goals, supporting each other to deliver consistent, quality care.
.
02.
Committed
We show up for young people through life’s challenges. Steady, reliable and dedicated to seeing them thrive, no matter how hard the road.
03.
Mission Led
Our mission guides every decision we make. Purpose, not routine – is what brings us to work each day and keeps us grounded in what matters.
04.
Uplifting
We encourage and inspire our mentees and colleagues alike – creating an environment where everyone feels seen, supported and able to grow.
Meet The Team
MARK
Director
MARK
Director
With over a decade of experience as a Youth Mentor, Mark has developed an array of specialised skills. With a focus on building pathways with young people through trust and connection, Mark has an exceptional talent for behaviour modelling and has used this in connecting with the most diverse cohort of young people.
ZEPH
Operations Manager
ZEPH
Operations Manager
I am passionate about connecting with young people through sports, gaming, and the great outdoors. My goal is to create supportive and inclusive spaces where young people can explore their interests, develop essential life skills, and have an incredibly fun time.
I think this is incredibly important in shaping young people’s growth and their overall well-being. Whether we’re shooting hoops, diving into the latest PlayStation game, or heading off on outdoor adventures, my focus is is building lasting memories and life skills along the way. Being a mentor and a positive role model for young people is what I’m all about.
Lese
Programs Coordinator
Lese
Wellbeing Officer
Kiwi-born Samoan living in Melbourne’s South-East. I empower youth to reach their potential and have been doing it for over a decade, always learning to be a better mentor. As a specialised youth mentor, I make a positive impact and inspire young people. Seeing them achieve their goals is why I love helping them set and smash personal targets. When we’re not doing that, you’ll find me taking them fishing or enjoying the outdoors. Let’s go!
I’m a devoted youth mentor, passionate about encouraging and empowering young people to grow, push past their limits and try new things. Outside of mentoring, I pursue my calling in music as K WAK where I rap and produce. I’ve never broken a bone and I love exploring all kinds of music, with rap and hip hop being my favourites. My biggest joys are creating and composing songs and enjoying comfort food like Greek gyros or Afghan kebabs.
Hey, I am Georgia. I’m passionate about working with young people and creating inclusive, engaging programs that support their growth and wellbeing. With a background in outdoor education, disability support, and youth mentorship, I specialise in building safe, empowering environments where individuals can thrive. I enjoy leading activities that build confidence and connection, and finding creative ways to make learning and development fun.
Hi, I’m Tim, I’m a Youth mentor here at kickstart. I have been granted with the best opportunity to help support our young people and create awesome experiences through our group programs and camps. With lived experience I am able to relate with the youth and help give them the tools as well support strategies that they may need to meet their needs. I am a firm believer in empowering the youth to be the best that they can be. It inspires me to see our young people grow and gain new skills! It’s not so much about what we can expect from our young people, but for me it is to meet them where they’re at and work from there.
Glenn is passionate about empowering young leaders, helping them grow in both confidence and character. He thrives in the outdoors, camping, fishing, and playing sports, using these activities to build connection, resilience, and leadership skills. Fun fact: Glenn rides a Harley and loves Jesus. His go-to comfort food is Chinese, he enjoys gospel music, and finds joy in fishing and football.
As a youth mentor at Kickstart, I’m passionate about creating connection not only with our clients but also with their families. I firmly believe it takes a village to raise a child and that everyone plays a role in the betterment of the young people we serve. I play footy, love the gym and the outdoors, and have a strong passion for media, creating all of Kickstart’s social media content. Fun fact: I’m Batman. Always down for a chat!
Anthony is a dedicated youth worker passionate about helping today’s young people grow into tomorrow’s leaders. He loves supporting young minds to reach their potential through trust, meaningful interactions, and celebrating every achievement along the way. Outside of KickStart, Anthony channels his creativity into pro wrestling as his alter ego Tommy Hellfire, and enjoys the gym, hiking, meaningful conversations, and of course, chocolate.
Karl brings energy and creativity to Kickstart through his passions in soccer coaching, gaming, fitness, and acting. He’s driven by seeing young people grow—helping them build confidence, overcome challenges, and unlock their potential. Fun fact: Karl has appeared on Netflix. When he’s not mentoring, you’ll find him enjoying coaching, photography, exercising, acting, and gaming. He’s into classic music from the 70s to 00s and loves a quick, elevated curry as his go-to comfort meal.
Hey, I’m Muko! I love walking alongside young people during this exciting stage of life, helping them discover their spark and grow in confidence. For me, it’s about creating space where they feel encouraged, valued, and free to see just how much they have to offer the world. Outside of KickStart, you’ll usually find me on the football pitch or basketball court, out exploring nature, or in the kitchen baking banana bread — my ultimate comfort food.
Who we've worked with
Donations
KickStart was founded to give back to our community. We regularly donate to other organisations doing good in our community and the world.
