Connect Northern Rivers is a registered charity working to support young people with their transition through school and from school into further education, training and employment.
At Connect Northern Rivers we believe all young people have the right to engage in community and reach their full potential. We work with young people who experience socio-economic disadvantage, disability, mental health issues, isolation, behavioural and family issues.
Connect’s Vision is one where the communities of the Northern Rivers see all young people empowered to reach their full potential.
We do this by providing:
We are excited to share our 2024 Annual Report, which highlights the incredible progress we’ve made in fostering strong connections between young people, industry and community across the Northern Rivers. Dive into our full report to discover the impact of our initiatives and the continued growth of our programs.
Connect Northern Rivers 2024 Annual Report
Connect Northern Rivers 2023 Annual Report
Connect has offices in Lismore, Tweed Heads, Casino, Grafton and Coffs Harbour. Our staff have vast local knowledge and are familiar with the education and employment needs in the communities where they work and live.
Melissa Hughes – Chief Executive Officer
Ingrid Johansen – Connect Project Officer
Kate Dickenson – Industry Liaison Officer
Margaret Hughes – Senior Project Manager
Aron Hayman – Program Manager
Kayla Lewis – Team Leader & Youth Engagement Coordinator – Lismore/Ballina
Ian Geyer – Aboriginal Youth Project Officer – Woodenbong
Joanne Randall – Aboriginal Youth Project Officer – Clarence Valley
Taylor McDonald – Youth Engagement Coordinator – Grafton
Jordan Breen – Youth Engagement Coordinator – Tweed Heads
Ben Swords – Youth Engagement Coordinator – Mullumbimby/Byron Bay
Lisa Coughran – Youth Engagement Coordinator – Murwillumbah/Mullumbimby
Louise Harrington – Youth Engagement Coordinator
Bonnie Murray – Youth Engagement Coordinator – Lismore/Casino
Lewis Schuh – Youth Engagement Coordinator – Lismore
Kaitlin Evans – Youth Engagement Coordinator – Coffs Harbour
Darcy Clarke – Project Lead
Clay Williams – Project Lead
Natalia Hickling – Youth Engagement Trainee
Breyalee Torrens – Youth Engagement Trainee
Xavier Brown – Youth Engagement Trainee
Jacqui Brenton – Program Manager
Kristy Close – Team Leader & WP Coordinator – Lismore/Casino/Kyogle
Donna Barker – Work Placement Coordinator – Lismore Region
Karen Kercselics – Work Placement Officer – Tweed Region
Jillian Power – Work Placement Coordinator – Tweed Region
Riley Johnston – Work Placement Coordinator – Tweed Region
Peta Brown – Work Placement Coordinator – Coffs/Clarence Valley
Jade Carmady – Work Placement Coordinator – Coffs Harbour Region
Hope Leslie – Work Placement Coordinator – Coffs Harbour Region
Susan Bailey – Administration Assistant – Lismore
Allira Close – Work Placement Officer – Lismore Region
Jacqui Payne – Work Placement Officer – Coffs RegionCoordi
If you have any questions about us, or our programs, do not hesitate to contact us. Either by phone, or, via the form below.
Monday – Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm
1-2, 38 Carrington Street
Lismore, NSW, 2480
Ph: 1300 183 352
Monday – Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm
133 Wharf Street
‘The Professional Centre’ Level 1, Unit 13 & 14
Tweed Heads, NSW, 2485
Ph: 1300 183 352
Monday – Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm
81-83 Victoria Street
Grafton, NSW, 2460
Ph: 1300 183 352
Monday – Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm
Office 2.02 Innovation Hub Coffs Coast, Doug Knight Drive
Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450
Ph: 1300 183 352
