Who we are - Commissioner for Children and Young People

Meet The Team

The Commissioner for Children and Young People is an independent statutory office established by the South Australian government in 2017. The role of the Commissioner is to promote and advocate for the rights, development and wellbeing of all children and young people in South Australia.
The Commissioner is committed to advocating for children and young people’s involvement in decision-making that affects them, with particular consideration to the needs of vulnerable and at-risk children and young people across our communities.

Hi, I'm Helen.

Before becoming the Commissioner for children and young people in April 2017, I worked as an Executive Director of Australian Red Cross in South Australia and recently concluded my role as Chair of the South Australian Council of Social Services Inc (SACOSS). I have gained more than 30 years’ experience as a leader in human services, and I am committed to promoting and advocating for the rights and interests of all children and young people in South Australia, including building respectful partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Hi, I'm Monique.

I am the Principal Advocacy, Research and Policy Officer. I believe children and young people are the experts in their own lives and I will be advocating for their rights and interests by listening to their voices to help me inform government policy and practices. I have a passion for human rights, working in this field for over 10 years.

Hi, I'm Jodie.

I am the Strategic Engagement and Participation Officer here at CCYP. I am responsible for coordinating and co-facilitating the face-to-face consultations we do with children and young people. My background is in advocacy and case management, working with vulnerable young people in child protection, witness assistance and youth justice.

Hi, I'm Nicola.

I am the Engagement and Participation Officer at CCYP. My role is around digital engagement, social media and event execution. My background is working with an empowerment and education NGO for a number of years with particular interest in digital engagement and participation.

Hi, I'm Josephine.

I’m the Executive Assistant to Helen Connolly. I manage and maintain Helen’s schedules, including travel arrangements and conferences. I manage the communication and internal relations of our office.

Hi, I'm Damian.

I am the Senior Participation and Partnership Development Officer. I manage the co-design of flagship programs with children and young people that value and respect their contributions and create a platform for continuous, representative and meaningful engagement. I have experience in stakeholder engagement from Government, NGO and Higher Education sectors.

Hi, I'm Jenny.

I am the Communications Officer here at CCYP. My role is to write about what we do here.
Previously I worked as a Communications Officer in state and local government.
I have spent the majority of my career working for a public service broadcaster in the UK producing learning projects.
I've also been a TV researcher, news writer and radio broadcast journalist.
I've got two young children who teach me about what's important in life every day.

Hi, I'm Antony.

I am the Research Officer at CCYP. My role is to conduct research and analysis in support of the office. My background is in study and services, I have also been involved in a number of voluntary organisations and entrepreneurial projects. I am passionate about the voices of others, a positive future and finding solutions.