YOTSORF Board Members

Tony Stewart is a former Member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, where he served for 16 years. Representing the Lakemba Electorate from 1995 to 1999 and the Bankstown Electorate from 1999 to 2010, Tony made significant contributions to his community. After retiring from politics, Tony turned his focus to philanthropy and has been an Ambassador for Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off The Streets, a role that aligns with his commitment to helping disadvantaged youth.

In 2004, following the Indian Ocean Tsunami, Tony traveled to Banda Aceh with Father Chris Riley to establish an orphanage for children left homeless by the disaster. Tony played a key role in forging a relationship with the Indonesian welfare group Muhammadiyah, leading to a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement ensured Youth Off The Streets would purchase land, build the orphanage, and fund its operations for five years, with Muhammadiyah managing the center’s day-to-day operations and supporting the children's cultural, religious, educational, and welfare needs.

Tony has been the Chairman of the Youth Off The Streets Overseas Relief Fund since 2005. In recognition of his humanitarian efforts, Tony was awarded the Australian Government Humanitarian Overseas Medal in 2007 for his work in Aceh.

Libby is a founding Board member of YOTS Overseas Relief Fund (ORF) and an Ambassador for YOTS Australia. She is passionate about connecting with young people locally and internationally, drawing from her extensive experience as a mother of four and grandmother of ten.

After graduating from Ravenswood School for Girls in 1974, Libby earned her General Nursing Certificate from Royal North Shore Hospital in 1978.

While raising her family, she volunteered in various roles, including supporting new mothers through a community-based programme, teaching ESL to migrant women, being President of West Pymble Netball Club and working with youth in YOTS schools, teaching cooking, nutrition and financial management.

Libby worked alongside her husband, David, in their media production business called Pinstripe Media, though is now retired. Together they authored many books on personal finance, including Kochie’s Guide to Finance, I’m Not Made Of Money and Your Money And Your Life, which was also made into a TV series they filmed with their children in 1998.

Libby returned to nursing to work in the private sector with the elderly from 1999 to 2005, then shifted her focus back to youth, serving as a YOTS mentor for the past seven years to present and also on the YOTS Scholarships Selection Committee.

Christine has over 30 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, focusing on building community capacity to address social issues. She has worked in various roles across legal offices, television, the Sydney Festival, and international conference organizing.

For 22 years, she was at Youth Off The Streets, managing teams in fundraising, governance, and operations while reporting to Father Chris Riley and the Board.

Her notable achievements include leading fundraising and volunteer campaigns for Banda Aceh after the 2004 tsunami and for a Youth/Community Centre in Macquarie Fields after the 2005 riots.

Christine has served on several boards, including Aunties and Uncles and the Fundraising Institute of Australia, where she was named a Fellow in 2019. Passionate about volunteering, she spent 14 years as a Wish Granter for the Starlight Foundation and currently mentors two Youth Off The Streets scholarship recipients. Christine also served over 10 years as President of the HMAS Australia Veterans Association.

Bernie has an extensive career in finance and management, having served as the Company Secretary of Espreon Ltd, a public company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. Over the course of 17 years, Bernie worked for Espreon and its predecessors, holding various management roles within the finance and administration divisions. His leadership and expertise were integral to the growth and operations of the business during his tenure.

Bernie is a qualified professional, being an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators and a Professional member of the National Institute of Accountants. These credentials reflect his strong foundation in corporate governance and financial management.

Currently, Bernie is focused on managing private investments, where he applies his knowledge and experience to guide strategic decisions and ensure the effective management of financial portfolios. His deep understanding of business operations, coupled with his professional qualifications, continues to drive his success in managing investments and providing valuable insight into financial matters.

Julia Zaetta is widely regarded as one of the most successful and longest-serving editors in Australian publishing history, with an impressive career spanning decades. As the former editor-in-chief of Australia’s Number One homemaker magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, Julia led the publication to remarkable success, alongside its highly popular 30-year-running television program. Her editorial expertise extended to other well-known titles such as Australian Women’s Weekly, New Woman, and Family Circle, cementing her as a powerhouse in the publishing industry.

Throughout her career, Julia’s leadership and contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the inaugural Women in Media Lifetime Achievement Award, the Media Hall of Fame Award, and Editor of the Year, to name a few. Her remarkable impact on the media industry has made her a highly respected figure. In addition to her editorial achievements, Julia is also celebrated as a highly sought-after public speaker, sharing her wealth of knowledge and inspiring others across various platforms.

Maree worked with Youth Off The Streets for 18 years, serving in roles such as Director of Education, Principal, Deputy Principal, and Educational Services Manager.

She began her career as a primary school teacher, working in several Catholic schools before teaching for 20 years at Boys' Town in Engadine, a residential school for boys facing challenges at home and school. It was here she worked with the Salesian Fathers and Brothers, who deeply influenced her belief in the potential of all young people. During this time, she met Fr Chris Riley, whose belief that "there is no such thing as a bad boy" significantly impacted her.

Maree also worked at the University of Wollongong and University of Western Sydney in Special Education and spent three years with the Department of Education teaching students with learning difficulties.

She joined Youth Off The Streets, where she opened four new independent high schools and managed outreach services in Macquarie Fields and Blacktown. Maree has also presented internationally on successful programs like Service Learning and Restorative Practice. Now retired, she remains active in the YOTS National Scholarship program and the Youth Off The Streets Overseas Relief Fund (ORF) Board.

Estela Ferreira is a strategic partnerships consultant with extensive experience in facilitating cross-border growth. At Flowin Consulting, she develops market entry strategies for Portuguese exporters expanding into Australia and New Zealand. In her role as the Australia/New Zealand Representative for the Câmara de Comércio Portuguesa, she actively promotes and strengthens bilateral trade relations. Beyond her professional work, Estela serves as a Director and Board Member of Youth Off The Streets Overseas Relief Fund Limited and is a Goodwill Ambassador for Timor-Leste, where she advocates for youth health, education, and welfare.

Linda Joannides is an award-winning marketer, artist, writer and creative producer with more than 30 years’ experience across media, hospitality and publishing. Originally trained as an artist at the National Art School (BFA), she transitioned into copywriting and marketing, building a career spanning creative agencies, broadcast networks and production companies across Australia, Asia and the Pacific Rim.

Linda has produced high-end commercials and long-form television projects and founded a successful short film festival. A member of the Fellowship of Australian Writers and Writing NSW, she has authored two corporate history books and contributed to multiple short-story anthologies. She also serves on the organising committee for the Writers Unleashed Festival.

A recognised specialist in hospitality marketing, Linda has spent more than 18 years working as a senior executive and consultant. She currently delivers industry masterclasses and consults to venues and suppliers on marketing strategy and communications.

She has also been a long-term volunteer for Off the Streets and a wish-granter with the Starlight Children’s Foundation.