Who we are
NI-Connect is managed by Key Assets (Australia) a non-government, not for profit children’s services agency, that is committed to creating a child safe organisation.
The team at NI-Connect includes social workers, an administration officer and a psychologist who between them have extensive experience in working with children and their families.
To view our Purpose and Pledges, please visit the Key Assets website at www.keyassets.com.au
What we do
The Child and Family Wellbeing Team can help with:
- Information, advice and activities about parenting, life skills, health and wellbeing
- Information, support and guidance in responding to developmental milestones for children and young people
- Fun and cultural activities for children and young people connecting children, young people and families to other services they may need
- Counselling for children and young people experiencing anxiety or facing other challenges
- Specialist support for children and young people at risk of harm and their families
- Crisis accommodation arrangements for victims of domestic and family violence
Our Team
James Isles
I am the Director of NSW & NI commencing in this role in Key Assets from March 2020. I hold a Masters of Social Work and moved to Australia in 2009 having worked in Blackpool, North West of England. I also bring 16 years of experience in child protection, out of home care, youth mental health and adoption.
I come to Key Assets from South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, having been the Service Manager for headspace Bondi Junction; a hugely successful service supporting over 1200 young people alone in 2019. My commitment to young people and families is demonstrated in the success of the previous work done at The Benevolent Society (child protection & OOHC) and headspace Bondi Junction. Implementation, change management and leading innovative services would be my key strengths as well as maintaining great outcomes for young people, families and staff who I have worked with.
I am very fortunate in my role to be able to work closely with the NI community, ensuring that we can work in collaboration in delivering a quality service that will provide lasting outcomes for families, and children and young people.
P: Sydney - (02) 8336 5700
E: James.Isles@Keyassets.com.au
Stephanie Fielder
I am the Child and Family Wellbeing Operations Manager based on NI. I began working for NI-Connect in December 2020 and I have a Bachelor of Arts (majors in psychology and anthropology), Graduate Certificate of Management, and a Master of Business Administration.
I am an experienced senior leader having worked for almost 30 years across a variety of roles in child protection and family support as well as broader social services. The majority of my career has been working for state and commonwealth public sector agencies across urban, regional and remote settings in the United Kingdom, Queensland, and the Northern Territory.
I am committed to social justice principles and have a strong record of delivering better outcomes for children and families through inclusive processes and collaborative partnerships.
P: Norfolk Island – (0011) 6723 23380
E: Stephanie.Fielder@Keyassets.com.au
Vida Tebyani
I started working with Key Assets as the QASI Manager for NI-Connect in December 2018. My role involves working closely with the NI-Connect team in reviewing and updating policies and procedures to ensure that they support staff practice as well as continue to meet any legislative and regulatory requirements. I am also responsible for developing new policies for services such as Crisis Accommodation and Holiday Well Being Program.
I have a BA in Social Sciences, Diploma’s in Social Welfare and Management, and training and assessment qualifications. I have worked in the community services sector for over 20 years mainly in child and family services and have extensive experience working with multicultural and diverse communities to promote access and equity and developing a range of community development and capacity building initiatives to support their needs. I also worked with the National Child Care Accreditation Council.
I am passionate about social justice issues, promoting access and equity, and working with communities to ensure quality service provision and continuous improvement strategies and developing innovative models of service delivery.
When I’m not working I enjoy going to dinners, dancing, afternoon walks and getting involved in community initiatives that I’m passionate about.
Kate Miller
I've joined the NI-Connect team, as the Team Leader. I have a Bachelor of Social Work (UQ) and am working on completing a Masters in International Law and International Relations. For the past eleven years I've worked in a variety of social work roles, including statutory child protection work in the South-West region of Queensland and covering the whole spectrum of families journeys with child protection systems.
I started my social work career in Nepal, working on a range of projects including sexual and reproductive health education with high school students, art therapy groups with children of prisoners, and program evaluation on a microfinance project in Pokhara. I've completed three assignments with the Australian Volunteers Program (formerly known as Australian Volunteers for International Development) in Mongolia, Vietnam, and Federated States of Micronesia. In these roles, I was responsible for supporting local departments and organisations working in the areas of child protection, support of victims of gender-based violence and human trafficking, and support of victims of violent crimes.
When I'm not working or studying, I'm spending time with my adorable French Bulldog, Ocean, meeting up virtually with my online community, Yoni Circle, and playing fun aunty to a gaggle of nieces and nephews in Australia and Vanuatu.
Victoria Fenton
I am the Key Assets Project Officer for NI-Connect based in Sydney and I have a Bachelor of Commerce (majors in Management Consultancy and Marketing), and a Masters of Social Work.
While studying, I originally I worked in Key Assets (QLD) as a youth worker, supporting children experiencing complex behavioural needs and children with disabilities. During this time I also completed a 3 month full time placement in the Key Assets (QLD) office as a Student Social Worker, supporting Intensive Foster Care Placements.
After completing my degree I transferred to the KA Sydney team as a Social Worker in 2016 where I supported the stability of complex needs foster placements. In September 2019 I was successful in applying for the NI-Connect Project Officer role. My day-to-day job tasks are varied and no day is the same. I spend a lot of my time providing background support to our amazing staff who are based on the Island through developing marketing services, assisting with specific projects and working with the team in policy development and implementation.
I am lucky to be able to work with and learn from a community like NI, which is so unique, resilient, and strong. I often travel to and from the Island, which I now coin as one of my favourite places to visit and learn about the Island’s native flora and fauna – including the Island’s wonderful sea-life.
Shirl McLeod
My name is Shirleen, but everyone knows me as “Shirl”. I am currently studying and I have long term local experience in working in teams through a variety of roles related to administration and customer services. In addition, I have extensive experience in child care and most recently I have also gained experience in disability support work and volunteer family support work.
I commenced my role as a Family Support Worker with NI-Connect in December 2020 and I am a Norfolk Islander with extensive networks on the island. I have a great desire to contribute to the local community through my role at NI-Connect by providing my local experience, knowledge and skills to ensure that we can facilitate better access for children and families to support services without fear or stigma.
When I am not working, I value the time I spend with my family and sons (and of course my puppies!)
Ann Pataki
Ann and her husband visited the Norfolk Island for one week in 2017. The Island left such a lasting impression on them that she and her husband sold up everything in Adelaide and relocated permanently here in July 2019.
Ann has worked in Commonwealth , State and Local Governments and private sectors for over 20 years in various roles including Administration, Audit and taxation. Ann began working for NI-Connect in September 2020 as an Administration Officer, and she has fast become a valued member of our team.
In her spare time Ann likes to go for drives and walks and sit quietly, taking in the wonderful scenery all over the island.
Maria Massey
My name is Maria and I joined NI-Connect in late February 2023. My role is Business Support Coordinator, this is a varied role where no day is the same. Some of my duties include reception, office administration and finance. I work 2 days a week and job share this position with Ann. I am very excited to be working with this amazing team.
I moved to Norfolk Island when I was young, finishing school and then started my career working locally. After leaving Norfolk Island for a while, I moved back with my family in 2011.
I have extensive experience in Office Administration and have worked for different companies in Australia which include Media, Gas Detection and Data Storage, I then worked in my own business doing the accounts. I bring this knowledge and skills to my current role.
When I have free time, I enjoy getting into my garden, spending time with my family, making soap and catching up with friends.
Clayton Doyle
I am Clay and I recently joined the NI-Connect team as a Child Youth and Engagement Officer. This role involves him supporting children, young people, and families across the programs that NI-Connect deliver. Some of this work may include working with young people and families, or working on larger projects geared towards the whole community. I am currently studying and have completed a Certificate IV in Education Support. I joined the NI-Connect team after many years working in Education, supporting students with complex and challenging behaviour needs, students with disabilities and mental health challenges, disengaged youth, and co-ordination and implementation of various programs. I relocated to Norfolk Island at the start of 2022 with my family, moving from Far North Queensland and taking an initial role at Norfolk Island Central School.
I am passionate about helping young people and adults and advocating for them to become resilient and strong human beings. I consider my work very rewarding and I am committed to building a rapport with young people and engaging respectfully with their families. I am especially motivated by the rewards that come from supporting, nurturing, and helping young people to shape their future, reach their goals, and develop the skills to make positive and healthy changes in their lives. I am really looking forward to becoming an active part of the Norfolk Island community by working with children and young people, and their families.
Rebecca Carleton
Rebecca joined the NI-Connect team in April 2022 as our Child Wellbeing Caseworker. Rebecca has a Bachelor of Social Work from University of NSW (completed in 2008). She has worked in a variety of Social Work roles across Sydney including out-of-home care recruitment, assessment and case management, post adoption tracing and family reunification, international parental child abduction support, child welfare,kinship care and university liaison for Social Work students.
Rebecca's family moved to Norfolk Island in January 2022 and are loving getting to know the Island and the wonderful community. When she is not working, she is enjoying spending time with her family and getting outdoors relaxing at the beach, going for bush walks and catching up with friends.
Brigette Graham
Hi, my name is Brigette, and I joined the NI-Connect team part time in June 2022 as the Holiday Wellbeing Program Coordinator. Being able to design, create and roll out a program each school holiday is exciting and rewarding. I’m very lucky that I get to work with children, families, and a great support team here at NI-Connect and Key Assets.
I was born on Norfolk Island and am of Pitcairn descent, making me a Norfolk Islander. I completed all my schooling on Norfolk Island. My working background consist of many different roles and certifications from hospitality, retail, tourism, management, accounting, administration, IT and childcare. One of my highlights was owning and operating a childcare centre on the island for 11 yrs. I have always been interested and passionate about supporting children’s development and education. I am involved in several volunteer committees and groups. I have been part of the Girl Guide movement here on Norfolk Island, achieving my Queens Guide. Norfolk is a very special place with an amazing community and people. I’m very proud of my heritage, culture, and island home. During my spare time I like to be in the garden, at the beach or spending time with family and friends.
Who is eligible?
This service is available for families with children up to the age of 18, who are living on Norfolk Island. Young people over the age of 18 seeking advice and support are also encouraged to access our service for free and confidential advice and support.
What are the fees?
This service is free of any charges.
How do I access the service?
Families can access the service via Booked appointments and drop-in 8:30am-5:00pm Monday to Friday, self-referral, or through informal word of mouth referral from a friend, family member, school, GP, police or other community service.
Where are you located?
NI-Connect and the Child and Family Wellbeing Team are located on Taylors Road at the Bounty Centre. We are staffed Monday to Friday and encourage parents and families to drop in for a coffee, or to chat with the staff. Booked appointments and drop-in is available.
Future referrals
If you would like to make an appointment or would like more information about the services the Norfolk Island Child and Family Wellbeing Team provide, please call us on 23380 or after hours on 51115 or email childwelfareofficer@keyassets.com.au
Key partnerships
At times, the Child and Family Wellbeing Team will establish key partnerships with other services, including co-location in shared premises. One key partnership includes a dedicated space for Letl Salan Toy Library, to increase community access to toys and equipment for families with small children.
Other free and confidential services
You can also access confidential off-Island support and advice by calling:
1800RESPECT (phone 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au) – a free and confidential national sexual assault and domestic family violence counselling service
Kids Helpline (phone 1800 55 1800 or visit www.kidshelpline.com.au) – a free and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for children and young people aged 5 to 25, as well as their parents or carers.
Downloads & Resources
Contact Us
NI-Connect and the Child and Family Wellbeing Team are located on Taylors Road at the Bounty Centre. We are staffed 8:30am – 5pm Monday to Friday and encourage parents and families to drop in for a coffee, or to chat with the staff. Booked appointments and drop-in is available.
Call us on 23380 or after hours on 51115
Free Call 0222
If calling from outside Norfolk Island
please add the prefix 00116723
At NI-Connect we welcome your feedback so that we can ensure that we are meeting the needs of the local community. To provide your feedback, please see the “NI-Connect Feedback Form” within the Downloads section. Alternatively, please drop by the NI-Connect office to request a copy of our printed version
CONTACT INFO
COMMUNITY CENTRE
To book a room for your next activity, either;
Drop in and chat to the Unit Manager, or
Call us on 23380 or
after hours on 51115 to discuss your needs.