Beyond the Bell is a collective impact initiative addressing the complex and multi-dimensional problem of education outcomes.
Since 2011, we have worked to improve outcomes for children and young people in the Great South Coast by strengthening their engagement in education.
We bring schools, services, families, and communities together to respond to local challenges through coordinated, community-led solutions. Our work is grounded in place and informed by data, but always guided by the voices and lived experiences of young people and their communities.
By supporting learners at every stage of their journey, we help create the conditions for all children and young people to thrive. As the region’s backbone organisation, we align local efforts, amplify youth and community voices, and drive long-term change through collaboration and shared action.
Common Agenda – Uniting around a shared goal for better outcomes
Our vision is co-created with the community, shaped by local priorities and lived experience. It reflects the voices of children, young people, families, and educators, and is strengthened by cultural authority and self-determination where it is central. This shared aspiration keeps us focused on what matters most: ensuring every young person in South West Victoria is supported to stay engaged in learning and connected to their future.
Mutually Reinforcing Activities – Working together, not in silos
We believe in distributed leadership rather than centralised control. Diverse leadership comes from community champions, business, education, and government, creating strength through many voices and perspectives. By connecting across sectors and aligning efforts, we make sure every contribution reinforces the shared goal of better outcomes for young people.
Shared Measurement – Data that informs and empowers
We combine quantitative data with qualitative insights and cultural knowledge. Our focus is on transparency, adaptive learning, and using evidence to continuously improve. By embedding cultural perspectives alongside numbers and stories, we ensure that what we measure reflects what matters.
The role of Beyond the Bell – holding the space for change
Since 2011, Beyond the Bell has acted as the backbone for collective impact in South West Victoria. Our role is to guide the vision and strategy, ensuring the shared agenda reflects community priorities and adapts over time. We connect partners, coordinate efforts, and reduce duplication so that diverse initiatives complement and strengthen each other.
We also lead shared measurement, developing common indicators of progress and making sure data and insights are transparent, culturally informed, and used to drive improvement. At the same time, we build public will, mobilise resources, and advocate for the policy change and sustainable investment needed to achieve lasting outcomes.
Authentic communication and trust-building are woven through all of this work. For more than a decade, Beyond the Bell has held the space that allows collaboration to flourish and systemic change to take root.
All children and young people in the Great South Coast are connected to education and engaged in their learning.
To improve outcomes for children and young people in the Great South Coast through engagement in education.
To address the complex and multi-dimensional problem of education outcomes by bringing schools, services, families, and communities together in collective action. We align local efforts, honour lived experience and cultural authority, and create community-led solutions that drive long-term change.
Beyond the Bell focuses on four key areas of impact that drive long-term change for children and young people across South West Victoria. These areas reflect what our communities and research have identified as most critical to improving engagement, connection, and opportunity.
We support children and young people through key stages of their learning journey-starting school, moving between year levels, transitioning from primary to secondary school, and preparing for life beyond school. So no one falls through the cracks during critical transitions.
We work alongside schools, services, and families to keep young people connected to their learning, ensuring they feel safe, supported, and able to succeed in education, both in and beyond the classroom.
We help young people explore what’s possible by increasing access to career education, local opportunities, and clear pathways to further study, training, and employment, particularly in regional and rural communities.
Our work is grounded in data, research, and lived experience. We use evidence to guide decisions, strengthen programs, and advocate for systems change ensuring local voices shape policy and practice.
Beyond the Bell is powered by committed people working together to improve the lives of children and young people across South West Victoria.
Our voluntary Board provides strong governance and strategic direction. Drawn from education, health, community, and business sectors, Board members bring experience, accountability, and advocacy. Their leadership ensures Beyond the Bell remains true to its mission, meets its obligations, and champions long-term impact for the region.
At the core of our work is the Regional Backbone team — a small, dedicated group driving collaboration across the Great South Coast. Guided by a collective impact framework, the team coordinates shared efforts, strengthens partnerships, and activates resources so local initiatives can take root and thrive.
Together, our people bring deep local knowledge, diverse expertise, and a shared commitment to creating better outcomes for children and young people.
The Board of Directors is responsible for the governance of Beyond the Bell, helping to provide strategic oversight for the initiative and ensure legislative compliance.
Within the collective impact framework, the backbone is a critical driver of collaboration. It mobilises, coordinates, and facilitates the process by guiding vision and strategy, supporting aligned activities, establishing shared measurement, building public will, and activating the resources needed to sustain change.
At Beyond the Bell, this is the role we play: holding the space that allows partners to work together effectively and ensuring the conditions are in place for lasting impact.
Executive Officer
I am a strategic leader and advocate for regional equity, with a focus on education, youth engagement, and systems change.
My work is grounded in a strong commitment to place — listening carefully, responding to local needs, and working in partnership to build the conditions in which young people can thrive. I bring over a decade of experience spanning teaching, research, program design, and executive leadership, underpinned by qualifications in education and psychological science.
As Chief Executive Officer of Beyond the Bell, I lead a well-established backbone organisation supporting collective impact across South West Victoria. Operating across six local government areas, we collaborate with schools, communities, government, and philanthropy to address educational inequity and improve life outcomes for children and young people.
In addition to this work, I lead regional and national advocacy for policy reform, improved access to data, and sustained investment in community-led initiatives. I oversee youth voice-centred research. I also serve as a Board Member of Standing Tall in Warrnambool, supporting school-based mentoring that strengthens connection and belonging.
I welcome opportunities to connect with others committed to building stronger systems, amplifying local leadership, and improving outcomes for young people in regional Australia.
Coordinator
Can you describe your role at Beyond the Bell in a few sentences?
As Coordinator at Beyond the Bell, I lead and support initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for young people to engage in education, leadership opportunities and their community. I work closely with young people, schools, community organisations, and stakeholders to co-design programs and projects that address barriers and enhance pathways for young people in our region.
What do you enjoy most about your work
I love working in an environment where we have the opportunity to step into our strengths and focus on what we are passionate about while creating systemic change for our young people and region. It’s incredible to witness; Beyond the Bell is such an incredible dedicated team, it’s inspiring to be part of work that has a real impact.
How does your role contribute to the mission of Beyond The Bell?
My role ensures young people are at the centre of the work we do. Whether it’s through youth-led initiatives like the MAD Crew, national advocacy, or co-designed research initiatives like the Youth Conversations Research, I help facilitate opportunities for young people to shape their own futures.
What experience or skills do you bring to the team?
I bring experience in youth engagement, project management, and advocacy, with a strong background in co-designing programs with young people. Having worked in both frontline roles and strategic spaces like Youth Parliament, National Youth Steering Committees, and community engagement I understand the importance of amplifying young people’s voices at all levels.
What impact do you hope to make in the community through your work?
I want to help create spaces where young people feel heard, valued, and empowered to take action on issues that matter to them. I hope to break down barriers to education and opportunity by creating stronger connections between young people, schools, and the broader community. Ultimately, I want to contribute to systemic change that ensures all young people have the support and resources they need.
Is there a particular success story or moment that has been especially meaningful to you?
Being elected as Co-Chair of the National Youth Committee has been one of the most rewarding moments in my journey. As one of two representatives from Victoria, this role allows me to amplify the voices of young people on a national scale and ensure their perspectives shape policies and programs. It’s a privilege to be in a space where I can advocate for systemic change while working alongside passionate young leaders.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I love a challenge! Whether it’s tackling a new project, taking on new leadership opportunities, or learning something completely outside my comfort zone, I’m always up for it. Also, I may or may not have an unhealthy obsession with sticky notes and colour-coded pens!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love adventure and anything that gets me outdoors (especially with my puppy)! Surfing, wakeboarding, and camping are some of my favourite ways to unwind. I also enjoy travelling overseas, exploring new places, and making the most of any opportunity to try something new and exciting.
Community Projects Officer
Can you describe your role at Beyond The Bell in a few sentences?
I am developing the First Nations Services Mapping Project as part of the broader Koorie Engagement in Education Project.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love that you can see genuine impact in the community, and for local young people, through the work of Beyond the Bell. The team are really passionate and extremely skilled, it’s a great place to work.
How does your role contribute to the mission of Beyond The Bell?
Through the Mapping Project, my role contributes to the mission of Beyond the Bell by working to identify the services and opportunities that can help support local Koori kids to engage with education, leadership, and wellbeing. This project aims to work with the students, their families, and Koori education leaders to help make these resources easily accessible so young people can feel ownership and agency in their future pathways, as well as providing resources for teachers and education staff to better assist their Koori students.
What experience or skills do you bring to the team?
I have a research background in social sciences, and have worked for many years in community engagement.
What impact do you hope to make in the community through your work?
There are so many barriers that young people can face when it comes to access and equity in education. Through working with Beyond the Bell I hope to help identify these barriers and work together with community and other organisations to create pathways through and around these barriers, so that all young people in our region have choice and opportunity when it comes to their engagement in education future.
Is there a particular success story or moment that has been especially meaningful to you?
I started with Beyond the Bell at the beginning of 2025, in that time I have been able to see and experience so many moments that have had real impact for the lives and futures of local students and young people. At several of the programs Beyond the Bell have been a part of, I have seen young people step in to their space and start to push aside some of the barriers that they have faced and start to lean into opportunities of leadership, or work towards strengthening their wellbeing. I look forward to playing any small part I can to continue to help our young community create their own futures and achieve their own goals.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I love extreme adventures – I have been skydiving in New Zealand, driven a race car, swam in the Amazon with piranhas, and hiked through rainforests in Borneo, to name a few…
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Spending time with my family, and traveling as much as possible
Project Officer
As a Project Officer, I help with organising projects, taking care of details, and making sure things run smoothly. I also go to events to represent the organisation and connect with people. I’m also part of a Youth Advisory Group for the government, where I share ideas and work with others to help create programs and policies that affect young people.
Can you describe your role at Beyond The Bell in a few sentences?
At Beyond The Bell, I help with different projects and create social media content. I also support the team with everyday tasks and make sure everything is in place for the projects to go well.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
What I enjoy most about my work is getting to work with a great team every day. I love going out and helping others, and I’m especially passionate about being involved with the MAD (Making a Difference) group, where we focus on creating positive change.
How does your role contribute to the mission of Beyond The Bell?
My role contributes to the mission of Beyond The Bell by helping create opportunities for young people to engage and make a positive impact in their communities.
What experience or skills do you bring to the team?
I bring a strong ability to help organise projects and manage details. I have experience working with social media and am comfortable with administrative tasks. I also bring a passion for working with young people and being involved in groups like the Youth Advisory Group, where I’ve developed skills in collaboration and idea sharing.
What impact do you hope to make in the community through your work?
I hope to help create meaningful opportunities for young people to engage and make a difference in their communities. By supporting programs and projects that focus on positive change, I want to help empower young people and create spaces where they can be heard and have an impact.
Is there a particular success story or moment that has been especially meaningful to you?
A particularly meaningful moment for me was when I travelled to Canberra for the First Nations Youth Advisory Group I’m involved in. I stayed there for a week as an independent young teenager, which was both a challenging and empowering experience. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with other young people and mob to share ideas and contribute to important discussions that will help shape policies affecting our communities.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I love trying out new recipes and cooking meals for my partner and family.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family and going on outdoor adventures.
