Firefly works with, supports, and advocates for young people in the Bay and Basin through collaboration. We work with the community and organisations for better outcomes and experiences for local youth.
Firefly Bay and Basin is a youth-focused initiative with the aim of being community driven.
Set up as a pilot program to explore ways for communities to work together and improve the lives of children, young people, and their families. We started off by having conversations with the community to co-design positive outcomes and solutions around the needs for young people in the Bay and Basin.
We strive to connect and collaborate with community, groups and organisations from across different sectors to positively impact social issues, innovative solutions and avoid program duplication.
The original consultation commenced in 2019 where we met with young people (4-18 years old), community members (residents, parents), business owners, community groups, local and state government, service providers and schools. Our forms of listening involved Where surveys, one on one consultations, conversations, digital listening, activity engagement and attaining insights from event participation. This all created rich data that highlighted that further supports for young people, are needed. Using this data we developed a set of 5 community goals to help influence our direction.
Our work is ever-evolving, experimental and adaptive just like the communities in which we work. Firefly is excited to continue to support young people by being asking what’s needed, amplifying their voices, and helping them act upon their needs.
If you’re interested in community led programs, place-based initiatives, or affecting positive change for young people in the Bay and Basin, we would love to hear from you. Contact us here.
The name “Firefly” holds a powerful allegory that reflects our mission in the Bay and Basin. Like a lone firefly emitting a small light, Firefly acknowledges the impact it can make when working on its own. However, the true strength lies in unity, just as a swarm of fireflies can brilliantly light up a room. The organisation’s vision is to partner with the community, recognising that collective efforts create the most significant change. By involving the community, Firefly gains diverse perspectives, resources, and efficiency, paving the way for empowering individuals and fostering lasting transformations. Collaboration enhances credibility and attracts support, enabling systemic change and leaving positive societal legacies.
We’re a passionate team of community builders, creatives, and connectors working together to empower young people across the Bay and Basin. Through collaboration, culture, and care, we bring local voices to the forefront and turn ideas into impact
Tash oversees the day-to-day operations of Firefly, ensuring young people remain at the heart of everything the team does. With over 8 years of experience working in regional communities, she brings expertise in stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and communications.
Tash is passionate about co-creating opportunities with young people and building strong community partnerships.
Christine is Firefly’s on-the-ground Community Connector, building trusted relationships with local youth, families, and the wider community. Christine has been an active part of the Bay and Basin community since 2009—initially as a participant, and later in both paid and volunteer roles. With over 16 years of community experience, she brings a strong foundation in Business and Early Childhood Education to her work. She holds a Bachelor of Business (Business Administration) and a Diploma of Design Communication.
She’s passionate about creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and supported.
Kasey works directly with young people in the Bay and Basin area, helping build meaningful connections and supporting youth-led initiatives. She brings lived experience, community services knowledge, and a passion for supporting youth mental health to her role. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Charles Sturt University And is currently studying a Masters of Counselling from Torrens University.
Kasey is committed to using her skills to uplift young people and create lasting impact in the communities she serves.
Kate supports Firefly and other place-based initiatives by collecting and analysing data to inform and improve community programs. With 20 years of experience in community development across NSW, she is passionate about listening deeply and gathering community voices, insights, and data to drive meaningful change—ensuring this knowledge remains within the community to help build a stronger Bay and Basin.
Growing up on Yuin Country, she’s deeply committed to supporting young people and ensuring their stories shape the future.
Maiki supports the delivery of Firefly’s community projects, using her creativity and cultural insight to engage meaningfully with young people. Maiki has been working in the community since [insert year], with the majority of her experience focused on supporting the local Aboriginal community and youth. She brings a strong cultural connection, deep relational skills, and creative spirit to her work. She is a member of the International Institute of Complementary Therapists.
As a multidisciplinary artist and wellbeing practitioner with a background in social and emotional wellbeing, Maiki is passionate about building relationships that foster healing, expression, and empowerment.
Gemma is supporting Firefly on a contract basis in 2025, helping lead the Community Voice and Youth Crew projects to ensure young people’s perspectives are heard and valued. With over 20 years of experience working in community, particularly in youth-focused roles, Gemma brings a wealth of knowledge in engagement, facilitation, and governance.
A passionate advocate for the performing arts and community storytelling, Gemma believes in the power of creative expression to build confidence, connection, and community among young people.
Ashlee supports the delivery of Firefly’s youth-focused programs, helping to create safe, inclusive, and engaging spaces for young people in the Bay and Basin community. Ashlee brings a strong passion for youth work and a deep understanding of the local community. She’s known for her warm, approachable nature and her ability to connect with young people through creativity, empathy, and lived experiences. Ashlee is currently studying for an Associate Degree in Law online at Southern Cross University.
Ashlee is driven by a desire to empower young people and help them feel seen, supported, and celebrated for who they are.
Liz leads Firefly’s strategic partnerships and community impact initiatives, working to co-design programs that support local youth. With over 7 years of experience in youth health and wellbeing research, and 5 years managing youth-led programs in the NT and Vanuatu, Liz brings a global and local lens to her work.
Key to our work within community is partnerships and collaboration with community groups, services, and key organisations. We are always on the lookout for amazing people and teams to work with when trying for better outcomes for young people in the Bay and Basin community.
Since working in the community, we have had the privilege of working with several community groups and organisations who support our local young people and want to see them thrive.
Firefly is one of nine Uniting NSW.ACT Future Horizons community initiatives. Future Horizons aims to build a better world by focusing on communities and places with the greatest need. We bring together young people, parents and carers, schools, organisations, governments, and residents to collaborate, find solutions, and create lasting change for that community. Being place-based, we work with communities to solve challenges around connection, wellbeing, and opportunity through innovative ideas that empower the people, experts, and organisations who know the community best.
Uniting’s investment in these initiatives involves co-designing with young people and communities, co-funding with partners, trialing and trialing and growing new programs. We are inviting other investors and collaborators to join us.
Uniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work of the Uniting Chruch in NSW and in the ACT, through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. We provide services for people through all ages and stages of life, and drive solutions to systemic issues so people experiencing disadvantage can live their best lives.
Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice.
We value diversity and always welcome everyone exactly as they are.
To learn more, visit Uniting’s website