Firefly is thrilled to welcome Ashlee to the team as our new Youth Program Assistant! A proud graduate of Vincentia High School, Ashlee is currently studying an Associate Degree in Law online at Southern Cross University, following her long-standing fascination with the legal field, which began in high school when she took Legal Studies.
A Passion for Community
Ashlee first connected with Firefly in 2023 when she joined the Youth Voice Project. As the eldest in the group, she naturally stepped into a mentoring role, guiding younger students through project work and helping them build confidence in their ideas. She was part of the Youth Voice Breakfast Club Project and has volunteered her time on various Firefly initiatives.
Her dedication and ability to support young people didn’t go unnoticed by the Firefly team. When the opportunity arose to bring a passionate young person into the team, Ashlee was our first choice. At Firefly, we’ve always aimed to create a pathway for students interested in their community to gain experience and employment. Now, Ashlee works as a casual staff member, balancing her role with her studies.
Stepping Into a New Role
As Youth Program Assistant, Ashlee primarily supports the Youth Voice Project, taking on general project and intern tasks. She even joined the Youth Voice trip to Sydney in March, strengthening her connections with both students and Firefly staff.
When asked what she’s most excited about in her new role, Ashlee keeps it real: earning money, giving back, and maintaining her bond with the Firefly team. But beyond that, she’s also stepping into a key role as the bridge between students and Firefly staff. She’s our “inside person,” making sure we stay connected with young people in ways that resonate.
Becoming a Change Maker
Ashlee is passionate about giving back and hopes to support young people in the same way Firefly supported her. Having been part of the pilot Youth Voice Project, she understands first-hand the challenges and opportunities that come with stepping into leadership. Now, she’s eager to share her experiences and learnings, helping new Youth Voice members find their confidence and step into leadership roles themselves.
More than just mentoring, Ashlee is becoming a change maker—advocating for young people, amplifying their voices, and shaping a future where youth leadership is valued. Whether it’s supporting younger students, contributing to community projects, or helping Firefly grow its impact, she is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for others to thrive.
“Firefly has been a huge part of my journey, and I’m so excited to continue working with the team. It’s great to be able to support young people the way I was supported when I first joined Youth Voice.” – Ashlee
Looking Ahead
With a bright future in law and a passion for community, Ashlee brings energy, insight, and leadership to our team. We know she’ll make a difference—not just in Firefly, but in the wider community. We can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next!
Welcome, Ashlee!
