OUR TEAM

Real People building Real pathways

YOUNG PEOPLE SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE

We're lucky to have this crew. They come from different backgrounds – some know what it's like when traditional programs don't fit, others thrived in sports and social settings but still get why gaming matters. What unites them is creating a space where everyone's accepted, whether you're here because you finally found your people or because you're exploring something new.

While our team mainly focuses on our NDIS programs, they also support our work as a Good Things Foundation Partner through the Be Connected Program, and keep things running when we open to the broader community for casual gaming, tournaments, and events.

Scroll down to meet the crew you'll be working with.

Hey, I'm Joel!

I live in Lakes Entrance, was homeschooled growing up, and play D&D regularly – so I get that alternative pathways aren't second-best, they're just different. When I'm not working, you'll probably find me in a Titanfall 2 match or running a campaign with mates.

I work with participants in both our Social Sessions and Skill Development programs, plus I'm a Lead Digital Mentor for our Be Connected Program.

My sessions are interest-based – D&D, gaming, content creation, whatever you're into. Sometimes it's one-on-one, sometimes it's group work, depending on what suits you. The focus is building skills you can actually use while doing things you genuinely enjoy.

Hey, I'm Ellie!

I'm from Bairnsdale and finished high school at Gippsland TAFE after mainsteam school didn't work for me. I've always been into gaming, especially anything Nintendo, and now I get to work somewhere that actually values that.

I'm completing my Certificate II in Disability and Aged Care while working with our NDIS participants. As someone who's autistic, I bring lived experience to the work, which means I often get where participants are coming from.

Seeing people build confidence, make genuine friendships, and gain independence is what this work is about. I love being part of building a place I wish existed when I was younger.

Hey, I'm Matt!

I'm originally from Melbourne but moved to Bairnsdale a few years ago. I've have a degree in Computer Science and handle the tech infrastructure here and troubleshooting when things break.

I'm also a Peer Support Worker in D&D Sessions and our Supported Work Program. In our D&D Sessions, I help people learn the game and provide support where needed, bringing my own lived experience with tabletop gaming. And in our Supported Work Program, I help participants who want to build technical skills.

I am also our our Be Connected Coordinator, managing training schedules, police checks, and grant compliance - basically the backend administration that keeps the program running properly and everyone safe.

Hey, I'm Natasha!

I'm born and raised in East Gippsland. I had a rough time in school – spent years eating lunch in the library because I didn't have friends. I didn't have gaming gear at home, so I watched people play games on YouTube constantly.

When I was 12, a friend invited me to join their D&D campaign. Playing fortnightly got me through some really tough years – it pushed my creativity, improved my confidence, and gave me my people.

Now I'm a Dungeon Master running sessions here. D&D creates space where being creative and thinking differently is an asset, not something that makes you an outcast. What I hope participants gain is a community where they feel genuinely welcomed – the thing I wish I'd had earlier.

Hey, I'm Jordon!

I'm a Bairnsdale local – lived here my whole life. I grew up gaming with my siblings on Nintendo 64, and I've been into Yu-Gi-Oh! since the show first came out.

As a Peer Support Worker, I focus on listening and making people feel heard – that's what builds trust and connection. Sessions are interest-based, and with current clients you'll find me playing Yu-Gi-Oh! or Marvel Rivals. I also provide support in our Supported Work Program, helping participants working as Gaming Assistants.

I've been through my own periods of uncertainty and self-doubt, so I understand how isolating change can feel and why genuine support matters. What drew me here was the chance to help young people turn their interests into meaningful skills – the confidence and mentorship I wish I'd had starting out.

Hey, I'm Brendan!

I took an alternative pathway after leaving school and I'm now completing my Cert III in Aged Care. I started as a customer at ESports Collective and quickly became part of the team – that progression from participant to peer support worker is something I bring to the work now.

I'm into D&D as both a player and an experienced DM, and I love sim racing. Those interests gave me a way into the community here, and now I get to help create that same space for others.

As a Peer Support Worker, I'm one of the younger team members. I've been where participants are – walking in not sure if you belong, then finding your people. Being close in age and having gone through that myself helps when I'm supporting others who are figuring out the same things.

Hey, I'm Zayn!

I'm from Paynesville – lived here my whole 18 years and just finished school. I've worked Front-of-House here since we opened in Paynesville, and now I'm following my dad's footsteps into support work.

I'm into local sports – cricket in summer, football in winter – but my real passion is NFL, which doesn't exist in regional Victoria. Gaming, especially Madden, connected me with the small group of NFL supporters in Australia when I couldn't find that community locally.

I'm one of the youngest on the team, which means I'm often close in age to participants and can relate to where they're at. What I bring is making people feel comfortable and included when they walk in. I'm still learning the support work side of things, but I'm here because I want to help others and be part of building a place where everyone fits.

East Gippsland's premier gaming hub where we transform passion into purpose, creating meaningful connections and real-world opportunities in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

Contact Us:

Questions? Call us on 0499 330 836

Now Open In Bairnsdale!

58 Macleod Street, Bairnsdale