Lorence (Cruz) Bakri (he/him)
Team Leader Youth Engagement
LorenceB@hume.vic.gov.au
Cruz is our Team Leader Youth Engagement, with more than 15 years of experience working alongside young people, predominantly across the Hume region. Since joining Hume City Council in 2011, Cruz has held a variety of youth-focused roles, developing extensive experience in youth engagement, program development, community partnerships, and leadership.
Cruz is passionate about supporting young people to discover their strengths, build meaningful connections, and have a voice in shaping their community. Throughout his career, he has been committed to helping young people overcome barriers, celebrate their achievements, and access opportunities that support their growth and wellbeing.
As Team Leader Youth Engagement, Cruz leads a team overseeing four youth centres that deliver programs, services, and opportunities for young people, primarily aged 10 to 18 years. Working across youth centres, local schools, community settings, and partnerships throughout the Hume area, Cruz is committed to creating inclusive environments where young people feel valued, connected, and supported to build confidence, develop skills, and achieve their goals.
Outside of work, Cruz enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, watching a good movie or series, and making the most of the outdoors.
Anna Lewenhagen-Allvin (she/her)
Middle Years and Transitions Officer
AnnaL@hume.vic.gov.au
As the Middle Years and Transitions Officer, Anna works with schools, service providers and families across the region to support young people aged 6-12 to thrive, connect and stay engaged with school. A key part of Anna’s role is to understand gaps and explore what supports can be offered for young people embarking on the crucial transition from primary to secondary school.
Anna completed a Bachelor of Youth Work and Youth Studies at RMIT University and has been working and volunteering in the youth work sector for the last 7 years. Anna has experience in the design and delivery of early intervention programs, homelessness, disability, pathway support and supporting young people who have recently arrived in Australia. Anna enjoys drinking coffee, travelling and dancing (badly).
Meet the staff within your local region:
Broadmeadows & Central Region
Prudence Steele (she/they)
Regional Lead Youth Engagement
PrudenceS@hume.vic.gov.au
Natalie is the Mental Health, Wellbeing and Leadership Development Officer for the Broadmeadows and Roxburgh Park region, which includes Broadmeadows and Roxburgh Park Youth Centres.
Natalie has over 10-years’ experience in the youth sector working in Out of Home Care, homeless and community development.
She is passionate about providing opportunities for young people to be heard and giving skills to aid them in their future.
Personally, Natalie loves to play tabletop games, cooking and spending time with her friends and family.
Emilia Todaro (she/her)
Youth Support Officer
EmiliaT@hume.vic.gov.au
Emilia is Officer is a Youth Support Officer within the Broadmeadows and central Hume region which includes Broadmeadows and Roxburgh Park Youth Centres and has been a youth worker for over 14 years.
Emilia works with the Mental Health, Wellbeing and Leadership Team to deliver programs for young people age 12 to 24 years.
Emilia is passionate about empowering young people to identify their strengths and give them the opportunity to be the amazing people that they are and reach their full potential.
Dance, music and reading and having a bash on her electric drumkit makes her heart sing!
Jake Afoa (he/him)
Youth Engagement Officer
JakeA@hume.vic.gov.au
Lewis is a Youth Support Officer in the central Hume region which includes Broadmeadows and Roxburgh Park Youth Centres.
He has been in the youth work sector for the last 5 years and is passionate about the outdoors, art and loves to a good yarn about anything over an espresso coffee.
Lewis has experience in working in crisis support, with Indigenous communities in Victoria and in youth homelessness.
He has developed and delivered programs at schools in Melbourne Northern region and often promotes the arts and nature as important themes in programs.
Sunbury & Craigieburn Region
Larni Blythman (she/her)
Youth Engagement Officer
LarniB@hume.vic.gov.au
Larni is a Youth Support Officer in the Hume Region which includes Sunbury and Craigieburn Youth Centres.
Larni graduated with a Bachelor of Youth Work from Victoria University. While studying she completed her placement with Hume City Council Youth Services. She has worked with young people as a mentor in a volunteer capacity.
She is a passionate and empathetic youth worker who is dedicated to empowering young people by helping them recognise their inner strengths to showcase their unique qualities.
Outside of work, Larni loves to spend time outdoors especially at the beach, cooking new dishes, and attending concerts with her friends.
Isabelle D'Andrea (she/her)
Youth Engagement Officer
IsabelleD@hume.vic.gov.au
Isabelle is a Youth Support Officer in the Hume Region which includes Sunbury and Craigieburn Youth Centres.
Isabelle graduated with a Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Psychological Studies from Victoria University and has been a youth worker for the last 3.5 years.
She is passionate about amplifying young people’s voices and empowering them to reach their potential through advocacy, collaboration, and youth‑centred practice.
Outside of work, Isabelle loves spending time with friends and family, spending time outdoors, or watching a new movie or series.