Who works at VIV?
Misha coordinates finances, accounts, invoicing, assets and general council business of the space. Misha.Prior@brisbane.qld.gov.au
Grace coordinates the bookings of space and equipment, general space inquiries and referrals to other services.
grace.rivas@brisbane.qld.gov.au
Shanise is the Admin trainee and supports Mish with finances, accounts, invoicing, assets as well as the rest of the staff in their duties. Shanise.Tyson@brisbane.qld.gov.au
Dan coordinates the cultural program, working with the Acting Out team and organising our events such as Youth Arts Showcase. daniel.flood@brisbane.qld.gov.au
Chrissie supports young people in the space in their projects and looks after programming activities for young people at VIV. chrissie.nowland@brisbane.qld.gov.au
Ryan coordinates the overall valley program and its direction, as well as the enterprise program. Ryan.Foster@brisbane.qld.gov.au
Jonty coordinates the Night Rec program which you can read about here. jonty.bush@brisbane.qld.gov.au
All staff, tenants and people using VIV are happy to show you around the place and answer any questions they can. If you’d like a tour of the space, just drop in Monday-Thursday 12-5pm or contact us to arrange another suitable time.
Staff Pics
Misha
Misha
Once upon a time I began working with young people because… as soon as i first walked past the Visible Ink Zillmere Space, when i was about 12, I decided I wanted to work there. A few weeks later – A lady from Brisbane City Council came too my school and asked if we would like to apply for a traineeship with Council.. I jumped at the chance because I knew that was one step closer. I started in 2005, and three years later – I was here!! I am my self a young person, and just figured it would be a great place for me.
Things I get up to in the Youth Team include… admin admin and more admin!!
If the Youth Team had a “Greatest Hits” the moment that would top the charts would be… My whole time in the Youth Team has been one Greatest Hit.. suck suck
Something you may not know about me is… One of the stupidest things I can ever remember doing was once in primary school me and my bestie stayed up all night, and climbed up on the roof to watch the sunrise. We sat there chatting for what felt like a whole day – only to realise (after it was full light) that we were sitting the wrong way and missed the whole thing… Duh!! when we were getting down off the roof, we were laughing so hard my friend fell off the roof and broke her arm. Mamma was soo mad!!
Grace
Grace
Once upon a time I began working with young people because…
I thought to myself “Hey, I’m a young person, the best way to enjoy work and life is being around young people who I can relate to”. Working with young people has given me an amazing opportunity to be able to be involved in organising events, assist in facilitating workshops for young people by young people 
Things I get up to in the Youth Team include…
Mainly involved at Visible Ink Zillmere and Visible Ink Valley space. Welcoming young people into the space, involved in organising youth events eg: local skate park events, helping assist in space bookings and generally helping wherever I can
If the Youth Team had a “Greatest Hits” the moment that would top the charts would be…
For me I would have to say, Asia Pacific Cities Summit. It was such an amazing highlight for me to have had the opportunity to be involved in. Meeting over100 aspirational young people and future leaders of the Asia Pacific, met and debated issues of importance to their lives.
(I must admit, I was going to relate it to a ‘Greatest Hit Song’ So I thought of ‘You’re the Voice’ from John Farnham)
Something you may not know about me is…
1- Live and love music (attend pretty music every festival, gig or concert I can!)
2- Water, beach and beatuiful views are the best way to relax to.
3- What I always say to myself everyday “Life’s to short, you only live once, everyday is a new day”
Shanise
Shanise
Once upon a time I began working with young people because…
I wanted to try something different, and I believe young people have great ideas: the vision to create change and shape a funky Brisbane.
Things I get up to in the Youth Team include…
I do admin work and interact with the public. I work with different staff throughout the Visible Ink team.
If the Youth Team had a “Greatest Hits” the moment that would top the charts would be…
Personally I most enjoy meeting all the nice young people we get to see and working with the great members of the team.
Something you may not know about me is…
I love ballet – I want to go to a showcase one day!
Dan
Dan
Once upon a time I began working with young people because…
I found myself with an acting degree, no work and a summon to work for my dole with a youth theatre project. Two days later I was co-facilitating and loving it. Ten years later, I still love it.
Things I get up to in the Youth Team include…
Working with young people & organisations to develop & deliver projects (ike National Youth Week & the Market Stall Collective, acting up with Acting Out on a Thursday evening in King George Square, and moving though life with a slight air of defused oddness.
If the Youth Team had a “Greatest Hits” the moment that would top the charts would be…
Playing in King George Square on a Thursday night with a crowd of cool young people, leaving the general public at once amused and intrigued by the goings on.
Something you may not know about me is…
Of few things in life I am wary of, clowns are the worst. It’s an irrational & silly fear, and that’s what the therapist says. She says everybody loves a clown. She says I’m something of a clown. She’s not there at 4 in the morning, when the clowns standing at the end of the bed, in the gloom, rocking gently back & forward in two, too big red shoes. Who’s laughing then? Who’s laughing? Who?
Chrissie
Chrissie
Once upon a time I began working with young people because…
I realised I had a real passion for supporting young people and their ideas, I feel honored to be able to witness the future of this world realize their dreams and reach their goals.
Things I get up to in the Youth Team include…
Supporting, listening, connecting, and challenging the different people who use the space!
If the Youth Team had a “Greatest Hits” the moment that would top the charts would be…
when a young lady who a few years ago thought she would never get to uni because of lack of support and self esteem, came to tell the team she got a 7 on her last assessment!
Something you may not know about me is…
I nearly vomit when I see a wobbly tooth!
Ryan
Ryan
Once upon a time I began working with young people because… I worked out I wanted a job that I got paid for, was worthwhile and was heaps of fun…working with young people has always been the most enjoyable work I’ve ever done.
Things I get up to in the Youth Team include… working with the visible ink valley team to run projects in the CBD that ensure everyone has an opportunity to do the things they want to in the city and that Brisbane is safe and inclusive. We also run the VI Valley space as a place for young people to organise meetings, run workshops, rehearse performances, make zines, start businesses, promote bands and everything in between (if you have an idea – its our job to help make it happen). Finally, we also hook up with other agencies and youth spaces across the city to make sure that Brisbane as a whole is a place where young people feel they can do the things that are important to them.
If the Youth Team had a “Greatest Hits” the moment that would top the charts would be… Youth Enterprise Symposium 2007…88 young people coming together at southbank for 3 days of networking, learning and ideas about new businesses and social enterprises they wanted to start up…very inspiring at the time, and amazing to now see so many of those ideas come to life.
Something you may not know about me is… I don’t eat chocolate. When I was two, my mum gave me a choc coated ice cream and I picked off the chocolate and ate the icecream. I’ve never liked chocolate since.
Jonty
Jonty
Once upon a time I began working with young people because… I recognised the role that young people play in creating a better future. I am working on the youth team’s Night Rec program which is something I was drawn to as it contains elements of community safety, the development of young people, and creating buy-in from all parties including government, NGO’s and the public around the topic of safety in Brisbane.
Things I get up to in the Youth Team include… The NightRec program is about engaging with young people up late on Friday and Saturday nights, and working with them to source some more structured, safe, and social activities.
If the Youth Team had a “Greatest Hits” the moment that would top the charts would be… Being new I haven’t seen too many ‘classic’ moments yet, although Steve doing his best Elvis impersonation at the Christmas party sticks out in my mind!
Something you may not know about me is… I hope there are many things you dont know about me! Perhaps the strangest is that I cant stand to have my eyebrows touched. Strange but true.
