Help Shape Karinya’s Next Chapter

Karinya Youth Services Tas is seeking expressions of interest from values-aligned people who want to use their skills, experience, perspectives and networks to improve the safety, wellbeing and futures of young Tasmanians.

We expect to appoint two or three new Board Directors and may consider a fourth outstanding candidate where their contribution complements the Board’s overall skills, experience and diversity.

This planned Board renewal is an opportunity to help guide a respected Launceston-based organisation as we deliver our Strategic Plan 2026–2030, strengthen our services and assets, deepen community partnerships and prepare for the future.

About Karinya

Since 1979, Karinya has walked alongside young people experiencing homelessness, housing instability, family breakdown and crisis.

Today, we provide crisis accommodation, transitional housing, residential and outreach support, tenancy assistance, intensive case management, and practical living and life skills support.

Our vision is:

A future where all young Tasmanians are nurtured, protected and inspired to succeed.

Our work is guided by our values of Hope, Kindness, Safety, Accountability and Innovation.

Young people are the experts in their own lives. Our Board has an important responsibility to ensure their voices, feedback and perspectives inform Karinya’s strategy, safeguarding, service improvement and organisational learning.

Who We Would Like to Hear From

Based on Karinya’s current Board composition, anticipated changes following the 2026 Annual General Meeting and our future direction, we are particularly interested in hearing from people who can contribute in one or more of the following areas:

• government relations, public policy or advocacy;

• strategic partnerships and cross-sector collaboration;

• fundraising, philanthropy or sponsorship;

• marketing, communications, media or community profile;

• property, asset management, development or construction;

• contemporary governance, Board leadership or succession planning;

• youth, housing, homelessness, safeguarding, community services or education;

• relevant lived experience, cultural knowledge or strong community connections; or

• other strategic capabilities that would strengthen the Board’s diversity and long-term sustainability.

You do not need to bring all, or even several, of these capabilities.

Previous Board or committee experience is desirable but not essential. People with strong strategic capability, sound judgement, values alignment, relevant professional or lived experience and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.

Karinya welcomes expressions of interest from people of diverse backgrounds, identities, cultures, abilities, ages and lived experiences.

The Commitment

The Karinya Board ordinarily meets six times each year, generally bi-monthly in Launceston, with meetings usually lasting around two hours.

Directors are also expected to:

• prepare for and participate in Board and committee meetings;

• contribute to a Board committee aligned with their skills and interests;

• undertake induction and ongoing professional development; and

• participate in Karinya’s annual strategic planning and review day.

The commitment varies throughout the year and may be greater for office-bearers and committee chairs.

Board Directors receive an annual honorarium, paid at the end of each serving year following the Annual General Meeting. Pre-approved, reasonable expenses incurred while carrying out Board duties may also be reimbursed in accordance with Karinya policy.

How to Express Your Interest

Please review the Board Director Position Description and complete the Board Director Application Form, available from our Our Documents page.

Please email your completed application form and current CV to Board Chair Natalie Mayes at natalie.mayes@karinyatas.org.au.

Expressions of interest close at 5.00 pm on Friday 9 October 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet with Karinya. Preferred candidates will then complete the required orientation, checks, membership and nomination processes before the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 10 November 2026.

Appointments remain subject to Karinya’s Constitution and the formal election or appointment process.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Natalie Mayes at natalie.mayes@karinyatas.org.au.