Pam Barker, CEO, Brisbane Youth Services

Pam Barker became the CEO of Brisbane Youth Service (BYS) in 2022, leading the organisation through a period of major growth in response to the housing and homelessness crisis. Under her leadership, BYS has expanded crisis and transitional housing, secured vital funding, and strengthened advocacy efforts to drive systemic change for young people.

With 18 years of experience, Pam has led Yfoundations and Open Doors Youth Service, advocating for policy reform at state and federal levels. She serves on the boards of My Foundations Youth Housing, Homelessness Australia, and Vanguard End Street Sleeping Collaboration. Holding a Bachelor of Psychology and pursuing postgraduate studies in Clinical Psychology, Pam is passionate about early intervention and creating lasting opportunities for young people. Having experienced homelessness and the child protection system herself, she is dedicated to ensuring young people receive the support they need to build a brighter future.

Tom Allsop, CEO, PeakCare

Tom Allsop is the Chief Executive of PeakCare, Queensland’s peak body for child and family services. Tom is a social worker, sessional academic and has led the design and implementation of nationally significant programs and projects for both the government and non-government sector. Tom’s expertise includes the intersection of child protection with related service systems including youth justice, early childhood education and care, disability, mental health and youth homelessness.

Leah Lang, Queensland Government Architect

Leah Lang, an award-winning architect and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects, is the Queensland Government Architect. In this role, she leads strategic design-led initiatives across housing, the Olympics, health, and economic development.

With over 25 years of experience, Leah specializes in managing complex, large-scale projects, bringing together diverse stakeholders to drive innovative, city-shaping solutions. Her leadership is recognized through appointments to prominent design boards, panels, and juries, where she champions high-quality, climate-responsive, and heritage-sensitive design, striving to leave a lasting positive legacy for Queensland.

Jackson Hills, Acting CEO, Q Shelter

Jackson has spent 15 years working in not-for-profit and community organisations. This includes 12 years with Tennis Australia, the Australian Football League (AFL), and the Australian Sports Commission. He has been actively involved with the Trish MS Research Foundation, The Salvation Army, Starlight Children’s Foundation, and several other charities.

After working in the sports industry, Jackson moved into local and state government roles, supporting several state politicians and local councillors in their community work and media engagement. Jackson has recently led the policy and strategic engagement efforts at Q Shelter, Queensland’s peak body for housing and homelessness services. 

In addition to sitting on the Boards of Common Ground Queensland and the Property Industry Foundation, he is an executive committee member of National Shelter and has, in the past, acted as a mentor to young people at the Gold Coast Youth Foyer.