our community

Samuel Chapman
Director

Samuel grew up in the Sydney and Northern NSW area, as a young fella he also spent many years in North and far North Queensland.  

Sam was an active member of he’s Community and always participated in local sporting events. Spending ten plus years with the Australian Defence Force and working in the Queensland corrective system, sam understands integrity and professionalism. 

 

Samuel has been working primarily in the residential care space, with he’s main efforts in therapeutic placement services and emergency response services. 

 

 

Samuel has endeavoured in the last few years to mentor and help young indigenous members of the community to achieve higher. 

Samuel has created Byan and YARI (Youth an Reconciliation Initiatives) to make a bigger impact in the community.

 

Samuel has been providing Community access care, youth care, youth programs, mentoring and advising other companies how to engage our Communities most toughest youth problems.        

Djaua Somare

HR Manager

Djaua moved to Australia in 2009, originally growing up in Papua New Guinea. He has maintained a strong connection and knowledgeable understanding of his cultural heritage. Djaua Is currently studying a Bachelor of Business, majoring in business management and finances at James Cook University. 
 
Djaua has been working closely with disadvantaged, at risk and behaviourally challenged youths since 2017. Djaua’s main efforts have been working in the therapeutic care model, working alongside psychologists undertaking frequent training and workshops to understand even more how to work this space. 
Djaua also has a terrific amount of experience in emergency response services and Community access care. 
 
Djaua owns and operates he’s own Labour hire company that specialises in NDIS and youth care. 
Djaua will be heading Byan’s workforce and ensuring all Byan’s carers are up-to-date and receiving the absolute best training to deliver the best care to our young people.

Rod Jensen
Community Ambassador

Rod Jensen identifies as a First Nations Australian whose heritage is in the Torres Strait and Batavia River.  

Rod is a quailified teacher (2005) with a B/Ed primary and a major in Health and Physical Education. Rod has worked as a teacher in the Catholic and Anglican dioceses as well as the state system. Currently working in the Vocational Education with adult learning.  

 

Rod, volunteers as a Justice of the peace (qualified), Is an active Army Reservist (currently undergoing Officer Training) he also volunteers as an ambassador for health and exercise throughout the Northern communities.  Rod has previously been a professional athlete having played in the National Rugby league for the Canberra Raiders and the North Queensland Cowboys as well as spending some time playing in the British Super League for the Huddersfield Giants. Rod has also played in both the New South Wales Premier League and Intrust Super Cup, representing both states at the resident level. Rod also represented in the Indigenous Dreamtime team at the 2008 World Cup

Marie Shipton

Cultural Advisor

Maire Shipton is a KuKu Yalangi and KuKu Ngulkul woman. she has been a force in the Wujal Wujal Shire Council for many years. Maire heads the Dabu Jajikal corporation. Marie works closely with the Sydney based Red Sea Project. 

 

Marie is a very respected and well known elder in the cape, her knowledge of culture, language and country is second to none. Her passion for teaching and sharing culture is her centre of gravity and makes her an asset for all young people. 

Ben Lowry
Nutritionist and Life Skills Coach

Ben is an expert in sport sciences an nutrition, over the past 10 years Ben has been delivering strength and conditioning training for many far north Queensland sporting clubs and transforming lives with expert life coaching.
During his time in the army he spent many years operating in remote communities, mentoring and aiding the development of young indigenous soldiers.
 
Ben is now a part of the Byan community and excited to help Guide and transition young people with the basic life skills needed to make it on their own as adults. 

Donnie
Community Therapy Dog (in training)

Donnie is Byan’s therapy puppy in training, he is no joke and highly motivated to make absolutely anyone smile! Donnie was given up for adoption because he was to much to handle.

Now he’s making the most of he’s second chance and excelling through he’s therapy dog training.