
Pam Barker
Chief Executive Officer
Brisbane Youth Services
Pam Barker is the CEO of Brisbane Youth Service (BYS); an organisation dedicated to supporting homeless and vulnerable young people and their children. Providing a holistic, trauma-informed, and youth-centred approach, BYS assists young people and families secure stable housing, address physical and mental health challenges, receive domestic and family violence support, build successful relationships and support networks, and access pathways to education and employment.
With over a decade of experience working with children and young people, Pam is deeply committed to achieving better long-term outcomes, particularly for those at risk of or experiencing homelessness, including those in out-of-home care. Her diverse background spans the corporate private sector, policy development, advocacy, and service delivery, giving her a unique perspective on the systemic and practical challenges facing young people today.
Pam is a passionate advocate for social justice and youth empowerment, and continues to drive innovation and collaboration across the sector to ensure young people are heard, supported, and given every opportunity to thrive.
SESSIONS
Day 1
1:40
Panel: “You Can’t Ask That”
Join Professor Catherine Robinson as she takes a deep dive with panel members to unpack some of the sectors' most complex questions.
Moderator: Catherine Robinson, Associate Professor in Communities and Social Justice Lead, Homelessness ColLAB, University of Tasmania
Frances Crimmins, Chair, Homelessness Australia; Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Canberra
Dom Rowe, Chief Executive Officer, Homelessness NSW
Leah Watkins, Senior Advisor Supportive Housing Impact & Advocacy, Housing Choices Western Australia
Pam Barker, Chief Executive Officer, Brisbane Youth Services
Jonathon Louth, Director, Strategy, Research, Innovation, Centacare Catholic Community Services