Our Story

Our Story: Community-Driven Since 1979

WAYS Youth & Family was established in 1979 by a group of concerned community members who recognised the urgent need for youth-focused services in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. What started as a small grassroots initiative has grown into a leading multi-service organisation supporting young people aged 8–24 and their families through education, training, wellbeing, and care.

Today, WAYS offers a suite of programs including Vacation Care, Out of School Hours care (OOSH), WAYS Secondary (alternative education), a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), counselling and medical services, and youth engagement initiatives — all delivered from our purpose-built facility in North Bondi.

Our Journey from 1979
to Today

1979

WAYS Begins

WAYS was founded in 1979 to provide a safe, community-based space for young people at a time when local support options were limited. From the beginning, WAYS was built around the belief that young people thrive when they feel safe, supported, and connected to their community.

This early foundation established WAYS as a place of trust, care, and belonging for local youth.

1981

First Drop-In

As community need became clear, WAYS introduced its first drop-in style services, offering young people a welcoming space to connect, be heard, and access informal support.

These early services helped shape WAYS’ relationship-based approach and reinforced the importance of accessibility and trust in youth support.

1992

Growing with the Community

Throughout the 1990s, WAYS continued to evolve alongside the changing needs of young people and families. Programs expanded in response to increased demand, with a growing focus on wellbeing, connection, and early intervention.

This period marked a shift from a single service model to a broader community support role.

2000

Counselling and Wellbeing Services Introduced

Recognising the growing emotional and mental health needs of young people, WAYS expanded into counselling and wellbeing services. This allowed WAYS to provide more structured and ongoing support for young people facing complex challenges.

These services strengthened WAYS’ role as a trusted support for both young people and their families.

2010

Education and Pathways Expand

WAYS expanded into education and learning pathways, responding to the needs of young people who were disengaged or not thriving in traditional education settings.

By offering flexible, supportive alternatives, WAYS helped young people re-engage with learning and build confidence in their future.

2026

An Integrated Model of Support

Today, WAYS supports children, young people, and families through an integrated model spanning education, care, and wellbeing services. From early support through to young adulthood, WAYS provides pathways that adapt as needs change.

With deep community roots and decades of experience, WAYS continues to evolve while staying true to its founding purpose.

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Our Leadership and Governance

WAYS is governed by a dedicated Board and led by an experienced Executive Team, together responsible for setting direction, ensuring accountability, and delivering positive outcomes for young people and families.

WAYS Board Of Directors

President

Leo Wassercug

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Secretary

Margaret Condonis

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Board Member

Keriana King

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Board Member

Sally King

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Board Member

Penelope Boyd

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Board Member

Elli Cohen

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Board Member

Yuliya Tkachenko

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Executive Team

Dr Terri Said

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Alfred Asirvadham

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Olga Elliot

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Our History

Russell King is a Sydney University Economics Graduate with an employment background in Management Accounting and Human Resources. Russell started as a volunteer at WAYS in 1987, and was the Chief Executive Officer of WAYS Youth & Family from 1989 until his passing in October 2019.

Russell is responsible for the unbelievable growth and achievements of the incredible organisation that is WAYS Youth & Family. As CEO, Russell always endeavoured to keep WAYS a youth organisation that has strong ties with the local Eastern Sydney community, as well as ensuring that WAYS programs and activities are totally directed towards the needs of the young people and their families in the area.

Russell was a true visionary and innovator with an admirable sense of social justice. He has positively impacted careers and shaped people’s lives for the better.

Russell’s heart and the doors of WAYS were always wide open to everyone regardless of their background, religious beliefs, or socio economic status. His generosity of spirit and capacity to provide practical assistance is unparalleled.

It was Russell’s mission to ensure that young people were valued, really listened to, fed, educated and given the necessary tools to achieve their goals and dreams. Russell created a WAYS family. Not just amongst all WAYS staff, but amongst our client community and many valuable stakeholders. Russell is and will always be the spiritual father of WAYS.

In 2017 the Hon Gabrielle Upton awarded Russell the well-deserved Premier’s Community Services Award, in order to acknowledge Russell’s many years of passionate, dedicated and outstanding work for the youth and families of our local community. WAYS Youth & Family have been incredibly blessed to have been guided by a CEO with such vision, dedication, ability and compassion. He will be missed – always.

Dr Terri Said

"Young people are the heart of everything we do —
their strength, voice, and growth drive our mission every day."

Dr Terri Said
CEO, WAYS Youth & Family

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Impact and Success

“WAYS is more than care. It’s connection, trust, and a place where my child belongs.”

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Impact and Success

“The team at WAYS helped my son grow in confidence and feel understood.”

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Our Core Purpose

We support young people aged 8 to 24 and their families by delivering inclusive, flexible, and trauma-informed programs across education, care, and wellbeing. Through OOSH, youth education, training, and wraparound mental health support, we help young people overcome barriers and build meaningful lives — with passion, compassion, and practical solutions.

Our Vision

To create a community where every young person and family has the support, structure, and opportunity to lead a safe, fulfilling life marked by education, employment, wellbeing, and contribution.

Our Values

W – Warmth & Respect

We treat every young person, family, and colleague with dignity, empathy, and kindness—creating a culture of trust, inclusion, and emotional safety.

 

A – Accountability & Action

We take ownership of our work, communicate with transparency, and use our time and resources conscientiously—delivering on our promises with integrity.

 

Y – Youth-Centred Innovation

We stay curious and responsive—embracing new ideas, evidence-based practice, and technology to improve outcomes for young people and their families.

 

S – Shared Purpose & Teamwork

We work together with passion and professionalism, united by a commitment to excellence, mutual respect, and the wellbeing of the communities we serve.

Partnerships and Affiliations

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Careers

Share your time or skills to support local youth through events, mentoring, tutoring, admin, or program delivery.

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Partner with Us

Build meaningful partnerships to expand our impact across education, health, training, and family support.

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Fundraise

Host an event, set a challenge, or rally your network to raise vital funds for youth-focused services.

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