Our Team
Kirra Pendergast
Founder & CEO
Kirra’s frank, no fear-mongering approach is backed by 30 years of experience in IT Business Consulting, Cyber Security, and Cyber Safety. Her purpose is to educate people and organisations about how to use social media safely.
Simon Richardson
Specialist Facilitator Cyber Safety
Simon Richardson has lived the pleasures, perils and pitfalls of social media for years. As a high school teacher he was all too familiar with the impacts unhealthy social media exposure had on his students.
Denise Hall
Specialist Facilitator Cyber Safety
Denise is an experienced educator having worked in primary education for 35 years. She has held various roles in schools from classroom teaching to leadership and is passionate about keeping children safe online.
Antoinette Aquilina
Specialist Facilitator Cyber Safety
A former Detective Sergeant with the Queensland Police for 15 years, Antoinette worked in the area of Child Protection and Sex Offences as a detective, trainer and multi-disciplinary investigator.
Jane McGowen
Sexuality and Relationship Education
Jane McGowen is an expert in the field of Sexuality and Relationship Education with young people.
She has been working with young people for the last 20 years in various contexts.
Madeleine West
Specialist Facilitator - Cybersafety Theatresports
An accomplished actress and activist, Madeleine has joined Safe on Social to bring the art of comedy, theatre and sport to life through Theatresports, enhancing the self-confidence and mental health of kids throughout Australia.
Michael Kasprowicz
Motivational Speaker
Michael Kasprowicz is one of Australia's most enduring and popular professional sportsmen. But if one quality defines Michael, it's the contribution he makes to his team environment – be it at the national, state, or even club level.
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Rikki Waller
Creative Director
With over 20 years experience in media, advertising and sales, Rikki is the driving force behind forming strong and profitable relationships between Safe on Social and our valued partners.
Youth Advisory Committee
Gwyneth
I live in Wollongong and am currently in my final year of high school (yay!). As a product of the twenty-first century, I would be lying if I said social media didn't play an important role in my day-to-day life, and, because of this, I want to ensure it continues to progress as a safe environment for all users.
I am very excited to be part of the Youth Advisory Committee and to be connecting with like-minded individuals.
Scarlett
I’m currently in Year 12 and love studying all things cultural and sociological. What drove me to become a part of the Safe on Social team was contributing to fostering a more equal and safe online world and the opportunity to educate Australians to promote a healthy relationship with the internet. My skills regarding managing cyber/creative burnout and acknowledging and responding to online criticism and hate will positively impact readers and the community.
Madison
I’m super excited to be working with the Safe on Social Youth Advisory Committee because I love researching, learning and using my knowledge to guide other people.
I’m passionate about online safety, and I enjoy working with other people.
When I’m not studying, reading, or designing my future house, I’m at the beach, hanging out with friends, or doing makeup. I love drama and hope that I can be on TV or in movies one day.
Jade
My name is Jade. I am 17 from regional NSW. I am passionate about bringing awareness to the safety of social media users because it is ever so present in my own life and the people around me.
I believe it is a hugely influential aspect of our lives as it shapes culture and social expectations and has significant impacts on our mental health. Ongoing education in regards to social media is necessary for the future.
Gigi
I am currently in Year 12, completing my HSC at school in Sydney. I hope to attend University where I aspire to study for a double degree in Property Economics and Business Law.
I wanted to participate in the committee to contribute a contemporary perspective on the safety of social media engagement and effective for young people.
Jaenelle
I am currently 17 years old and completing my final year at school in Rotorua, New Zealand.
I wanted to be a member of the Youth Advisory Committee to share my experiences with social media with others.
I want to communicate to everyone that social media is only a tool – it is up to you to decide how you want to use it.
Arya
I am exhilarated to be part of the Safe on Social Youth Advisory Committee. I am an individual who enjoys meeting new people and, most notably, making a difference that helps our ever-so-expanding world. Being an avid social media user has enabled me to be a part of our digital community, a norm in our society. Therefore, making our collective digital interaction more safe and secure is one of my many interests that drove my passion for being a part of Safe on Social.
Drue
I’m 16, and I joined the Youth Committee as I believe it will be such a significant learning experience that will go towards the security of the online world.
I believe social media is such a large part of today’s world, positively and negatively impacting individuals and society.
Hopefully, through the Youth Committee, I can help create a safer online space for everyone.
Tealia
I am 16 years old, and I joined this committee to make a difference and be the support that my peers deserve, the voice for those who cannot speak up, and the guide to help navigate the rocky world of social media.
I want to help my peers be heard and make their online experiences more positive.
I bring to this committee my strength, dedication, and support. I am excited to help.
Charlie
I am a 15 year old student from Christchurch, New Zealand and my pronouns are they/she.
I am a creative, outgoing person and am always up for a challenge.
I believe that everyone should know how to use social media confidently and safely in our increasingly digital world. I am proud to be a member of the Safe on Social Youth Advisory Committee.
Codey
I am 17 years old and from Auckland, New Zealand. I am in my final year of high school (Year 13 here in NZ, Year 12 over in Aus), and plan to pursue tertiary education in law when I graduate.. I have joined the Youth Committee in the hopes of spreading a positive message and hopefully, I can make a personal impact on those who read what I write, and hear what I say. At the same time, I wish to be a role model both online as well as in real life. I hope that along this journey we can all learn from each other and strive to become better versions of ourselves.
Jam