ABOUT – REELISE

OUR PURPOSE

REELise is a movement, enabled by young people, to create a safe online space. A space that is imaginative, innovative, empathetic, and respectful, where young people can feel secure to tell their stories, be heard and have a positive impact. A space they want to occupy.

Formed in 2013 to address the mental health consequences of cyberbullying and digital life issues on mental health, REELise recognised change needed to be driven by the actions and stories of young people.

Through programs like the REELise Film Festival, workshops to support filmmaking for a cause, plus volunteering and youth leadership programs, we use the power of the same devices and platforms used for bullying and other social harms, to foster creativity, communication and connection; and influence change for the better.

REELise programs:

Build empathy and inspire positive action.
Support student leadership.
Encourage teamwork, creativity and critical thinking.

We run free competitions for students to create content about navigating life online. The best are screened annually in VMAX at Event Cinemas to educate and inspire.

REELise Incorporated is a registered Australian charity operating entirely on volunteer support. Join us and be part of a youth led movement creating a kinder, more inclusive online world.

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OUR TEAM

Our team are all volunteers. We are parents, teachers, health care professionals, students, social media influencers, business leaders and filmmakers. While we are all very different, we share a passion. We all want to empower young people to create a better online world.

BOARD MEMBERS

The Board of Directors bring professional expertise in a variety of areas. The Board is responsible for providing strategic oversight, financial management, review of our performance as well as ensuring we are governed by appropriate policies and procedures. Each board member is passionate about the work of REELise and is committed to helping the organisation reach its full potential.

Kirk Marcolina

Kirk has worked in television and documentary for over 25 years as a Producer, Director and Editor. His features include the award winning “Limited Partnership” and “The Life and Crimes of Doris Payne”. He’s produced, directed and edited for networks including HBO, Bravo, Disney Channel, SBS and MTV and is currently a Senior Lecturer in Documentary at the Australian Film Television Radio School.

Kirk served as Advertising Director for Australian Marriage Equality. He is passionate about helping others amplify their voices by harnessing the power of film and appreciates how REELise helps youth do just that. He’s been involved with REELise since its first Film Festival, serving as a mentor.

In his spare time, Kirk can be found sailing on Sydney harbour or playing board games with his 16-year-old daughter.

Karen Hamilton

Karen, the REELise founder and managing director has 20 years’ experience as a corporate and commercial lawyer and over 15 years’ experience in event management, community engagement and fundraising. She was recognised as a Local Woman of the Year for her work in creating and running REELise.

Karen believes young people need a voice in the issues affecting them. She created REELise to provide a safe space to allow young people to develop that voice, explore their creativity; and acquire the skills and confidence to share their stories and inspire a kinder more inclusive world.

She loves organising killer themed events and dabbling in creative writing.

Emma Hamilton

Em heads our REEL Talk Forum. She worked in childcare and creative learning for 5 years before taking up her current role as Program Coordinator at Australian Film Television and Radio School. Em is passionate about youth mental health and the power of film and of storytelling to educate and inspire positive change.

Em joined REELise as a volunteer in 2013. She was invited to join the REELise Board in recognition of that contribution and her successful spearheading of a “shark tank” styled pitch for seed funding for REELise.

Em loves to relax with her bass guitar, a great book or her writing journal.

Amelia Seeto

Amelia has dedicated her career to working for charities and social enterprises in Australia, Spain and the UK. In her day job, she’s the director of communications and marketing for a healthcare charity.

A seasoned charity board director, she loved the vibe and vision of REELise so much she had to get involved. With two small children (and another on the way), Amelia often thinks about how technology impacts young people and believes REELise can help prepare them for the future.

In her spare time, Amelia loves writing songs for friends and family but her performance skills need a little work as she always cries when overcome with emotion.

Amie Morris

Amie is co-owner and Head of Media at Bondi Radio Media Group and has worked across the media industry for the past 20 years in multiple roles from film and tv production, to presenting, marketing and advertising. She is also a Communications Coach who has taught across several universities.

Amie is mum to a young son and daughter and a passionate advocate for the health and wellbeing of young people.

Among her many skills, Amie is also a yoga teacher.

Ann-Maree Ashburn

Ann-Maree is Director, Strategic and Business Engagement at the University of Sydney. She has over 20 years’ experience in communications, government relations, stakeholder relations, media management and crisis management.

She has worked at a senior level in government, including as a ministerial adviser, and has held senior corporate affairs and communications roles in the corporate and not-for-profit sectors. Her experience extends across industry sectors including energy, education, consumer, financial, infrastructure and technology.

Ann-Maree’s passion is helping companies and individuals tell their story and share their vision.

Jason Linke

Currently Chief Executive Officer of North Bondi RSL, Jason is a dynamic and compassionate leader with 11 years’ experience in the hospitality industry. A lived experience speaker for Batyr, he is passionate about mental health advocacy.

Community and family have always been close to Jason’s heart and his devotion to creating positive impact for communities and individuals, has seen him appointed to directorship positions with Bondi Cottage and the RSL Clubs & Associations Kokoda Youth Leadership Challenge Board.

Jason is a generous supporter of vulnerable communities and has been a participant for four consecutive years in the Vinnies CEO Sleep Out, raising over $55,000 to combat homelessness.

REELise YOUTH

Programs to empower young people need first to listen to them. So, we involve young people in all aspects of what we do.

The REEL Talk Forum is our youth leadership team. They guide development and support delivery of our programs and events, create content and act as online ambassadors to support positive change.

REELise AMBASSADORS

Our Ambassadors understand the pressures today on young people. They are great role models. Each shows the

power of authenticity in living your best online life. Our ambassadors are:

JAKE RICH

Jake is an award-winning Australian You-Tuber, digital artist, travel filmmaker and photographer. He is a pioneer in the action camera filmmaking space and one of Australia’s most popular digital creators. He was the first Australian global ambassador for youth travel company Contiki and is the co-founder of Not Just Colour – an action camera masterclass and platform aiming to inspire the next generation of content creators.

ETCETERA ETCETARA

Etcetera has made a splash in the Australian LGBTQIA+ community for their aesthetic and activism. One of Australia’s most well-known drag artists, they are a popular event host and have featured in multiple stage film and television productions including Season 1 of Ru Paul’s Drag Race Down Under and My Kitchen Rules. A visible non-binary artist, they have created a genuine and vocal fanbase with their humour, intellect and artistry.

ALAN TSIBULYA

Alan is an actor, comedian and social media personality who became an online sensation, challenging social norms with his relatable humour and infectious quirk. Alan was an early member of our youth leadership team creating social media content to inform and inspire and is a regular host and presenter at REELise events. He most recently portrayed Sycophant God in Thor: Love and Thunder.

JENNA HUDSON

Jenna is a presenter, musician and content creator. Australian Supermodel of the Year 2018 and a Miss Universe Finalist, she stepped away from modelling to build the Self Love Club Movement, providing workshops to improve the self-confidence and body image of young people. With a highly engaged young female audience of over one million across TikTok and Instagram, Jenna is passionate about educating and encouraging young people to use social media in a positive way.

OUR PURPOSE