Leadership & Governance
Executive Board
Doug Body
Doug works in the STEM sector, and that background has shaped his commitment to creating environments where difficult questions can be explored safely and honestly. His Young Life journey began in 2002 when he was asked to drive a bus to YL Summer Camp. There he was struck by the organisation’s deep commitment to young people and its ministry approach of “earning the right to be heard.” Since then, Doug has served in a range of roles at Summer Camp, Club volunteering, as a Donor, and chairing the local support committee.
Simon Brown
Simon has been a part of Young Life since 2012 when he was involved in starting up the Hobart area. He spent time serving at Summer camp, doing pancakes in schools, being a part of club leadership and all parts of the Hobart area operations. This experience allows him to have a very grounded approach to board issues as he has a great understanding of the field operations that make up the ministry day to day.
Simon has been actively involved in his local church over the years including playing sport as part of two different prison ministry programs, youth leadership including camps (where he met his wife) church eldership and young adult leadership. Throughout most of his ministry experience, Simon has shown significant strength in, and passion for pastoral care, particularly for leadership teams.
Simon has been married to Inge for almost 25 years and they have 3 kids. Together they currently lead the Committee team for the Young Life Hobart area.
Cathy Buining
Cathy is an executive leader with experience across government and the for-purpose sectors. Her core expertise includes enterprise strategy, governance, transformation, and partnerships. She is currently Director, Enterprise Strategy with a government agency.
Her passion for social justice, community development, and seeing young people thrive aligns naturally with Young Life's vision to see more young people known by name.
Cathy attends Northside Baptist Church in Sydney and is raising three high-school-aged boys with her husband, Hindrik.
Mike Gaffney
​Mike Gaffney has served as the Senior Vice President for Young Life’s Asia Pacific Division since 2019. He joined the organization in 2007 to lead the expansion of Young Life to the collegiate level, both in the US and globally. Prior to his work with Young Life, Mike served as a university pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Boulder, Colorado and University Presbyterian Church in Seattle, Washington. He is an alumnus of the University of Washington and holds and Master of Theology from Fuller Seminary. He has been married to his wife and ministry partner Shari for 40 years. They have three daughters and two son-in-laws; Olivia (Ryan), Lily (Kyle), and Sophia.​
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Vicki Rochow
Vicki is deeply passionate about supporting young people through their teenage years. With over a decade of involvement in Young Life Barossa – as a former Area Manager, active committee member, and mentor – she has dedicated herself to guiding and empowering youth. As a Youth Worker, Vicki plays a vital role in fostering connections through well-being initiatives, providing mentorship, and equipping young leaders. Her extensive experience, combined with a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of running a Young Life area, makes her a valuable asset to the community.​
Ben Staunton
Ben grew up in Armidale in northern NSW and first heard the message of Jesus’ love through Young Life Armidale. After becoming a Christian at UNE and working briefly as an accountant, he joined Young Life staff and served as Armidale area manager for four years. He also served on the national Board and re-joined staff as a Sydney Area manager and Regional Manager in 2016 for three years after completing a Bachelor of Theology at Moore Theological College.
In 2021 he moved to Darwin, NT and helped set-up ConnectNT. ConnectNT is a mission organisation seeking to share the love of Jesus with people in Darwin and the wider Northern Territory. He is currently serving as senior staff worker and is also a member of Christchurch Anglican Cathedral, Darwin.
Country Director
Kelly Winiata
Kelly Winiata serves as the Country Director of Young Life Australia, providing leadership to the organisation while championing the growth and development of ministry teams across the country. She is passionate about building strong foundations that enable Young Life to reach more young people, develop leaders, and strengthen communities.
Having been connected to Young Life for many years, Kelly believes deeply in the power of showing up, building authentic relationships, and walking alongside young people as they discover purpose, belonging, and hope.
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Kelly and her husband, Richard, are raising their three children, all of whom are actively involved in the life of Young Life. As a family, they love embracing adventure, creating memories together, and investing in the communities they serve.