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WHO WE ARE
Confit Pathways is an Australian registered charity that works with incarcerated and at-risk young people through fitness training and mentoring. Everyone that works with us has lived experience of the justice space.
Our Board.
Joe Kwon
Founder
Joe Kwon is a social entrepreneur and the founder of Confit Pathways. Joe was sentenced to 13 years in prison at age 21 for directing a criminal enterprise, Joe transformed his life through the mentorship he received during his incarceration. Inspired by the positive change mentorship brought to his life, Joe now dedicates himself to mentoring and empowering incarcerated youth and youth at risk of incarceration.
Joe is a 2022 Westpac social change scholar, a fitness coach and an advocate for positive social change bringing innovative solutions for justice reform. Joe combines fitness, education, and community support to not just help young people but all individuals who have been affected by the justice system to build a
positive future and successfully reintegrate into society.
Joe's ability to connect with individuals with lived prison experience and his unwavering commitment to social change has led Joe to deliver fitness programs in prisons and communities around the world helping people from all walks of life to “Train To Be Free”, but most importantly he is making a significant impact on Australia's youth justice system.
Joe Kwon is a social entrepreneur and the founder of Confit Pathways. Joe was sentenced to 13 years in prison at age 21 for directing a criminal enterprise, Joe transformed his life through the mentorship he received during his incarceration. Inspired by the positive change mentorship brought to his life, Joe now dedicates himself to mentoring and empowering incarcerated youth and youth at risk of incarceration.
Joe is a 2022 Westpac social change scholar, a fitness coach and an advocate for positive social change bringing innovative solutions for justice reform. Joe combines fitness, education, and community support to not just help young people but all individuals who have been affected by the justice system to build a
positive future and successfully reintegrate into society.
Joe's ability to connect with individuals with lived prison experience and his unwavering commitment to social change has led Joe to deliver fitness programs in prisons and communities around the world helping people from all walks of life to “Train To Be Free”, but most importantly he is making a significant impact on Australia's youth justice system.
Tim Laporte
Chair
Tim Laporte has spent nearly two decades as a thinking partner to senior leaders navigating complexity, transition, and the moments that matter most. As co-founder of Leadership Partners, he works at the intersection of systems thinking, human development, and strategic clarity - helping executives and teams see what's actually happening, name it, and move.
His commitment to the justice sector runs deep. As Chairman of Prisoners Aid Association NSW for close to a decade, he guided the organisation through significant reinvention, building social enterprise capability to support people rebuilding their lives after prison.
Tim brings a rare combination: commercial edge from years leading fast-growth businesses, academic rigour from his time as Adjunct Faculty at AGSM, and the relational depth that comes from thousands of hours in the room with leaders doing hard things.
Tim Laporte has spent nearly two decades as a thinking partner to senior leaders navigating complexity, transition, and the moments that matter most. As co-founder of Leadership Partners, he works at the intersection of systems thinking, human development, and strategic clarity - helping executives and teams see what's actually happening, name it, and move.
His commitment to the justice sector runs deep. As Chairman of Prisoners Aid Association NSW for close to a decade, he guided the organisation through significant reinvention, building social enterprise capability to support people rebuilding their lives after prison.
Tim brings a rare combination: commercial edge from years leading fast-growth businesses, academic rigour from his time as Adjunct Faculty at AGSM, and the relational depth that comes from thousands of hours in the room with leaders doing hard things.
Tony Sinclair
Treasurer
Tony Sinclair has an 18-year career as founder and director of 3 companies and has raised $9 million in investment. He has direct experience in venture capital and grants, market entry for regulated products in Australia, overseas business models and investment due diligence.
As an accelerating commercialisation facilitator, Tony advised and guided clients in medtech, agtech and climate tech on their journeys to commercialise. His guidance included: governance, financial modelling, and regulation.
Tony works with mission-driven incubators and venture capital. He has advised non-profits on blended finance deals up to $21 million and now consults on acquisitions and negotiations for social impact companies.
Tony volunteers on the Board of Confit Pathways, a non-profit that runs programs to keep kids out of youth detention.
Tony holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney.
Tony Sinclair has an 18-year career as founder and director of 3 companies and has raised $9 million in investment. He has direct experience in venture capital and grants, market entry for regulated products in Australia, overseas business models and investment due diligence.
As an accelerating commercialisation facilitator, Tony advised and guided clients in medtech, agtech and climate tech on their journeys to commercialise. His guidance included: governance, financial modelling, and regulation.
Tony works with mission-driven incubators and venture capital. He has advised non-profits on blended finance deals up to $21 million and now consults on acquisitions and negotiations for social impact companies.
Tony volunteers on the Board of Confit Pathways, a non-profit that runs programs to keep kids out of youth detention.
Tony holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney.
Lorana Bartels
Board Member
Lorana is a Professor of Criminology at Australian National University, Adjunct Professor of Law at University of Canberra and University of Tasmania, and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law. She brings more than 25 years’ experience across the criminal justice system, including advising justice agencies throughout Australia. Lorana also serves as a Director of the Justice Reform Initiative, and has previously contributed as a board member of the school at the ACT youth detention centre and Prisoners Aid ACT.
Her depth of expertise and commitment to evidence-based reform will be a valuable addition to our work supporting young people in the justice system.
Lorana is a Professor of Criminology at Australian National University, Adjunct Professor of Law at University of Canberra and University of Tasmania, and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law. She brings more than 25 years’ experience across the criminal justice system, including advising justice agencies throughout Australia. Lorana also serves as a Director of the Justice Reform Initiative, and has previously contributed as a board member of the school at the ACT youth detention centre and Prisoners Aid ACT.
Her depth of expertise and commitment to evidence-based reform will be a valuable addition to our work supporting young people in the justice system.
Michael Willing APM
Board Member
Michael Willing is CEO of Fortem Australia, a leading not-for-profit supporting first responders and their families. A former NSW Deputy Police Commissioner with over 31 years of service, Michael held senior roles including Commander of the Homicide Squad, head of Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command, and Deputy Commissioner of Regional NSW Field Operations — leading a workforce of more than 5,800 personnel. He also served as State Recovery Coordinator following the 2019/2022 bushfire disasters, overseeing a whole-of-government and ADF taskforce. Following his retirement from policing, Michael held the role of Managing Director – National Security and Public Safety with Accenture, before founding specialist advisory firm The Peelian Group in 2024.
Michael holds an MBA, a Master of Public Administration, and a Harvard Business School executive qualification among numerous academic credentials. He serves on several boards and advisory committees, and has received multiple honours including the Australian Police Medal in the 2016 Queen's Birthday Honours List. A proud Dubbo local, Michael is passionately purpose-driven and committed to helping others live meaningful lives.
Michael Willing is CEO of Fortem Australia, a leading not-for-profit supporting first responders and their families. A former NSW Deputy Police Commissioner with over 31 years of service, Michael held senior roles including Commander of the Homicide Squad, head of Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command, and Deputy Commissioner of Regional NSW Field Operations — leading a workforce of more than 5,800 personnel. He also served as State Recovery Coordinator following the 2019/2022 bushfire disasters, overseeing a whole-of-government and ADF taskforce. Following his retirement from policing, Michael held the role of Managing Director – National Security and Public Safety with Accenture, before founding specialist advisory firm The Peelian Group in 2024.
Michael holds an MBA, a Master of Public Administration, and a Harvard Business School executive qualification among numerous academic credentials. He serves on several boards and advisory committees, and has received multiple honours including the Australian Police Medal in the 2016 Queen's Birthday Honours List. A proud Dubbo local, Michael is passionately purpose-driven and committed to helping others live meaningful lives.
Sheela Maji
Board Member
Sheela Maji brings 20+ years’ experience in business development and technology service delivery, across commercial and public-sector outsourced services. Sheela has led teams across Australia, Asia Pacific region and the United Kingdom, while working with Hewlett-Packard and Serco Plc.
Sheela volunteers on the Board of Confit Pathways, a non-profit that runs programs to keep youth and young adults out of detention. She brings experience in technology and service programs in regulated and highly secure environments such as justice, defence, health and citizen services.
Sheela is an alumna of the Harvard Business School and holds an MBA from Australian Graduate School of Management (UNSW).
Sheela Maji brings 20+ years’ experience in business development and technology service delivery, across commercial and public-sector outsourced services. Sheela has led teams across Australia, Asia Pacific region and the United Kingdom, while working with Hewlett-Packard and Serco Plc.
Sheela volunteers on the Board of Confit Pathways, a non-profit that runs programs to keep youth and young adults out of detention. She brings experience in technology and service programs in regulated and highly secure environments such as justice, defence, health and citizen services.
Sheela is an alumna of the Harvard Business School and holds an MBA from Australian Graduate School of Management (UNSW).
Andrew Kabega
Company Secretary
Andrew is a Company Secretary and Solicitor with Boardroom Pty Limited and is an admitted solicitor with over 15 years of governance experience. Andrew is a trusted adviser to boards and executive management of private, public and ASX-listed companies across diverse industries. Andrew has a wealth of expertise in corporate governance best practice, compliance with ASX Listing Rules and the Corporations Act. He has a strong background in the management of corporate and capital raising transactions, mergers and acquisitions, coordinating the listing process and IPO related requirements.
Prior to joining Boardroom, Andrew was Assistant Company Secretary at Perpetual Limited, Company Secretary at another professional services organization assisting a wide range of clients and was Senior Listings Adviser at the ASX, advising on ASX Listing Rules compliance including continuous and periodic disclosure obligations, related party transactions, IPOs, capital raisings and other corporate transactions.
Andrew holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from University of Pretoria, South Africa and a Masters in Banking and Finance Regulation from Macquarie University. Andrew holds a Graduate Diploma in Corporate Governance.
Andrew is a Company Secretary and Solicitor with Boardroom Pty Limited and is an admitted solicitor with over 15 years of governance experience. Andrew is a trusted adviser to boards and executive management of private, public and ASX-listed companies across diverse industries. Andrew has a wealth of expertise in corporate governance best practice, compliance with ASX Listing Rules and the Corporations Act. He has a strong background in the management of corporate and capital raising transactions, mergers and acquisitions, coordinating the listing process and IPO related requirements.
Prior to joining Boardroom, Andrew was Assistant Company Secretary at Perpetual Limited, Company Secretary at another professional services organization assisting a wide range of clients and was Senior Listings Adviser at the ASX, advising on ASX Listing Rules compliance including continuous and periodic disclosure obligations, related party transactions, IPOs, capital raisings and other corporate transactions.
Andrew holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from University of Pretoria, South Africa and a Masters in Banking and Finance Regulation from Macquarie University. Andrew holds a Graduate Diploma in Corporate Governance.
Our Staff.
Mentors
Danielle Hogan
Mentor
Danielle is a mentor, trainer, SMART recovery facilitator and public speaker with a Certificate III in Community Services who draws on her lived experience in her work. She started the InsideOut mentoring initiative to support young people, particularly young women, in rebuilding identity, developing accountability, and discovering what’s possible beyond their circumstances.
Danielle is a mentor, trainer, SMART recovery facilitator and public speaker with a Certificate III in Community Services who draws on her lived experience in her work. She started the InsideOut mentoring initiative to support young people, particularly young women, in rebuilding identity, developing accountability, and discovering what’s possible beyond their circumstances.
Daniel Parks
Mentor
Daniel is a mentor at Confit Pathways and a youth justice case worker who combines professional expertise and lived experience to create practical, trauma-informed pathways that empower young people, and support meaningful, long-term outcomes.
Daniel is a mentor at Confit Pathways and a youth justice case worker who combines professional expertise and lived experience to create practical, trauma-informed pathways that empower young people, and support meaningful, long-term outcomes.
Hamilton Hughes
Mentor
Hamilton grew up in the juvenile and adult justice systems, and has over a decade in the fitness industry with high-level rugby league experience. He mentors young people, using sport and training to build accountability, resilience, and show that past mistakes do not define one’s future.
Hamilton grew up in the juvenile and adult justice systems, and has over a decade in the fitness industry with high-level rugby league experience. He mentors young people, using sport and training to build accountability, resilience, and show that past mistakes do not define one’s future.
Junior Aquila
Mentor
Junior brings lived experience alongside professional insight to his work with young people and communities facing disadvantage. He is committed to creating practical, trauma-informed supports that promote accountability, growth, and long-term positive change.
Junior brings lived experience alongside professional insight to his work with young people and communities facing disadvantage. He is committed to creating practical, trauma-informed supports that promote accountability, growth, and long-term positive change.
Moana Saiz-Rutene
Mentor
Moana is a lived experience mentor, qualified personal trainer, SMART recovery facilitator, and sports nutritionist. She draws on her own experiences to support young people navigating life’s challenges, using consistency, positive role modelling, and genuine connection to help them discover new pathways.
Moana is a lived experience mentor, qualified personal trainer, SMART recovery facilitator, and sports nutritionist. She draws on her own experiences to support young people navigating life’s challenges, using consistency, positive role modelling, and genuine connection to help them discover new pathways.
Tara Bentley
Mentor
Tara is a mentor with Confit Pathways who draws on her lived experience of overcoming 15 years of addiction.She is currently completing her nursing degree specialising in Mental Health, to support young people in seeing that change is possible and the past does not define their future.
Tara is a mentor with Confit Pathways who draws on her lived experience of overcoming 15 years of addiction.She is currently completing her nursing degree specialising in Mental Health, to support young people in seeing that change is possible and the past does not define their future.
Vi Long
Mentor
Vi has been a fitness coach for over a decade, is a SMART Recovery facilitator, and a Confit Pathways youth mentor. He uses fitness, nutrition, and mindset coaching to help young people and adults in the justice system build discipline, confidence, and lasting positive habits.
Vi has been a fitness coach for over a decade, is a SMART Recovery facilitator, and a Confit Pathways youth mentor. He uses fitness, nutrition, and mindset coaching to help young people and adults in the justice system build discipline, confidence, and lasting positive habits.
Anthony Jones
Mentor
Anthony Jones is an evangelist, speaker, and founder of No Chance Movement, a faith-based ministry dedicated to helping people discover that no one is beyond redemption.
Born into a world shaped by addiction, violence, abuse, and instability, AJ's life followed a path that led him into the criminal justice system at an early age. He ultimately spent 17½ years incarcerated, including 14 consecutive years in prison for murder. For much of his life, he believed he was destined to repeat the same generational cycles that had defined his family.
Everything changed when AJ encountered Jesus Christ while in prison.
What began as a personal journey of faith became a complete transformation of identity, purpose, and direction. Through Christ, AJ confronted his past, took responsibility for his actions, and began the lifelong process of healing from trauma, breaking generational cycles, and rebuilding his life from the inside out.
While incarcerated, AJ completed a Bachelor of Ministry and is currently undertaking a Master of Ministry. Today, he serves as an evangelist, speaker, mentor, and advocate for faith-based transformation, using both his education and lived experience to reach people who feel forgotten, written off, or trapped by their circumstances.
As the founder of No Chance Movement, AJ's mission is to bring hope, truth, and practical tools for transformation to those inside prisons, juvenile justice settings, churches, recovery programs, and communities across Australia. Through speaking engagements, mentoring, and the No Chance Podcast, he shares a message that extends far beyond prison walls—reaching anyone who believes their past has disqualified them from a different future.
AJ's story is living proof that transformation is possible. His passion is helping others discover that their circumstances do not define them, their past does not have to determine their future, and that through Jesus Christ, redemption is available to all.
No chance with man. Every chance with God.
Anthony Jones is an evangelist, speaker, and founder of No Chance Movement, a faith-based ministry dedicated to helping people discover that no one is beyond redemption.
Born into a world shaped by addiction, violence, abuse, and instability, AJ's life followed a path that led him into the criminal justice system at an early age. He ultimately spent 17½ years incarcerated, including 14 consecutive years in prison for murder. For much of his life, he believed he was destined to repeat the same generational cycles that had defined his family.
Everything changed when AJ encountered Jesus Christ while in prison.
What began as a personal journey of faith became a complete transformation of identity, purpose, and direction. Through Christ, AJ confronted his past, took responsibility for his actions, and began the lifelong process of healing from trauma, breaking generational cycles, and rebuilding his life from the inside out.
While incarcerated, AJ completed a Bachelor of Ministry and is currently undertaking a Master of Ministry. Today, he serves as an evangelist, speaker, mentor, and advocate for faith-based transformation, using both his education and lived experience to reach people who feel forgotten, written off, or trapped by their circumstances.
As the founder of No Chance Movement, AJ's mission is to bring hope, truth, and practical tools for transformation to those inside prisons, juvenile justice settings, churches, recovery programs, and communities across Australia. Through speaking engagements, mentoring, and the No Chance Podcast, he shares a message that extends far beyond prison walls—reaching anyone who believes their past has disqualified them from a different future.
AJ's story is living proof that transformation is possible. His passion is helping others discover that their circumstances do not define them, their past does not have to determine their future, and that through Jesus Christ, redemption is available to all.
No chance with man. Every chance with God.
Joshua Hamlin
Mentor.
Board Member.
Joshua is a proud Indigenous man who grew up in the inner-city suburbs of Waterloo and Redfern.
From an early age, he was exposed to drugs, crime, and domestic violence, experiences that ultimately led to his own incarceration for seven and a half years.
Rather than allowing his past to define him, Joshua has transformed his lived experience into a powerful tool for positive change.
Today, he serves as the Program Manager and Mentor for the Never Going Back Program with the Tribal Warrior Organisation, supporting current adult inmates as they transition from custody back into family life and the community. His work focuses on reducing recidivism, promoting health and wellbeing through boxing and mental health programs, and creating training and employment pathways that lead to sustainable employment outcomes upon release.
Passionate about helping others break cycles of disadvantage, Joshua uses his personal journey to inspire and empower those facing similar challenges.
Through mentoring, guidance, and practical support, he encourages individuals to make positive choices and build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
As a valued member of the Confit Pathways team,
Joshua feels privileged to support and mentor juveniles and young offenders. By sharing his story and leading by example, he strives to be the strong role model he never had growing up. His commitment is to help young people recognise their potential, build resilience, and create opportunities for lasting success, regardless of their circumstances.
Board Member.
Joshua is a proud Indigenous man who grew up in the inner-city suburbs of Waterloo and Redfern.
From an early age, he was exposed to drugs, crime, and domestic violence, experiences that ultimately led to his own incarceration for seven and a half years.
Rather than allowing his past to define him, Joshua has transformed his lived experience into a powerful tool for positive change.
Today, he serves as the Program Manager and Mentor for the Never Going Back Program with the Tribal Warrior Organisation, supporting current adult inmates as they transition from custody back into family life and the community. His work focuses on reducing recidivism, promoting health and wellbeing through boxing and mental health programs, and creating training and employment pathways that lead to sustainable employment outcomes upon release.
Passionate about helping others break cycles of disadvantage, Joshua uses his personal journey to inspire and empower those facing similar challenges.
Through mentoring, guidance, and practical support, he encourages individuals to make positive choices and build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
As a valued member of the Confit Pathways team,
Joshua feels privileged to support and mentor juveniles and young offenders. By sharing his story and leading by example, he strives to be the strong role model he never had growing up. His commitment is to help young people recognise their potential, build resilience, and create opportunities for lasting success, regardless of their circumstances.
Operations
Melissa Prior
Operations Executive
Mel is an operations executive with more than 10 years' experience strengthening the foundations of not-for-profit and purpose-led organisations in Australia and globally. She was most recently Director of Technology and Transformation at The Sunrise Project, where she rebuilt core operational systems, and transformed ways of working across 170 staff in 20 countries, and has held senior roles at the Sydney Opera House and St George Community Housing.
At Confit Pathways, Mel works with the Executive Team to design the operational systems that let programs scale, strengthening processes, grant management and impact reporting so we can reach more young people, in more places and our mentors can stay focused on the young people they work with.
Mel is an operations executive with more than 10 years' experience strengthening the foundations of not-for-profit and purpose-led organisations in Australia and globally. She was most recently Director of Technology and Transformation at The Sunrise Project, where she rebuilt core operational systems, and transformed ways of working across 170 staff in 20 countries, and has held senior roles at the Sydney Opera House and St George Community Housing.
At Confit Pathways, Mel works with the Executive Team to design the operational systems that let programs scale, strengthening processes, grant management and impact reporting so we can reach more young people, in more places and our mentors can stay focused on the young people they work with.
Annie McCallum
Finance Manager
Annie is the Finance Manager at Confit Pathways, overseeing financial governance, reporting, and long-term sustainability. She brings experience in not-for-profit finance, including budgeting, compliance, and grant reporting. Working closely with the leadership team, Annie ensures financial systems are clear, accountable, and aligned with the organisation’s mission.
Her work supports Confit Pathways to deliver high-quality programs and create positive outcomes for young people.
Annie is the Finance Manager at Confit Pathways, overseeing financial governance, reporting, and long-term sustainability. She brings experience in not-for-profit finance, including budgeting, compliance, and grant reporting. Working closely with the leadership team, Annie ensures financial systems are clear, accountable, and aligned with the organisation’s mission.
Her work supports Confit Pathways to deliver high-quality programs and create positive outcomes for young people.
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