At Flying Fox, we create programs with and for you. They are never generic, never boring, always memorable.

Every young person has their own story, strengths, challenges and ambitions. That’s where we begin. We care about understanding who our participants are - not just what support they might need.

Our Story

In 2014, our inaugural camp marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey. We embarked on this venture with relentless determination, knocking on doors to gather buddies, participants and supporters to be a part of our little side-project. With a core group of 7 friends, we crafted an amazing experience for those who often miss out.

We had so much fun kayaking, swimming, on the ropes course and singing and dancing at the talent show. But it turned out that we didn’t just build a camp; we created life-changing adventures for 19 young people with disability and 39 young adult volunteers.

Our 4 magical days in Phillip Island were a safe space for people with disability to truly belong, and to come together with their peers to participate meaningfully in the mainstream community.

This experience laid the foundation for the next 10 years of impact and beyond.

Group of seven young adults outdoors holding a Camp Sababa Melbourne banner, surrounded by trees, smiling and posing for a group photo.

Meet the Flying Fox Team

Dean Cohen Dean Cohen

Dean Cohen, Co-CEO

Dean got a bead stuck in his nose in kindergarten.

Giulia Belleflamme Giulia Belleflamme

Giulia Belleflamme, Co-CEO

Giulia speaks french at home.

Jessie Horovitz Jessie Horovitz

Jessie Horovitz, Medical Manager

Jessie’s name is not short for anything – her full name is Jessie!

Bianca Sher Bianca Sher

Bianca Sher, Participant Manager

When Bianca was 3 years-old she saved her house from flooding by telling her mum the dishwasher was vomiting.

Maya Baron Maya Baron

Maya Baron, Education Manager

Maya speaks fluent gibberish.

Jemma Zuker Jemma Zuker

Jemma Zuker, Community & Events Coordinator

Jemma was born with black hair. It fell out and grew back blonde.

Lori Braver Lori Braver

Lori Braver, Volunteer Manager

Lori was born at exactly midnight, so her Mum had to decide her official birthday.

Gabi Belnick Gabi Belnick

Gabi Belnick, Volunteer Coordinator

Gabi won the Flying Fox Academy Award for 'Best Actress in an Office Prank'.

Alice Huxtable Alice Huxtable

Alice Huxtable, Marketing Coordinator

Alice used to work as a professional fairy for children's parties.

Savanna Upiter Savanna Upiter

Savanna Upiter, Education Coordinator

Savanna has blue eyes and red hair, which is the rarest combination a person can have (only a 0.17% chance of being born with both).

Ellah Yaary Ellah Yaary

Ellah Yaary, Hangouts Coordinator

Ellah met Jojo Siwa when she was younger.

Ethan Slender Ethan Slender

Ethan Slender, Office Manager

Ethan has never met Jojo Siwa.

Sami Reichenberg Sami Reichenberg

Sami Reichenberg, Participant Coordinator

Sami is 1 minute older than her twin!

Emily Cassano Emily Cassano

Emily Cassano, Participant Coordinator

In Vanuatu, Em spent her last $5 to meet the 4 lizards, ‘Sponge’, ‘Bob’, ‘Square’ and ‘Pants’.

Jess Andrysik Jess Andrysik

Jess Andrysik, Camp Coordinator

Jess has a Duolingo streak of 2045 days (and counting!).

Morgan Baynash Morgan Baynash

Morgan Baynash, Medical Lead

Morgan has helped deliver 3 babies!.

Amber Bray Amber Bray

Amber Bray, Major Hangouts Coordinator

Amber helped design Prahran High School when she was 12.

Poppy Rauchberger Poppy Rauchberger

Poppy Rauchberger, Camp Coordinator

Hilarious.

Jaimee-Ann Driver Jaimee-Ann Driver

Jaimee-Ann Driver, Scale & System Design Manager

Jaimee and her youngest brother are 27 years apart.

Jeremy Sher Jeremy Sher

Jeremy Sher, Finance & Operations Manager

Jeremy was a ballboy at the Australian open.

Charlotte Kuperholz Charlotte Kuperholz

Charlotte Kuperholz, Volunteer Coordinator

Fun fact pending!

Jack Hart Jack Hart

Jack Hart, Volunteer Coordinator

Fun fact pending!

Meet the Flying Fox Board

Black and white photo of a smiling young man with short hair, wearing a hoodie with an AFL logo.

Nicky Carp
Chair of the Board

Ari Dancziger
Board Member

A man with glasses and dark hair wearing a suit jacket and white shirt, looking serious, sitting at a desk in a bright, modern office.
A black-and-white portrait of a woman with dark hair, smiling, wearing a white shirt and a dark blazer.

John Rizzo
Board Member

Kate Beaconsfield
Board Member

Black and white portrait of a woman with long wavy dark hair, smiling, standing indoors near a window.
Black and white photo of a man with curly hair, glasses, a beard, wearing a suit and tie, smiling in an indoor setting.

Kelly Ludski
Board Member

Michael Fisher
Board Member

A smiling man with a beard and short hair, wearing a light-colored suit jacket and a white shirt, sitting indoors.
Black and white portrait of a smiling woman with long dark hair, wearing a black shirt, against a plain light background.

Wes Old
Board Member

Carly Glasser
Board Observer

A Note from Nicky Carp, Chair of the Board

There are many ways to contribute to a community, but few feel as deeply meaningful as being part of something that genuinely changes lives. Serving as Chair of Flying Fox is one of those privileges.

Flying Fox exists to create social opportunities for young people with disability, building connection, confidence and a genuine sense of belonging. Our mission is grounded in a simple but powerful belief: fun is a human right, and everyone deserves the chance to belong, engage, and thrive.

What inspires me most is that Flying Fox doesn’t just create unforgettable experiences, it shapes a generation of young leaders who understand inclusion, empathy and responsibility. The ripple effect extends far beyond our programs, strengthening connections across friendships and families and quietly reshaping perspectives within communities.

This impact is only possible because of an extraordinary network of volunteers, a deeply committed board, and the passion and leadership of our CEOs and team, supported by the generosity of those who back what we do. Above all, it is possible because of the trust our families and community bestow upon us.

My connection to Flying Fox began a decade ago through my son, who volunteered as a buddy at age 18. Witnessing the care, effort and joy the experience gave him, and the profound impact it had on his growth and character, ultimately led me to become part of this organisation.

Leadership in a not‑for‑profit is often spoken about in terms of governance, strategy and sustainability, and these are, of course, critical. But at Flying Fox, leadership is also about stewardship of something profoundly human: protecting and nurturing a culture where kindness, fun and inclusion are not just values on a page, but lived experiences every day.

It is a privilege to work alongside a board and leadership team who are deeply committed to this mission. Together, we are entrusted with ensuring that Flying Fox not only continues to deliver impact today, but grows sustainably so that many more young people can experience the same sense of connection, joy and belonging into the future.

It’s bold. It’s human. And it genuinely changes lives.