The 4Cs leadership team brings together a diverse range of professional, cultural, and lived experiences united by a shared commitment to empowering young people, strengthening communties, and celebrating cultural identity. With backgrounds spanning education, communtiy services, youth development, buisness management, health and wellbeing, event delivery, governance, and cultural leadership, our team works collaboratively to create meaningful opportunities that inspire creativity, build confidence, and foster lasting community connections. Together, we are committed to ensuring that 4Cs continues to provide safe, inclusive, and impactful programs that support future generations to learn, lead, and thrive.
Laitini Matautia-Ulugia is the Founder and Director of 4Cs- Cultivating Creative Cultures with Communities, as an experienced educator and community leader with over 20 years of experience, Laitini has dedicated her career to championing student voices, cultural identity, and applied learning opportunities that inspire young people to lead with confidence and purpose.
Drawing on her extensive background in education, including teaching English, Humanities, VCAL, and VCE Vocational Major programs, Laitini established 4Cs with a vision of creating meaningful platforms where students can showcase their talents celebrate their cultural identities, and develop real-world skills through Performing Arts, Literacy, Visual Arts, and community-based learning.
Under her leadership, and with the support of a dedicated team, the 4Cs Showcase has grown into a recognised program embedded within VCE Vocational Major learning across Victorian Schools. Over the years, 4Cs has collaborated with schools, local councils, cultural organisations, and community partners throughout Victoria to create opportunities that strengthen community connections and empower future generations.
The impact of Laitini's work has been recognised through partnerships with organisations including the City of Casey, VicHealth, Bunjil Place, and State Library Victoria. Through her commitment to education, culture and community development, she continues to lead initiatives that bridge the gap between schools and communities. Ensuring that every person feels seen, valued, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Willie Alefaio serves as Treasurer of 4Cs, bringing a strong commitment to faith, community, and service. He is a proud holder of the Leota a Alii title from Gautavai, Savai'i, through his father-in-law's family and has cultural connections across Samoa, Tonga and Fiji.
Professionally, Willie works as an NDIS Support Provider specialising in Community and Recreation, where he is passionalte about supporting individuals to build confidence, independance, and meaningful community connectinos. His people- focused approach aligns closley with the values of 4Cs. Outside of his professional and community roles, Willie enjoys music and plays the guitar, follows sport as a dedicated Melbourne Storm supporter, and has a deep interest in Biblical studies, Samoan language and chiefly protocols, politics, travel, and garnedning. Known for his positive outlook and sense of humour, Willie believes that laughter is an important part of life and values creating spaces where people feel connected, supported and empowered.
Stephanie serves as Business Manager for 4Cs, bringing a unique blend of educational expertise, creative leadership, and large-scale event management experience to the organisation. With a Bachelor of Music Performance and a backgound as a professional singer, Stephanie combines creativity, strategic thinking, and a passion for empowering others in everything she does.
Professionally, Stephanie works within the education sector, supporting students with diverse learning needs to build confidence, independance, and pathways for future success. Her commitment to inclusive education and student wellbeing aligns strongly with the values and vision of 4Cs. In addition to her work in education, she has extensive experience working at major music festivals and nationally recognised sporting events, including the Australian Open, providing valuable insights into event operations, stakeholder engagement, and large-scale program delivery.
Having grown up between Melbourne and her family farm in regional Victoria, Stephanie developed a strong appreciation for communty, resilience, and the importance of creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds. These values continue to shape her approach to leadership and communitiy engagement.
As Business Manager, Stephanie supports the strategic growth, operational development, and long-term sustainability of 4Cs, helping strengthen the organisation's capacity to deliver meaningful programs and create lasting impact within diverse communties. Outside of her professional roles, she enjoys country music, fitness, spending time with family, and pursuing a life that reflects her values, passions, and commitment to personal growth.
Rex Ulugia serves as OHS Officer for 4Cs, providing leadership in workplace health and safety, risk management, and participant wellbeing across the organisation's programs and events. Proudly Samoan, Rex holds two respected orator titles through his maternal family: Tu'umali'i of Tangamanono and Lapale of Fasito'o'uta, reflecting his strong cultural heritage and commitment to service.
In his role with 4Cs. Rex is responsible for supporting the safe and effective delivery of community-based activities by implementing safety procedures, contributing to risk management planning, and helping to create environments that are inclusive, respectful, and culturally safe for all participants. His practical approach and strong sense of responsibility ensures that the wellbeing of young people, families, volunteers, and community members remains a priority.
Beyond his work in health and safety, Rex is passionate about community development, personal wellbeing, and empowering others to reach their full potential. He has a strong interest in health, fitness and believes that discipline, resilience, and positive lifestyle choices play an important role in building stronger individuals and communities.
Through his leadership and commitment to service, Rex contributes to the ongoing success of 4Cs by helping create safe, supportive, and empowering spaces where young people and communities can connect, learn and thrive.
Brenda Afoa serves as Personal Assistant and Secretary for 4Cs, providing administrative, operational, and governance support to the organisation's leadership and community initiatives. Brenda brings extensive experience across community services, youth development, education and cultural engagement. With ancestral roots in Solosolo and Samatau, Upolu, Samoa. Brenda was born and raised in Porirua, Wellington, New Zeland and has called Melbourne home since 2012.
Her background includes roles in aged care, youth mentoring, youth justice, educational support. Alongside her professional experience, Brenda has actively volunteered within Pacific community organisations and cultural groups, facilitating arts and crafts workshops, teaching traditional cultural attire, supporting community events and contributing to initiatives that promote cultural identity, heritage preservation, and community wellbeing.
As part of the 4Cs team, Brenda plays a key role in the organisational administration, stakeholder engagement, partnerships, and project coordination. She is committed to supporting culturally grounded, youth-led initiaitives that celebrate creativity, strengthen cultural connections, and create meaningful opportunities for future generations.
Outside of her work, Brenda is deeply committed to her family, community, and cultural heritage. She is passionate about preserving and celebrating Pacific culture through active community involvement, cultural events, historial research, and intergenerational knowledge sharing. Brenda believes in the importance of empowering future generations to understand their identity, embrace their heritage, and carry forward the values, traditions, and stories that strengthen families and communities.
Ian Mortlock serves as IT and Program Support for 4Cs, providing technical expertise, digital resources management, and operational support across the organisation's programs and events. With Dutch and British heritage, Ian brings a strong commitment to education, youth development, and community service.
An educator since 2019, Ian is passionate about supporting young people to develop confidence, practical skills, and pathways for future success. He has also served as a Scout Leader within the City of Casey since 2011, mentoring and guiding young people through leadership development, community engagement, and personal growth opportunities.
Ian first became involved with 4Cs in 2025 through Narre Warren South P-12 College's Vocational Major program, supporting the annual 4Cs Showcase and student-led initiatives. Since then, he has continued to play an important role behind the scenes, contributing his expertise to the delivery and success of 4Cs programs and events.
Within the 4Cs team, Ian oversees digital systems, technology resources and organisational assets, while also providing program support to showcase productions and the Narre Warren Sotuh P-12 College VET Active Volunteering students. His dedication to youth empowerment, education, and community participation helps strengthen the impact of 4Cs and its commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young people.
4CS COMMITTEE MEMBERS
President of the school Council for Westall Secondary College
Johnny Balalovski is committed to education, collaboration, and positive community outcomes. With a decade of experience serving as School Council President at Westall Secondary College, Johnny has demonstrated strong leadership, a passion for bringing people together, and a practical approach to solving problems.
He is dedicated to creating opportunities for others and driving meaningful results through service, teamwork, and community-focused leafership. Jognny continues to be passionate about making a lasting impact by supporting initiatives that strengthen education and empower the wider community.
Teacher at Lyndhurst Secondary College
Helene is a teacher and active 4Cs committee member who supports the delivery of 4Cs programs within her school community. She is also a passionate advocate and volunteer, contributing her time and care on showcase nights and community events to help create meaningful opportunities for young people.