Chairperson

Sean Henbury (FCA, FITA) is a Chartered Accountant with significant experience in public practice with four Perth Accounting firms. A Director at Armada Accountants & Advisors, Sean provides client support, taxation consulting and financial reporting just to name a few working amongst a wide range of industries from research and development to mining, and construction.

With a strong knowledge and understanding of tax, commercial practice and excellent negotiation skills Sean prides himself on providing clarity to complex issues which he learned in his 23 years of public practice.

It’s this work ethic and nurturing of skills that make him a pivotal chairperson and eager to assist in making a difference in the lives of young Australians.

Vice Chairperson

With more than 20 years’ experience as a psychologist and a solid reputation for building workplace culture, effective leadership & high performance, Bec is an integral member of the YAL Board.

As a member of Women on Boards, The Governance Institute of Australia, The Psychology Board of Australia, The Society of Industrial and Organisational Psychology Australia and the Australian Association of Psychologists she brings unique and specialised perspectives to YAL.

Currently managing her own company, On Sixth Business Psychology Services, as well as managing her beautiful family, Bec is insightful and is passionate about giving back to the community and enjoys making a difference in any way she can.

Secretary

Cate has had a long and impactful professional career in local government. She spent 10 years in community development, community and youth services and Aboriginal community development all over the country in WA, ACT, QLD and NSW. Being awarded ‘Outstanding Women in Mining’ in 2014 by the NSW Minerals Council in recognition of her initiatives to build relationships with, and create opportunities for, the Aboriginal communities in NSW

After which she took on CEO at Polly Farmer Foundation (PFF) in 2016 where she first met and learned about YAL and became a vital partner of YAL. 2022 saw her finish this chapter and return to NSW to be closer to her family.

Cate has an invaluable skill set, knowledge and experience to bring to the table that encapsulates YAL values and is an incredible asset to the YAL Board of Directors.

Treasurer

Joining the workforce at just 14 Mick is a hardworking force of nature. At 17 Mick began his service in the Australian Armed Force where he served for 20 years taking discharge in 94’. It was during his service that Mick learned comradery and strength.

After serving his country he saw to it to come home and serve his community. Mick is a long-standing member of Roadwise, Lions Club of Noranda and President of Altone Youth Service to name a few.

2005 saw him elected into the City of Swan Council where he stayed for 12 years and was eventually elected as Deputy Mayor for 6 years and Mayor of the city for 2. Nowadays Mick is retired and a diligent member of the YAL board of directors.

Director

Mike has over 30 years’ experience in the areas of educational management, leadership, consulting and operational project management roles and is currently Deputy Principal at Port School, near Fremantle. Over those years he has specialised in social inclusion, crime reduction and initiatives that work with some of the more marginalised and at-risk young people.

As a husband and father of two, he prides himself in giving above and beyond to the local and international community through his board and charity work. He has been a member of international community service organisations for 30 years including Round Table, Apex and Rotary.

After linking with the YAL Connect program at his school, Mike saw an organisation steeped in history, but also one that has enormous potential to make a difference for those that need it the most and is thrilled to be part of the board as it determines the next steps and future strategic intent.

Director

Chantal’s interest in YAL derives from her family roots in that her great uncle is the founder of YAL, Mr JJ “Boss” Simons. It’s that family connection that drew Chantal onto the YAL board in 2015 and where her passion for making a difference arose.

With 20 years of experience in corporate operations roles in oil and gas, mining and aviation she is currently working in the Qantas Group, after having previously held roles across regulatory compliance, human resources, safety and training for a number of leading companies in Australia.

With family and lineage connection to YAL Chantal is a pivotal and current longest-standing board member, seeing the commencement and growth of YAL as an organisation.

Director

Steph has played an important role in YAL since 2017 when she joined the YAL Connect judging panel, undertaking the incredibly hard job that is the selection process.

She has a long history of involvement in WA’s youth sector, including service with the Youth Affairs Council of WA, WA Youth Parliament, and National Youth Week. In addition to her role on the YAL Board, Steph works in the WA Government, volunteers with other organisations and community programs, and serves as an Auspire Ambassador. She also holds a Diploma of Business (Not-for-Profit Governance) and is a Fellow of the Institute of Community Directors Australia.

Steph is always working to create positive outcomes for the community, and is particularly committed to securing great outcomes for young Australians

Director

Mica is a highly motivated, values based, and outcome focussed leader with extensive experience at the senior executive level in local government leading substantial organisational change, reform, and improvement. Her roles are many and varied including Partner of 30 years, Mother of 4, Grandmother of 3, Daughter, Sister, Niece, Friend, Mentor, Coach, Colleague, and CEO Cairns Regional Council.

My key leadership and life principles are integrity (Say what you mean and mean what you say), authenticity (let your true self shine through) and collaboration (together we make better decisions and achieve greater outcomes).

She is a firm believer in wellness (body, mind and soul) both for the person and the organisations I serve and represent. She puts people first and leads from a perspective of a solutions focus, future-forward, and strengths-based ethos.

Director

Working in the education sector Jodie has a unique and tailored experience with young Australians. Working for many years in teaching and in leadership roles in independent schools she is passionate about improving and providing diverse and tailored learning that prepares our young people.

She is passionate about preparing and encouraging young people to grow through the challenges they face and hopes to assist them in having a healthy and fulfilling life.

Discovering YAL through a friend she saw joining the YAL Board of Directors as a way to better support our young Australia and shape her impact on young people.