Chief Executive Officer

Tammy-Rae has been involved with YAL for as long as she can remember in one way or another. It wasn’t until 2013 when Tammy-Rae officially joined the YAL family, working at first as an office assistant.

In 2015 she built and pioneered the scholarship program YAL Connect in taking on the project after being promoted to the CEO. 10 years later she is the backbone of the organisation growing from a team of one to now a bustling bunch of 10 employees across 2 states building a community from all walks of life.

Before coming to YAL Tammy-Rae has been involved in numerous management roles, from small businesses to a chain of timber flooring stores. With a background in Education and business and a Bachelor's in Youth Work Tammy-Rae bring specialised values and skills to the YAL family and we wouldn’t be the organisation we are today without her.

Chief Finance Officer

Amanda didn’t follow a traditional path into her CFO role, the experience and insights gleaned from working with numerous businesses in multiple industries and building her own business from the ground up lean into the unique CFO role required at YAL. But it was her investment in the purpose and values of the organisation that made her the best fit for the team.

With a Bachelor’s in Commerce (Entrepreneurship) and is a registered BAS agent with the Tax Practitioners Board with many years of consulting with SMEs under her belt. She is an intelligent and fundamental member of the YAL team.

Amanda is passionate about development and opportunity for young people and is honoured to be able to engage wholeheartedly in the future of YAL.

YAL Cairns Manager

After many years of working in the sports and recreation industry, in 2019 David with his family left for the red sand in Uluru for an experience that few could have. With his hands-on approach and very bad dad jokes, 2021 saw him join the YAL family as the YAL Cairns Manager.

Working with Anglicare and their QHome Program being run out of YAL Cairns Dave is excited for the opportunity to be part of YAL; David is looking forward to seeing what the future brings for everyone involved with the organisation as well as seeing the QHome program develop in Cairns.

Still, not one to give up his sporting ways, In his spare time David still enjoys indoor cricket umpiring at Cairns Indoor Sports Centre as well as helping out with Junior indoor cricket training

Engagement & Communications Officer

Georgie has grown up with the values and teachings of YAL from both her mum, the CEO and her grandfather, Frank Schaper, being Chair of the board for the majority of her childhood.

In 2015 at the age of 14, Georgie created the first promotional video for YAL with the first-ever scholarship recipients, which trajected her into the position she is in today and her chosen field of study.

Being appointed the Communication Coordinator in 2019 after graduating high school Georgie juggles her Bachelor of Communications at Murdoch University and her work with YAL.

She has a passion for seeking and making space for young people in Australia and across the world, a self-proclaimed creative she sees her art and skills as a way to showcase the beauty in the world when one ‘stops to smell the roses.’

Youth Program Coordinator

Jess is a Youth Work graduate from Edith Cowan University who now has the role of Scholarship Coordinator at YAL. She previously completed a Certificate IV in Education Support, and a Diploma in Early Childhood Education just to name a few.

Jess is a well-versed, young person who joined the YAL family in early 2021 and now provided individual holistic support to over 21 of our current scholarship recipients. It is the patience and thoughtfulness that she brings to the role that glues our organisation together.

As a youth worker, her goal is to help vulnerable young people by providing them with the skills and opportunities to make informed choices that will improve their lives.

Facility Support

Joining the team is Cairns in October 2021; Deanna showed her can-do attitude and very strong work ethic straight away.

Dee Dee’s bright attitude and willingness to help others is a joy for all of us at YAL. Having already worked at the premises before when it was known as the Tropicana, Deanna is enjoying her time back; you can always see her singing and dancing while she works.

As a fitness enthusiast, you will often find Deanna walking all over Cairns in her free time, as she says if my legs are not hurting then I have not walked enough.

Facility Support

Cairns born and raised, Raelene has a strong connection to the town, after spending a few years in Townsville, Raelene decided to move back to Cairns to be closer to family.

A loving wife, mother and Grandmother Raelene always wears her heart on her sleeve and continues to show her caring nature while at work with her bright smile to make anyone feel welcome.

Her North Queensland blood always comes out with the support of her Cowboys and knowledge of secret fishing spots in the area with her family during her free time.

Facility Support

Born in Gordonvale just south of Cairns, Merv spent his younger years all over the greater Cairns area including in Atherton and Ravenshoe for schooling years to work with and learn all about horses. A very keen angler,

Merv’s knowledge for the sport can be found just by asking him as long as you have a few hours. Starting with the Cairns team in early 2022 we have watched Merv perform some amazing tasks to keep our gardens looking as good as they do and we are happy to see him continue to grow.

Facility Support

In September of 2022, it was quoted that the Cairns team found its third Angel in Nancy, Growing up on Darnley Island in the Torres Strait, Nancy or Vee as she is called developed a strong tie to community spirit and helping others.

Quick witted and always good for laugh, Vee never shy’s away from her work. In her spare time, she can found in all different spots around Cairns with her family and friends experiencing whatever there is to offer.