Chair

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.

Deputy Chair

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 previous CEO of 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.

Treasurer

Frank first joined YAL in 1959 when he was approached to assist in running the Country Boys Tour, this role continued into a number of tours over the years. He was a member of the YAL Officers and served as its president for a number of years, as well as being a member of the YAL Council (Board). After a time in South Australia for work, he re-joined the YAL Board in the mid-2000s first as Vice Chair and then progressing to Chair.

It was his role as Chair where he guided the organisation to refocus its direction which resulted in the development of the Trust and the scholarship program which is now known as YAL Connect.

Frank has had a varied career; he began as a teacher, then worked in Local Government in WA and SA as Manager, Community Services. He then moved into the ‘not-for-profit’ sector working in aged care, environmental initiatives, women’s health, employment services and dementia care.

Frank has served YAL for close on sixty years and is a life member. One we welcome back with open arms.

Secretary

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

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.

Director

Sarah brings over 16 years of expertise in child and family support services to her leadership role, combining clinical excellence with strategic program management. With a Master’s degree in Speech and Language Therapy and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Philosophy, Sarah has built a meaningful career working with vulnerable populations, including children with disabilities, at-risk youth and foster care families.  

Recognised for her exceptional organisational abilities and collaborative leadership style, Sarah maintains a genuine commitment to creating positive outcomes for young people. As a parent and someone who has held challenging roles throughout her career, Sarah brings a real-world perspective to board discussions. She understands that behind every policy decision are real people whose lives are affected by what the organisation does. 

Through her work in youth mentoring, Sarah has witnessed the value of a young person having someone who believes in them, invests in them and walks with them through life's ups and downs - and how this can significantly change the trajectory of a young person's life for the better.