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.

Vice Chair

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.

Secretary

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.

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.

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

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

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 searved as its president for a number of years before joining the 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 scholarships. Of which we now know to be YAL Connect.

Frank has had a varied carreer he began as a Teacher, working in Local Governments in WA and SA as a Recruitment Manager. He then moved into the 'not-for-profit' sector working in aged car, environnmental iniatives, womans 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.