OUR TEAM

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Our Team

Our Directors

Bruce Anderson

Chairman

Bruce Anderson

Chairman

Bruce is a highly experienced business leader who has successfully combined his 20+ years in senior executive roles at ASX and global companies with a broad contribution within the community sector. He is a community builder having held a variety of roles in organisations to create a better world. Bruce is most passionate and experienced in supporting secondary school students successfully transition to university then work and develop their leadership capabilities.

Bruce is currently Chairman of Ourschools Advisory Group, Chairman of Wesley Church UCA Congregation, and a Trustee of the Anglesea SLSC Foundation. Bruce is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and an alumnus of the Williamson Community Leadership Program.

Bernadette Lloyd

Director

Bernadette Lloyd

Director

Bernie Lloyd is the Chair of Bank First (formerly VTMB) and moved into corporate governance after 30 years in education in Victoria with the final 16 years in leadership positions. She understands the interdependence between schools and their communities and how high levels of trust enable productivity. She taught at her country high school for twenty years where she facilitated learning experiences for her students which gave them the capacity to enrich their own communities as well as preparing them for the world beyond their rural locale. Her leadership expertise resides in long-term strategic planning, building capacity in teams and sustaining and expanding growth in organisations.

Mandy Hutchinson

Director

Mandy Hutchinson

Director

Mandy has recently started as CEO at Bendigo Community Health Services, after 6 years at CEO at Northern District Community Health. Previously, Mandy worked in local government, as Director of Community Wellbeing at Gannawarra Shire Council. Mandy is passionate about rural and regional communities and in strengthening health equity.

Mandy’s standout qualities include positivity and skills in building collaborative, respectful partnerships and using these strengths to have the greatest effect for rural and regional communities. She is passionate about supporting future rural and regional young people to be the best they can be, through supportive access to education and work opportunities. The next generation will be our future workforce and we need to invest in their success.

Mandy is a graduate and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Lisa McKenzie OAM

Director

Lisa McKenzie OAM

Director

Lisa is a Shepparton based founder and change leader committed to improving equity, access and opportunity.

She has been a journalist and Editor of the Country News, and Executive Officer of Goulburn Murray Community Leadership and the Community Fund GV.

Lisa co-founded and became the inaugural EO of the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project in 2014.

She also co-founded Shepparton Foodshare; RiverConnect; Ken Sampson Leadership Trust; and Lift Off Scholarships.

When Shepparton faced a COVID food emergency, she co-founded and lead the GV Cares initiative that saw food and essentials dropped to 2,000 households of more than 6,000 people over the course of a week.

Lisa Chairs La Trobe University Shepparton Regional Advisory Board and is Chair of Ladies Who Lunch, a cancer fundraiser.

In June 2024 Lisa was awarded an OAM for services to the Shepparton community.

Bob Yeates

Director

Bob is the Managing Director of East Gippsland Newspapers and James Yeates and Sons Pty Ltd at Bairnsdale, an Australian family business established in 1897.

After completing his schooling and experience in Melbourne at Prahan College and RMIT (Advertising), Bob returned to the family business in the early 80’s and completed an apprenticeship in printing.

On a local level, Bob has been involved in football, tennis, golf and kayak committees as well as being foundation Chair of the East Gippsland Rail Trail, Toastmasters Bairnsdale and founding committee member of Bairnsdale Sunrise Rotary (20 years a member and a PH F.). More recently he was a member of East Gippsland Rotary Fire Aid Committee and a foundation committee member of Bairnsdale YMCA.

A past committee member of the Victorian Eastern Development association and East Gippsland Economic Development board, while still an active board member of the East Gippsland sports foundation.

Bob was a board member of the Victorian Country Press Association for 24 years and a three-year stint as President. President of Country Press Australia while a board member there and represented CPA on the Australian Press Council for four years. In the past three years he decided to sing, and with the help of a few mates, founded the Bairnsdale Gentlemen’s Choir, now with 30 members plus!!

Jeremy Dixon

Director

Jeremy has a diverse industry background that includes water, professional services, residential property and aged care and retirement villages. Originally from Dunedin New Zealand, he now resides (and enjoys) Warrnambool after moving there in 2017 with his family.

He brings a strong passion for coaching and creating environments that help people thrive personally, corporately, and in sport. In working for large global and national organisations through to small not for profits, he is known for developing effective strategies that increase individual and collective performance. Active in his local community, he has been involved in sport administration and coaching for local academies, schools, and clubs and has helped create and deliver mentoring and leadership programs for local youth.

Jeremy is a graduate and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders Australia.

Cassandra Roberts

Associate Director

Cassandra has been connected to Youthrive Victoria and Macpherson Smith Rural Foundation (MSRF) for more than a decade. She was one of our first university scholars (2012) and has been involved in many Youthrive initiatives including attending a MSRF leadership camp, coaching, and developing and project managing five leadership programs. Cassandra was both a mentee and mentor during this time and is part of the 2023 YouThrive Alumni committee.

She was the first in her family to go to university and has a Bachelor of Human Services and Masters of Social Work. She works as the Assistant Director of Clinical Operations with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. She is a passionate advocate for mental health and is currently undertaking a qualification to become a Mental Health First Aid Instructor. Cassandra is eager to contribute as an Associate Director and is committed to supporting YouThrive’s mission to empower rural Victorian youth.

Jessie Newton

Associate Director

Jess currently works as a user experience designer at Prosper Digital – focusing on developing viable UX solutions for businesses and advocating for end users. She has a passion for problem-solving, creative thinking, disruption for good & adventure.Jessie grew up on a farm in Avenel and has deep ties to her hometown & to others within the Youthrive Alumni. She has been involved with the organisation at a range of levels as a participant, coach, PM, Dream Seeds presenter & occasional graphic designer. Although she is currently based in Melbourne, Jessie looks forward to advocating for young rural people & discussing ways to ensure the longevity and continued success of Youthrive.

Dirk Stickland

Associate Director

He is passionate about empowering young people to become the best version of themselves—whoever they choose that to be. Dirk brings this same energy and commitment to his roles as a member of the Youthrive Victoria Alumni Committee and as an Associate Director on the Youthrive Victoria Board. Through these positions, he continues to support and shape opportunities for young rural Victorians to lead, grow, and thrive.

Our Staff

Andrew McGuckian

Chief Executive Officer

Andrew McGuckian

Executive Officer

Andrew McGuckian commenced as Youthrive Victoria CEO in December 2023. Andrew has lived and worked in Regional Victoria for nearly 40 years, mainly in the Grampians region. His career has been spent predominantly in Outdoor/Experiential Education working to empower and equip young people to develop their personal, professional and leadership capacities.

He brings a proven record of being a leader within for purpose organisations to achieve sustainable growth. This has included being National Executive Director of Outdoor Education for the Outdoor Education Group and the inaugural Director of UC Camping. Through ensuring a shared vision, underpinned by clear strategy, Andrew is excited by the prospects ahead for Youthrive Victoria. Together with the Board, staff team and all supporters he is looking forward to continuing to strengthen rural communities.

Charlie Bracey
Programs Coordinator

Charlie Bracey

Rural Youth Network Coordinator

Charlie is a youth worker with over 10 years experience in the field. She has a strong passion for mental health and is a youth and teen Mental Health First Aid instructor. Charlie moved to the Central Victorian Region 5 years ago and is excited to be working with Youthrive and all the young people connected to them.

Anita Kane
Office Manager

Anita Kane

Office Manager

Jaymee Ellis
Communications & Marketing

Jaymee grew up in Scarsdale, near Ballarat, and has a deep-rooted passion for community development. With a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in marketing, and currently pursuing a Graduate Diploma in Humanitarianism and Development, she is committed to using her expertise to make a positive impact. Her ultimate goal is to leverage her skills in communication, events, and community development to transform rural spaces into more adaptive and inclusive environments, providing young people in rural areas with greater opportunities to thrive, succeed, and build meaningful futures.

Stephanie Hartshorn

Rural Engagement Coordinator

Stephanie Hartshorn

Rural Youth Network Engagement Leader

Steph is interested in all things health and wellbeing! She is originally from Swan Hill in northwest Victoria and is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychology (Social Science) in Melbourne. Steph is very passionate about working with young people and through her role as an Engagement Leader for the Rural Youth Network, hopes to discover and create opportunities for young rural Victorians to thrive.

Courtney Casey

Rural Engagement Coordinator

Courtney Casey

Rural Youth Network Engagement Leader

Courtney lives in the Central Goldfields region and is passionate about sustainability, mental health and working with young people. She is currently studying a Diploma of Community Services. Courtney is excited to be working with the Rural Youth Network and hopes to increase community participation and access to opportunities for young people living in rural and regional communities.

Jacob Dunne

Rural Engagement Coordinator

Jacob has lived in Warrnambool for over 11 years now, and before that lived in Craigieburn, Melbourne. Outside of work and study he loves camping and surfing, and he’s super passionate about boxing.

Jacob’s favourite part about living rurally is how connected rural communities feel. He says “When compared to my experiences in living urban the rural people seem much friendlier and will say hi when you walk past in the morning. It’s also a bonus that it takes 5 minutes to travel anywhere I need to go locally! Plus, there’s always parking!”

What he’s most excited about achieving with Youthrive Victoria?

“I’m super excited about providing rural youth with an opportunity that has the potential to make such a big impact on their lives! I feel it would be such a rewarding feeling to catch up with youth I have worked with via the alumni group and hear all about the goals they are smashing! The team I am working with are all such amazing, driven people too and I feel like the working environment will be so much fun.”

Nicole Thomas

Scholarship Liaison

Nicole is a ‘country kid’ at heart – growing up in Albury/Wodonga and relocating to Melbourne to study. However in recent years Nicole found herself feeling the pull back to the regions and has resettled with her young family in Castlemaine.

Nicole is very excited to support young people to thrive during times of major uncertainty and change.

Nicole will be collaborating closely with both past and present scholars, offering invaluable support as they navigate their tertiary education.

Donna Cullen

Dream Seeds

Coordinator

Donna

Donna grew up in the North East region of Victoria and now lives near Ballarat. Her role as Dream Seeds Coordinator allows her to combine her experience as a primary school teacher with the development and delivery of Dream Seeds workshops for upper primary school students to help build awareness and knowledge around the themes of aspiration, resilience and connection. Donna is a Mum to two active boys and when she’s not running around with them, she can be found running around Lake Wendouree or in her garden.

Paige Pickering

Rural Engagement

Coordinator

Paige lives in the Ballarat region and has just graduated from a Bachelor of Psychological Science. Paige is excited to be working as a Rural Engagement Coordinator as she enjoys working with young people. She is excited to be able to provide young people with information that is important for them to know before leaving school, equipping them with knowledge that will benefit them in adulthood.

Marnie Owen

Rural Engagement

Coordinator

My Name is Marnie. I was lucky enough to grow up in a beautiful small rural town just outside of Shepparton, where I still live today and love it! I have recently graduated from high school and have just completed some further studies at Tafe locally, in community services. Along with Youthrive, I work in Shepparton at the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project, which I absolutely love!! I am very passionate and love working with young people. I am super excited and really looking forward to connecting with young people and to work within the Youthrive team to deliver great opportunities for rural people.

Lacie Pridan

Rural Engagement

Coordinator

I have been a Youthrive alumni since 2019 and attended the Leadership Camp in 2020. I’ve been volunteering for a while now at Youth Without Borders and Spark Engineering Camp. I absolutely love doing it! I am very excited to be working with Youthrive now.

I’m the REC for the Ararat/Horsham area and I am also the team leader for the south west area.

Our 2025 Alumni Committee

Charlie
President

Charlie (2023)

I come from the town of Ballan in the Moorabool Shire, Wadawurrung country. Attending the January Young Rural Leadership Program in 2023 was a fantastic experience that has inspired me in many ways, especially to get involved in my local community. When I’m not studying Engineering in Melbourne I love to work on local festivals and events around where I live. This year I am very excited to take on the role of president within the Alumni Committee, as a team we hope to provide some awesome experiences and opportunities to stay connected, meet people and gain new skills to as many alumni as we can.

Andrew Pritchard
Vice President

Andrew Pritchard (2020)

Secretary

I’m Andy and I grew up in Warrnambool where the traditional custodians are the Gunditjmara people. I have been in Melbourne for about five years and at the moment I work out in Sunbury doing admin for a First Nations Consulting company. I’ve been involved with Youthrive since I participated in the camp at Narmbool in 2020, and I love being a part of the committee as I enjoy connecting with all the amazing people I’ve met at Youthrive over the years.

Stacey Barbagallo

Treasurer

Stacey Barbagallo (2019)

Stacey grew up on a dairy farm near Cohuna and now lives in Melbourne where she works as a secondary chemistry and science teacher. She first joined Youthrive Victoria in 2019 and has been involved in a variety of ways including Dream Seeds Coordinator. Stacey has always enjoyed being involved in the community and trying new things. She is passionate about sport and plays footy (AFL) for the Monash Blues team. Stacey also enjoys netball, tennis, basketball, and is always keen for a board or card game. She is super excited to continue working with the Youthrive Victoria Alumni Committee to create an inclusive and fun environment for all.

Jacob Dunne

Development Coordinator

Jacob

What he’s most excited about achieving with Youthrive Victoria?

Dirk
Social Coordinator

Dirk (2015)

Dirk grew up in Ballarat and joined the Youthrive Victoria community in July 2015. He has studied Psychology and Philosophy at Melbourne University and completed the Teach For Australia program working in remote Western Australia. Back in Ballarat he works at a local high school teaching Psychology and Science. He is enthusiastic to facilitate young people becoming their best version of the person they chose to be and is eager to continue this vision as a member of the alumni committee.

Amelia
Social Coordinator

Amelia (2020)

Amelia grew up in Bendigo and moved to Melbourne to study a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Global Studies at ACU. She is also a pool lifeguard and a Project Officer at the Commission for Children and Young People. As someone who grew up in public housing and has lived experience of out-of-home care, she is passionate about ensuring that children and young people are involved in decisions as well as broader policies that impact them, which is everything. She is excited to connect with more Youthrive Victoria Alumni and get inspired at the events we’ve got in store for the year ahead!

Kayla
General Committee Member

Kayla

Hey everyone!! My name is Kayla. I have lived around the Bass Coast/South Gippsland areas my whole life, and am currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering at Monash. I attended the RYLP in 2023. You’ll rarely catch me with a spare minute, always filling my days with work, socialising or a cozy movie marathon day. Look forward to meeting even more awesome alumni at events this year!

Angus
Secretary

Angus

Hello! I’m a South Gippy hill climber from youth, but a fast-paced Melbournite now. I’m a graduated creative writer with a groovy creative business. I network for the thrill of it – and so I can get a job 🙁 I’m grateful to be your 2025 secretary this year as YouThrive has been there for me since 2021, and I just want to keep this beautiful thing going. My passions – when we boil it down – are three things. God, my fiancé, and writing. Love ‘em all. So anyways, let’s have some fun!

Solange
General Committee Member

Solange

My name is Solange and I am from Wodonga. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences at La Trobe University in Bundoora. I am a 2023 Youthrive scholar, and a 2025 January leadership camp coach.

OUR TEAM

Our Directors

Our Staff

Our 2025 Alumni Committee

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