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Evelyn O'Brien
PRESIDENT
Evelyn is a student at the University of Queensland, studying a dual degree in Law and Humanities (Honours). During her final year of high school at St Patrick's College, Evelyn attend a summer school at the University of Cambridge under a Oxford Royale Program, inspiring her to bring that same educational opportunity to other regional students.
With a passion for education and service, she hopes to encourage other regional students to pursue academic endeavours previously considered impossible, and support their regional communities by encouraging service and volunteer activities.
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Taylor Radke
VICE PRESIDENT
Taylor is a solicitor with over 25 years’ experience having worked in both private practice (Australia and NZ) and government (UK). Taylor has also served as a board member of various educational institutions. Taylor was born in Mackay and spent most of her childhood living and attending school regional Queensland. Currently, Taylor is also mum to three teenagers. Taylor was inspired to join RALY’s board by Evelyn’s (our President’s) desire and determination to help future regional students learn, grow, and succeed, despite Evelyn’s own youth.
Having attended high school in the Pioneer Valley and then having her own children attend schools in Mackay, Taylor is acutely aware of how regional students, despite their skills and talents, may be limited by lack of awareness regarding international educational programs and/or assuming that they are not suited for such programs and/or cannot afford to participate in these programs, particularly due to the extra expense associated with traveling from regional Queensland.
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Ruth McGrath
SECRETARY
Ruth is a solicitor with experience in commercial and property law, including as an ILP director. She is also a registered ballet teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance.
Ruth has previously served her community with organizations such as the North QLD Law Association (Secretary), Bucasia Kindergarten Association (Secretary), St Francis Xavier Long Day Care Centre (Board Member), Junior Chamber International (VP) and the Cerebral Palsy League of QLD (Ambassador). Ruth was raised in regional QLD and has lived in Mackay for over 20 years. She is married with 3 children.
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Becky O'Brien
TREASURER
A dedicated business consultant and owner, Becky brings a wealth of expertise in finance and strategic planning to RALY Initiative. Beyond her profession work, she actively volunteers with the Magpies Netball Club and serves on the board of the Magpies Sporting Club, demonstrating a strong commitment to community development and youth engagement.
Inspired by Evelyn's passion and vision, Becky joined RALY to help create life-changing academic opportunities for regional students. She believes deeply in the value of education and is proud to support a program that opens doors for students who may not have otherwise imagined such possibilities.
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Bronte Vella
MARKETING DIRECTOR
With a passion for the fast-growing field of marketing and encouraging new opportunities to regional areas, as Marketing Director, Bronte looks forward to assisting with the manufacturing of educational opportunities for rural students and is extremely excited about what lies ahead for our community.
Currently undertaking a Bachelor of Laws, Bronte brings a creative and fresh perspective to RALY Initiative. As a young adult in the Mackay region, her commitment to RALY reflects her drive to make meaningful contributions to her hometown and empower the next generation.