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.

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.

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.

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.

PANELIST

Grier has joined the RALY Initiative committee as a panellist in its inaugural year. She brings with  her experience in marketing, communications and community engagement from a variety of industries,  most recently in local government.  

Partnered with a love for travel and support to access education and development opportunities, she  jumped at the chance to join the committee. She looks forward to assisting local students to thrive through The RALY Initiative.

PANELIST

Growing up on a sugar cane farm in North Queensland, Brady understands the value of hard work, discipline,  and the power of opportunity. From humble beginnings, he began his career as an electrical apprentice,  eventually becoming a qualified electrician. But it was his deep curiosity for personal growth, psychology,  and performance that set him on a new path. Inspired by thought leaders like Tony Robbins, Ray Dalio,  and Richard Branson, Brady committed himself to learning what drives personal and professional  success. This passion grew into a purpose: helping others unlock their potential and pursue lives of meaning  

and achievement. 

Today, Brady works with individuals across all walks of life—from young people and athletes to parents and  business owners—guiding them to break through limitations and reach their goals. His journey reflects the  same transformative potential that educational opportunities abroad can offer young students, and he’s proud  to support a mission that opens doors for others to grow, explore, and thrive on the world stage.

PANELIST

Ash-Lee Johnson is a community-focused leader currently serving her first term on Mackay Regional Council,  with a strong track record in financial management, stakeholder engagement, and regional economic  development. Deeply committed to creating opportunities for young people, Ash-Lee believes that access to  education is a powerful driver of individual growth and community transformation. 

With a passion for youth advocacy, Ash-Lee brings valuable insight into how to support young people from  regional areas to reach their potential at any stage. She is a firm believer in the power of education to broaden  perspectives, build confidence, and equip the next generation with the skills and vision to contribute  meaningfully back to their communities.

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 university, 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.