OUR TEAM

You are here:

Home
Who we are
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.

Ross McPherson AM

Director

Ross McPherson AM

Director

Ross McPherson is Executive Chairman of the McPherson Media Group, a fifth-generation family Newsmedia business which started with the Shepparton News in 1888; it now includes numerous newspapers, magazines, printing events and internet businesses. He joined the family business after practicing commercial law, having graduated from Melbourne and London Universities. Among numerous industry, local and philanthropic involvements, Ross chairs the Goulburn Valley Health Foundation, is a member of the Committee for Greater Shepparton, a past director of SPC Ardmona Ltd and Treasurer and past-president of the 8000-member International Newsmedia Association. He is a trustee of several charitable trusts and a member of the Melbourne University Council.

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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.”

Rowan Farren

Rural Engagement Coordinator

Rowan

Rowan was born and raised in the Greater Shepparton region, currently living in the community of Mooroopna. Outside of work and study, Rowan loves to travel, and get involved in various community advocacy organisations and events. He loves advocating for young people, especially within tertiary and secondary education areas of policy, which he has become increasingly passionate about.

Rowan’s favourite part of living rurally is learning to appreciate the quiet and sociable nature of the country, where most people know each other and there is a general culture of friendliness between the community.

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

“Working with passionate and committed individuals and organisation within the region to provide support and opportunities for young people regardless of their geographic location.”

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

Co-Coordinator

Donna

Welcome to Donna Cullen, who has stepped into the role of Dream Seeds Coordinator! Donna is a qualified teacher, and has extensive experience running programs and workshops in a Primary School setting.

Our Alumni Committee

Eliza O’Sullivan
President

Eliza O’Sullivan (2022)

President

Eliza grew up in Bendigo and is now studying Med at Monash, based for this year at their Rural Clinical School in Mildura. She is really excited for the Alumni Committee to keep creating opportunities for the Youthrive Victoria community to catch up and stay in touch! Eliza is always inspired after Youthrive Victoria events, by people who are grounded in who they are, connected to their communities and committed to living with purpose, so she wants to keep it going into 2024!

Stephanie Hartshorn
Vice President

Stephanie Hartshorn (2020)

Vice President

Steph grew up in Swan Hill and after completing her bachelor of psychology in Melbourne, is now working in Swan Hill as a Youth Worker. Steph is an active member of the Youthrive Victoria Alumni, some of her favourite roles have been coaching on the Young Rural Leaders Program and working on the Rural Youth Network! Steph is super keen to be the Vice President of the Alumni Committee in 2024 and thinks that this year is going to be the best yet! Keep an eye out for all the new events and opportunities coming your way Youthrive Victoria!

Chris Dempsey
Secretary

Chris Dempsey

Secretary

Chris grew up in Ararat and now lives in Melbourne where he works as a secondary school teacher. He first joined Youthrive Victoria (then MSRF) in 2012 and has been involved with the organisation in many capacities including as a member of the founding Alumni Committee in 2017. He is looking forward to helping to continue growing the alumni community in 2024.

Andrew Pritchard
Secretary

Andrew Pritchard (2020)

Secretary

Andrew grew up in Warrnambool and now works in Melbourne at the Bureau of Meteorology as a forecaster. He first joined Youthrive Victoria in 2020 and has since coached twice on the Young Rural Leaders Program. Andrew’s favourite part of Youthrive Victoria is being able to meet lots of inspiring young people, all who have different backgrounds and perspectives on the world. As a member of the Alumni Committee, he is excited to continue making Youthrive Victoria an inclusive environment where alumni can both reconnect with past friends and forge new connections.

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.

Amelia
Alumni Development Portfolio

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!

Sarah
Alumni Development Portfolio

Sarah (2018)

Sarah grew up in Bairnsdale and moved to Melbourne to study a Bachelor of Environmental Science at Deakin University Burwood. Sarah’s passions are in sustainability and creating connected, diverse communities. She currently works at the City of Melbourne as a Waste and Recycling Officer.

Dirk
Alumni Development Portfolio

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.

Caterina

Social Events Portfolio

Caterina (2023)

Caterina grew up on a farm in Gippsland and joined the Youthrive Victoria Alumni Committee in 2022 after going on the January camp. She is going into her second year of rural medicine and loves living in the country. Caterina is excited to see what opportunities and events will present themselves for the alumni this year.

Charlie
Social Events Portfolio

Charlie (2023)

My name is Charlie and I am from the central highlands town of Ballan. I have a passion for music, community events and for engineering, which I will be studying at RMIT. I became involved in Youthrive Victoria as a participant in the January leadership program of 2023 and have enjoyed volunteering with the organisation ever since.

Merch Portfolio

TJ (2014)

TJ studied a Bachelor of Science at Monash, relocating to Melbourne after growing up in Kyabram. With a keen interest in sports, music, travelling and the outdoors, he finds fulfilment in helping people get the best out of themselves. Youthrive Victoria has granted him vast personal development opportunities and many lifelong friends.

Zac
Merch Portfolio

Zac (2020)

Zac first joined Youthrive Victoria as part of the 2020 camp. He grew up in and around Traralgon but has since moved to Melbourne to study mechanical engineering and atmospheric science at Monash uni. Zac is also extremely excited to provide the Youthrive Victoria community with some fresh new merch this year!

John

Social Media Portfolio

John (2022)

John grew up in Mildura and moved to Melbourne to study teaching at Deakin University. He currently coaches sports at schools and plays volleyball with his friends. His passion lies in education and fostering a positive community. He serves as the social media coordinator for the alumni committee, connecting with and engaging the community online.

OUR TEAM

Our Directors

Our Staff

Our Alumni Committee

Want to find out more?

Keep in touch with the latest news