Our Team
TRACTION’s positive impact on young lives is only possible because of our vibrant and talented team.
Our Program Delivery Team includes highly trained Mentors who work directly, side by side, with our young people at our dedicated workshop locations and via our mobile operations to deliver programs at a suitable location for our referral partners.
Our Operations Support Crew are the backbone that develop our programs, systems, reporting and resources, to ensure we deliver compliant and child safe programs that meet where the young people are at and help build local community connections and partnerships.
Behind the scenes, our dedicated, Support Team ensures we have enough ‘fuel in the tank’ focussing on fundraising, business development, partnerships events and business operations of finance, governance, HR, PR, media and communications support.
Our Executive Leadership Team
Sandy Murdoch
Founder
Sandy founded TRACTION for Young People in 2015, driven by a passion to support young people facing challenges in the traditional education system. Supported by his business experience, Sandy established TRACTION to help young people achieve their full potential through hands-on mentoring and community-driven programs.
Dr. Annabel Prescott
Chief Executive Officer
Annabel has over 20 years of experience in youth engagement, health and wellbeing, education, and governance. She is passionate about ensuring young people have access to support to thrive in life, and has a deep understanding of the evidence of mentoring and the importance of educational engagement.
Eleesa Johnstone
Impact, Learning & Development Manager
With over 30 years of experience in the youth and health sectors in counselling, teaching, research and evaluation roles, Eleesa is passionate about highlighting innovative solutions and compassionate approaches to supporting young people. She is inspired to work at TRACTION for the opportunity to showcase the work of those who positively impact young people's lives.
Penny Bowman
Fundraising Manager
With a background in fundraising and community engagement within the education sector, Penny has a deep understanding of the challenges young people face in schools. She believes in empowering young people and fostering diverse voices to create a more inclusive and brighter future for all.
Oscar Sullivan
Program Development & Engagement Manager
With a background in sport coaching, youth engagement and youth development, Oscar brings a strong focus of strengths-based and collaborative leadership to TRACTION. Oscar is inspired by working with community partners to create opportunities for young people, our programs and innovation, while keeping young people central to decision-making.
Our Support Team
Program Delivery Team
Elaina Baker
Jim White
Peter Forbes
Ben Strand
Jamie-Lee Jankovic
Fundraising & Partnerships Team
Kaitlyn Gibbs
Andrew Tuckey
Jeff Buchanan
Marketing & Communications
Grace Lovi
Our Board of Directors
Established in 2020, TRACTION’s board provides valuable strategic direction, guidance, compliance and performance oversight, to ensure that TRACTION continues to support young people in accordance with our charitable objectives.
Sandra Fields
Sandra has extensive experience working with organisations in the community, health, arts, government and corporate sectors with a specific interest in helping organisations focus their strategic vision, facilitate crucial conversations, evaluate impact and build organisational capability.
Euan Murdoch
Euan has established a series of innovative businesses, contributes to industry representative and governing bodies, holds a number of advisory board positions, and mentors leaders in academic, medical and veterinary institutes and organisations.
Suzanne Grant
Suzanne holds a PHD in Political Science and has an extensive career specialising in Executive Recruitment, Leadership Development and HR Advisory in the not-for-profit and for-purpose sectors. Following her role at ‘Schools Plus’, Suzanne brings a broad understanding of supporting disadvantaged areas across Queensland to improve the learning outcomes for students.
SJ De Silva
SJ has significant financial and commercial experience across many industries in Sri Lanka and Australia, including as a Director on company boards.
Natalie Myatt
Natalie has acute business acumen managing commercial property and investment portfolios for large corporations, while fostering a work culture of collaboration, contribution and empowerment. Natalie has served on several Boards focused on support for young people and women in need.
Sandy Murdoch
Sandy brings business experience and a passion for helping young people achieve their potential. Sandy founded TRACTION with a fantastic team in July 2015.