Meet the team
Our dedicated TRACTION specialists who make it all happen.
At TRACTION, everything we do is guided by our values of courage, initiative, respect, connection and shared purpose.
Our impact on young lives is powered by a skilled and diverse team, from our mentors leading workshops to our dedicated Board and leaders setting direction, and the crew driving our operations behind the scenes.
We’re energised by every young person we support. Each workshop enables positive momentum across our communities - it’s what keeps us all moving forward.
TRACTION Board of Directors
Sandra Fields
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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
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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.
SJ De Silva
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SJ has significant financial and commercial experience across many industries in Sri Lanka and Australia, including as a Director on company boards.
Natalie Myatt
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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.
Suzanne Grant
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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.
Sandy Murdoch
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Sandy brings business experience and a passion for helping young people achieve their potential. Sandy founded TRACTION with a fantastic team in July 2015.
TRACTION Leadership Team
Dr. Annabel Prescott
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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
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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.
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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.
Oscar Sullivan
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Samantha brings a decade of experience leading growth in purpose-driven organisations. Her background spans social enterprise, impact measurement, stakeholder engagement and governance. She's previously contributed to advocacy for youth workforce inclusion and neurodiversity, experience she now brings to advancing TRACTION's influence on education and youth engagement policy.
Sam Garbutt
Our Support Teams
Program Delivery
Elaina Baker - Program Manager
Jim White - Assets & Logistics Manager
Sean Mayo - Regional Development Manager
Peter Forbes - Strategic Projects
Jamie-Lee Jankovic - Program Manager
Laura Walker
Kaitlyn Gibbs
Fundraising & Partnerships
Marketing & Communications
Grace Lovi