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.
Join our Team!
There’s a growing need for support among young people navigating the complexities of educational disengagement—and at TRACTION, we’re proud to be part of the solution. If you're keen to make a real impact and want to work in a strength-based, values-led organisation, we’d love to hear from you.
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We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Project Lead to help us deliver life changing, hands-on learning programs for young people in Ipswich and Toowoomba. If you love working with purpose, building community, and leading great projects – we’d love to hear from you.
About the role
You’ll lead the planning and delivery of place-based programs that support young people to thrive. You'll work across teams and communities to coordinate delivery, develop partnerships, and ensure we’re achieving strong outcomes and lasting impact. Download the Position Description here.
Your days will include:
Overseeing local implementation of TRACTION’s programs
Building relationships with schools, councils, funders & local communities
Tracking impact and sharing stories through evaluation & reporting
Supporting our team and partners to deliver with energy, integrity and heart
Championing TRACTION’s mission and values wherever you go
We'd love to meet someone who:
Has 5+ years leading community-based projects or programs
Knows how to connect with people and bring them on the journey
Understands youth development and the challenges facing young people today
Brings skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, and evaluation
Can juggle strategy with action – and still smile through the busy days!
Believes in the power of community, courage, and connection
Why TRACTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE?
You’ll be part of a purpose-driven team that genuinely cares
Your work will make a real difference in young people’s lives
We value growth, innovation and balance – for the team and the communities we serve
You’ll enjoy a mix of meaningful work, autonomy, and strong support
Sound like you?
Please click Apply Now and submit your CV and a short cover letter telling us why you’re excited about this opportunity.
Download the Position Description here.
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We’re seeking a purpose driven Research and Evaluator to lead our research and impact agenda.
This is a newly created role with real scope to shape evidence-based practice and policy influence within the youth and community sector. Download the Position Description here.
What you'll do:
Lead research and evaluation activities that inform programs, advocacy, and systems change
Collaborate with young people, internal teams, and research partners to co-design and deliver projects
Ensure ethical, inclusive, and culturally safe research practices
Translate data and insights into reports, presentations, and strategic recommendations
What you'll bring:
A postgraduate qualification (Masters or PhD) in youth studies, health, education, or related field
Demonstrated experience in leading research and evaluation projects
Strong capability in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies
Proficiency in SPSS, NVivo, R or similar software
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
A values-aligned approach, with a passion for social impact and young people's voices
Why TRACTION for Young People?
Be part of a bold, inclusive, and purpose-led organisation
Lead work that shapes meaningful change across youth and community sectors
Enjoy a supportive team culture, flexible working options, and opportunities for influence
Sound like you?
Please click Apply Nowand submit your CV and a short cover letter telling us why you're excited about this opportunity.
Download the Position Description here.
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Full-time or Part-time opportunities available.
We’re looking for new Mentors to join our team as we expand our reach across South East Queensland.
About the role
As a TRACTION Mentor, you’ll work alongside young people in workshop settings, supporting them through meaningful projects and daily mentoring. Every day is hands on — from bikes to tools to teamwork — but your impact goes far beyond the task at hand. Download the Position Description here.
You'll play a vital role in:
Delivering engaging, practical sessions as parts of a small team
Supporting young people with their emotional, behavioural, and social needs
Modelling positive behaviour, safe practice, and respect
Building trust and connection with participants from all walks of life
Creating safe spaces where young people feel seen, valued, and capable
We'd love to meet someone who:
Has experience working with young people in schools, mentoring programs, community, or trades-based settings
Is confident getting hands-on in a workshop or project space
Brings emotional intelligence, patience, and calm approach to behaviour support
Communicates well with young people and teammates
Understands the importance of child safety and boundaries
Aligns strongly with TRACTION's values: Courage, Initiative, Respect, and Connection
Why TRACTION For Young People?
You'll be part of a purpose-driven team that genuinely cares
Your work will make a real difference in young people's lives
We value growth, innovation, and balance - for the team and the communities we serve
You'll enjoy a mix of meaningful work, autonomy, and strong support
Sound like you?
Please click Apply Now and submit your CV and a short cover letter telling us why you’re excited about this opportunity.
Download the Position Description here.
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Full-time or Part-time opportunities available.
We’re looking for new Mentors to join our team as we expand our reach across South East Queensland.
About the role
As a TRACTION Mentor, you’ll work alongside young people in workshop settings, supporting them through meaningful projects and daily mentoring. Every day is hands on — from bikes to tools to teamwork — but your impact goes far beyond the task at hand. Download the Position Description here.
You'll play a vital role in:
Delivering engaging, practical sessions as parts of a small team
Supporting young people with their emotional, behavioural, and social needs
Modelling positive behaviour, safe practice, and respect
Building trust and connection with participants from all walks of life
Creating safe spaces where young people feel seen, valued, and capable
We'd love to meet someone who:
Has experience working with young people in schools, mentoring programs, community, or trades-based settings
Is confident getting hands-on in a workshop or project space
Brings emotional intelligence, patience, and calm approach to behaviour support
Communicates well with young people and teammates
Understands the importance of child safety and boundaries
Aligns strongly with TRACTION's values: Courage, Initiative, Respect, and Connection
Why TRACTION For Young People?
You'll be part of a purpose-driven team that genuinely cares
Your work will make a real difference in young people's lives
We value growth, innovation, and balance - for the team and the communities we serve
You'll enjoy a mix of meaningful work, autonomy, and strong support
Sound like you?
Please click Apply Now and submit your CV and a short cover letter telling us why you’re excited about this opportunity.
Download the Position Description here.
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.