About NWYAS Inc.

Cathy is a seasoned banking professional with over 15 years of experience spanning Institutional, Corporate, and Commercial banking sectors. Throughout her career, Cathy has developed deep expertise in complex credit transactions and deal structuring, with a particular focus on supporting corporate growth and decarbonisation initiatives. As a recent addition to the NWYAS Board, Cathy brings her robust commercial acumen and financial expertise to the table, aiming to boost NWYAS’ efforts to combat youth homelessness.

Since migrating to Australia in 2008, Cathy has developed a keen understanding of the challenges faced by underprivileged individuals striving to alter their life trajectories. She is committed to leveraging her skills to advance NWYAS’s mission of empowering vulnerable youth toward independence. Cathy holds a CPA designation and a Master of Commerce (Advanced) in Applied Finance and Professional Accounting from the University of Queensland. She is also a recent graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, ready to guide NWYAS toward achieving its strategic goals.

Rosemary’s career in governance and risk management has covered a broad spectrum of sectors including agriculture, banking, energy, government. Her current role is as the Risk Manager for Churches of Christ in Queensland, a large Not-For-Profit with operations including aged care, retirement living, housing services and the care, support and advocacy for children, youth and families.

Rosemary is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia and holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of International Business and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance. In a voluntary capacity she has been a member of the Governance and Risk Committee for a NSW based charity, tutored in English to refugees and currently is heavily involved in facilitating local community networks.

Yolanda is an Australian-trained psychologist with over 15 years of clinical, operational and strategic leadership experience in the community sector. A highly experienced, qualified and accomplished Senior Manager, specialising in Child, Youth and Family Services within community-based and social purpose organisations.

With a proven track record of delivering programs and services to a consistently high standard through diverse roles and environments, including over a decade of specialist experience working in youth justice, criminal post-release rehabilitation, tertiary child protection, universal early intervention and family support services; with driven passion to advance Australian children’s welfare. Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, manage and resolve complex issues with a calm, measured and mature approach. A highly competent practitioner who has become a senior manager and sector leader successfully bridges the divide between strategic thinking and frontline operations. Excellent work ethic, reliable and trustworthy. Sound appreciation and respect for confidentiality, discretion, cultural sensitivity, and high levels of personal and professional integrity.

A passionate advocate for engaging children’s voices and helping children and young people reach their fullest potential, Yolanda is excited to join NWYAS in 2023 to extend her commitment to helping the vulnerable further.