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 of 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, Organisation Support Crew 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

Founder & Chief Executive Officer – Mr Sandy Murdoch
Chief Operating Officer – Salli Walker
Program Development & Engagement Manager – Oscar Sullivan
Impact, Learning & Development Manager – Eleesa Johnstone

Our Functional Team Leads

Fundraising & Events – Jonathan O’Rourke and Kaitlyn Gibbs
Marketing & Communications – Grace Lovi
Programs and Operations – Elaina Baker, Jim White, Peter Forbes, Ben Strand

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.