Inspiring Individuals, Encouraging Education and Overall Well Being

Johnathan Thurston is a strong positive influence and role model, as demonstrated by his long list of accolades, including 2018 Australian Humanitarian of the Year.

It is critical to note that Johnathan’s well-published messages are spoken directly from his sincere passion of our nation’s youth and his Indigenous culture. In doing so, this organically creates an experience that fosters group cohesion, community, shared responsibility, and a greater sense of self-belief and identity.

Carley is an experienced and purpose-driven General Manager with a strong background in operations, education program delivery, and community impact. With over 25 years’ experience across the education, youth development, and sectors,  she is known for leading high-performing teams and building systems that drive measurable outcomes for young people.

Throughout her career, Carley has successfully overseen the design, implementation, and scale of education and wellbeing programs, particularly for at-risk and disengaged youth. Her operational expertise ensures that programs are not only impactful, but also efficient, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of diverse communities.

Carley brings a collaborative leadership style, a deep understanding of trauma-informed and culturally safe practice, and a passion for strengthening partnerships across government, education, and community sectors. She is committed to creating safe, inclusive, and empowering environments where young people can succeed.

With a proven track record in governance, workforce development, and organisational strategy, Carley plays a key role in aligning vision with operational excellence to drive long-term impact.

Tim is passionate about supporting the JT Academy by providing financial and operational knowledge and expertise.

He is seen as a “safe pair of hands” when managing the complications of complex financial transactions and has spent the last 8 years working in the Social Impact sector. He loves supporting the team as we help to change lives.

Since completing a proud and accomplished career in the NRL spanning 10 years

Antonio is JT Academy’s dedicated and purpose-driven Operations Manager with a strong commitment to supporting young people to thrive. With experience in the youth and community sector, he brings a calm, solutions-focused approach to leading teams, managing services, and ensuring programs run smoothly and effectively.

At the heart of Antonio’s work is a belief in the potential of every young person with a strong commitment to social impact. He is passionate about creating safe, empowering environments where youth feel heard, respected, and supported to build brighter futures.

Antonio oversees the day-to-day operations of our programs, ensuring we deliver high-quality, culturally safe, and responsive services. From coordinating logistics and managing teams to maintaining compliance and strengthening partnerships, he plays a key role in ensuring our organisation runs with purpose and care.

Antonio is deeply committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young people across our communities.

My name is Uleta Miller; I am from the Yarrabah Community located 40kms South East of Cairns. I’ve been with the JT Academy since the end of 2022, I have recently rejoined the Cairns team.

When I’m not working I love to play rugby league, hanging with family and friends and fishing.

My Name is Gabriel I am very passionate in empowering our youth & mob to build their identity to become leaders in their own communities. I really enjoy working in the community in building relationships with services within our community to achieve young people’s goals and also families.

Hi! I’m Tali, I’ve been working in the community services sector for just over two years. I have a passion for programs and working with at-risk young people, helping them to achieve goals for a better future.

Alana Taylor, based on the Gold Coast, Yugambeh Country has worked in Events, Marketing and Sponsorship. Alana is an all-rounder and brings her organisational skills to the team and has supported many of our programs on the ground.

Alana is passionate about our culture and learning more about the land we live on and prides herself on the JT Academy values: Confidence, Courage and Self-Belief!

I’m a proud indigenous south sea islander woman who’s all about family. Helping children reach their goals is my passion!

When I’m not cooking up a storm, you’ll find me fishing, crabbing, swimming and cheering for my favorite rugby league team.

Born and bred in Gordonvale a small country town 20km south of Cairns. Spent most of my childhood fishing, riding my bike through cane fields, playing with kids in the neighbourhood and watching my brothers football team on Saturdays.

I am a proud Papua New Guinea woman with Dutch and Australian roots, I come from a huge family and put my family above all.

Bernie is a proud South Sea Islander and Aboriginal man. He lives local in the Hervey Bay Area and works in the disability field.