Who we are

Our Board

The Hope Vale Foundation Board welcomes you.
The Hope Vale Board is responsible for meeting the challenges of managing a community-based, not-for-profit organisation. The Board oversees Governance and Oversight, Strategic Planning, Finance, Community Engagement, and Reporting and Legal Compliance. The Board's leadership and engagement keeps us steering in the right direction.

Contact Directors and Staff at info@hopevalefoundation.com.au

Rachelle McIvor

Director and General Manager

Rachelle McIvor — General Manager

Rachelle grew up in Hope Vale and left in Grade 6 to attend high school in Cairns. At 16, she travelled to Louisiana, USA, where she spent 12 months as an exchange student. This experience sparked her keen interest in politics. As a result of all the questions she received while there, she realised politics could be a way to drive change.

After returning to Australia, Rachelle completed her high school education and attended the University of Queensland, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts with a Double Major in Political Science. She spent a decade in Brisbane, including six years at The Murri School, also known as the Aboriginal and Islander Independent School.

After graduating from university, she returned to Hope Vale and started working for the Hope Vale Justice Group. Rachelle then took on a role in Project Support with the then Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships (DATSIP).

Rachelle relocated to Melbourne to complete her postgraduate studies with a Master of Teaching, specialising in educational leadership. Since 2011, she has been a Hope Vale Centrelink Host. This role highlighted the socio-economic situation of the community, its school leavers, and high unemployment rate. During this time, Rachelle cultivated a strong commitment to advocating for the underprivileged. She worked closely with her mother, Viola Mossman, who was the Centrelink agent in Hope Vale.

In 2016, Viola and Rachelle, well-experienced in MYOB software, were approached by the Board of the Hope Vale Foundation to help with the Foundation's administration following the resignation of the general manager. Rachelle played an active role in managing the insolvency process and addressing the redundancy of the banana farm employees. She was kept on as a consultant to develop a governance system and continued to work with the Board to manage its financial affairs. In 2021, she was appointed General Manager of Hope Vale Foundation, granting her increased authority to undertake this role.

Bruce Woibo

Director_Chairperson

Bruce Woibo - Chairperson

Born in Cooktown and raised in Hopevale, Bruce’s early years were deeply rooted in the strong cultural and community values of his hometown. He began his education in Hope Vale before attending high school in Ravenshoe, eventually returning to Cooktown to complete his schooling.

After finishing school, Bruce pursued a career with the stock gang, where he worked alongside experienced cattlemen, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field. His strong work ethic and determination led him to broaden his skill set, earning multiple certificates, including a Builder’s Ticket, Carpentry and Joinery qualifications, as well as license for civil machinery.

Bruce began his carpentry trade in refining his skills while working for the Hope Vale Council. His career also took him to Cape Flattery where he continued to apply his craftsmanship while staying dedicated to his passion for construction and skilled labour. Over the years, he has earned a strong reputation as a dedicated tradesman, known for his commitment to quality workmanship and community-driven projects.

Beyond his professional achievements, Bruce has played a significant role in local governance and leadership. As a former Deputy Mayor of the Hope Vale Aboriginal Council, he has been an advocate for his community, striving to create opportunities for youth empowerment and cultural preservation. He is particularly passionate about guiding the younger generation, encouraging them to embrace leadership roles, respect their elders, and contribute meaningfully to their community’s future. Bruce remains dedicated to fostering employment opportunities for the people of Hope Vale, particularly school leavers, ensuring they have access to sustainable career paths and meaningful work.

Kaylene Bowen

Director_Company Secretary

Kaylene Bowen_Company Secretary

Kaylene, born in Cairns and raised in the close-knit community of Hope Vale, began her early education at Hope Vale State Primary School before attending Toowoomba State High School, St Peter’s Lutheran College, and Trinity Bay High School.

After completing her schooling, Kaylene pursued an Associate Diploma in Health, which laid the groundwork for her lifelong dedication to care and service. She has worked extensively in support work, disability care, and administration, using her skills and compassion to improve the lives of others. Her commitment to helping those in need has been the driving force behind her professional and community endeavours.

Kaylene is the proud mother of Brenton Bowen, a former Gold Coast Titans and Townsville Cowboy’s player. She has played a significant role in promoting and organising local sporting events, particularly the Hope Vale Football games, which bring the community together and foster a spirit of healthy competition. Her belief in the power of sports to uplift and unite people has made her a valuable figure in the local community.

In addition to her contributions to sports, Kaylene has been involved in community justice initiatives. As a former member of the Hope Vale Community Justice Group, she worked to support and advocate for community members, striving to create a more just and inclusive society.

As a support worker with Life Without Barriers, Kaylene has provided essential support, guidance, and encouragement to individuals facing challenges, making a meaningful difference in their lives.

Kaylene’s deep connection to the Hope Vale community fuels her unwavering commitment to promoting health, sports, and community events. She is passionate about creating opportunities for people to connect, grow, and thrive, ensuring that Hope Vale remains a place of strength, unity, and resilience.

Cheryl Canon

Director_Treasurer

Cheryl Canon_Treasurer

Cheryl is a proud Indigenous woman from Hope Vale, with five children, twelve grandchildren, and one great grandchild. She enjoys gardening, sewing and just spending time with family. Cheryl enjoys reading to her grandchildren, and they love listening to her stories. She also loves travelling—exploring new places and meeting new people. A trip to Vanuatu made Cheryl appreciate everything she has at home—even the everyday things often taken for granted. “Over there, even the children work hard for what they have”.

Cheryl’s career has always focused on education. Her passion for teaching started when she began working as a Kindergarten Assistant at the George Bowen Memorial Kindergarten in Hope Vale.

As a mature-aged student, she spent three years studying through the Remote Area Teacher Education Program (RATEP). After gaining her Bachelor of Education and Diploma of Teaching, Cheryl began her teaching career at Cooktown State School and continued to take up teaching positions and leadership roles around the Cape and Torres Strait. She really enjoyed moving to different communities, even though her family still worried about her being away from home.

Cheryl is committed to several roles in the community, including being part of the Church Council, the Family Responsibilities Commission, and of course, her work as a teacher.

Cheryl is also involved with the Red Earth program. This program has students from Sydney and Melbourne coming to experience living on Country. They are immersed in cultural and traditional activities with homeland people. This program is a two-way learning experience for all who are involved.

In addition to her job as a teacher two days a week at the Hope Vale Campus, Cheryl is also available for relief work when needed. She’s passionate about education and believes that all children can reach their full potential with the right support—not just from teachers, but from their parents too, who are their first teachers.

Having joined the Hope Vale Foundation Board in 2025, Cheryl has expressed strong interest in the Foundation’s current projects, while also playing an active role in planning future ones.

Cheryl says that her leadership style is built on confidence and respect, which encourages others to respond in the same way—helping everyone work together to achieve the best outcomes.

Malcolm McIvor

Director

Malcolm McIvor_Director

Malcolm was born in Cooktown and spent his formative years in the community of Hope Vale before relocating to Cairns due to his younger sister’s diagnosis with leukemia. His early education began in Hope Vale, after which he pursued further studies at Slade, an agricultural school in Toowoomba, as well as in Petford. It was during this time that he developed a deep passion for agriculture, which would later become a defining aspect of his career and personal endeavours.

Driven by his enthusiasm for the land, Malcolm embarked on a career as a stockman in his younger years, working extensively on cattle stations across Cape York. His experience ranged from his home community of Hope Vale to Weipa, including well-known locations such as Fairview Station. During these years he gained invaluable hands-on experience in the agricultural sector.

Following his career as a stockman, Malcolm transitioned to truck driving, working alongside his uncle. This period allowed him to expand his practical expertise while continuing to contribute to regional industries. He later secured employment at Cape Flattery, diversifying his professional experience before making a significant career shift into the primary health sector.

Malcolm took on the role of a male health worker, dedicating many years to promoting health awareness and encouraging men in the community to prioritise their wellbeing. His contributions in this field were instrumental in fostering a culture of health consciousness among local men.

He remains actively involved in agriculture and community development, serving on the Balnggarrawarra and Normanby boards while working with surrounding properties. His passion for agriculture continues to drive his efforts in revitalising the farm and supporting his community.

Our staff

Tony Matchett

Innovation & Commercialisation Manager

Tony Matchett Innovation & Commercialisation Manager

Tony brings more than three decades of experience in agriculture, agribusiness development, and research commercialisation to the role. A lifelong learner and passionate advocate for sustainable food systems, he has led initiatives in crop production, AgTech, and regional food networks, focusing on delivering practical, high-impact solutions for producers and communities.

With a strong background in agronomy, plant breeding, and business strategy, Tony has worked across Australia in roles spanning grain marketing, farm management, and R&D consulting. His leadership in founding Savannah Sun Foods and chairing the Australian Sesame Industry Development Association demonstrates his commitment to innovation and regional development.

At Hope Vale Foundation, Tony will support the community in exploring opportunities in food, agriculture, and aquaculture through the new research-enabling farm. His goal is to help uncover the next generation’s passion and connection to Country, creating pathways that deliver lasting benefits for families and the broader community.

Grounded in curiosity, collaboration, and a deep respect for Indigenous knowledge and enterprise, Tony looks forward to working alongside Hope Vale’s emerging leaders to build a future rooted in innovation, sustainability, and cultural strength.

Contact me by name to info@hopevalefoundation.com.au

Lu Zhao

Office Manager

Lu Zhao Board Support Officer

Lu Zhao joined the Hope Vale Foundation in September 2025 and now serves as Office Manager. She brings over five years of project management experience from China’s manufacturing sector. Her background includes working on new products from early design and prototyping through to full production. Through this, she has developed strong skills in coordinating teams, improving processes, and turning complex requirements into practical outcomes.

At Hope Vale Foundation, Lu supports day-to-day operations and governance. She helps maintain clear communication, structured processes, and the smooth delivery of key initiatives. Her experience working between technical teams and business stakeholders allows her to adapt quickly and provide reliable support in a busy, community-focused environment.

Raised in an agricultural setting, Lu has a growing interest in how emerging technologies—particularly artificial intelligence—can be applied in agriculture and regional development. She is motivated to explore how innovation can support sustainable practices and create meaningful opportunities for communities. Her work reflects a commitment to learning, contributing, and supporting the Foundation’s long-term vision.

Contact me by name to info@hopevalefoundation.com.au

The Hope Vale Foundation works crew

After completing a seven week work experience trial the boys are on the tools and getting around the community. They are the face of Foundation that people see every day and we are super proud of them and the work they do.

Work crew

Ready to make a difference?

Learn more about our initiatives, how you can get involved, and the impact your support can make. Together, we can build a stronger future for Hope Vale—one grounded in resilience, opportunity, and cultural pride.

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