Rachelle Patterson Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Expand Rachelle is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) responsible for the organisation’s strategic leadership, vision and effective operation. Rachelle has been working for Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland since 2017 and prior to her appointment as CEO was the Chief Operating Officer of Human & Community Services. Rachelle has extensive experience working in the NGO and Government sectors including areas of domestic violence, mental health, out-of-home care, suicide prevention, homelessness, youth, Indigenous affairs, research, policing and criminology. Rachelle has held several executive and leadership roles across a number of locations in Australia including remote communities, regional and inner-city locations. Rachelle has also held Board Director Roles with the Queensland Council of Social Services (QCOSS) and the Kimberley Community Legal Service (KCLS). Rachelle is strongly committed to leading staff working with people and supporting staff to engage and empower individuals to build resilient communities. She believes that this can only be achieved if staff individually live and work in accordance with our values, thereby leading by example.
Kylie Hutchinson-Macgowan Strategic Lead, Programs and Community Expand Kylie is a dedicated and future-focused leader with extensive experience in the Community Services, Aged Care, Disability and Health sectors. As the Strategic Lead – Programs and Community, she oversees the strategic direction, operational service delivery, financial management, and business development of the division. A passionate advocate for social justice and equity, Kylie is committed to ensuring that all services are strengths-based, person-centred, and accessible to those who need them most. Her leadership is driven by a deep belief in empowering individuals and communities, ensuring that every program delivers meaningful and sustainable impact. With a career built on advocacy, innovation, and collaboration, Kylie works closely with teams, stakeholders, and communities to create inclusive, high-quality services that drive positive change. Her expertise in developing and implementing strategic initiatives ensures that the Programs and Communities Division continues to thrive and make a lasting difference.
Katrina Newsham Strategic Lead, People, Culture & Corporate Expand Katrina is the Strategic Lead – People, Culture & Corporate for Lifeline Darling Downs & SWQ. She is an accomplished, emotionally intelligent senior level HR professional with contemporary strategic experience in both corporate and operational SME environments gained across a broad range of industry sectors including agriculture; public health; pharmaceutical/retail distribution; retail; coal export; industrial manufacturing, and faith/community services managing all aspects of the employee lifecycle; she is adept at building strong relationships across all workforce levels through trust and approachability. As a natural communicator, she is experienced at creating a positive and high performing, engaged and values-based culture in both local and global organisations, with integrity and authenticity at the heart of all conversations and decisions to create a better world of work. She has a high level of business/commercial acumen and financial/analytical skillset, focussed on improvement and innovation to achieve sustainable and improved organisational outcomes.
Jessica Shelley Strategic Lead, Business Innovation & Sustainability Expand Jessica is a strategically minded individual with extensive experience across the non-for-profit, health, and higher education sectors in senior leadership, operations and project management roles. She brings contemporary expertise in organisational transformation, sustainable business development, and operational performance, developed through leading and managing complex, multidisciplinary teams. Her experience spans across diverse sectors where she used her knowledge in earned value analysis, large-scale process improvement, governance, and risk management, to deliver operational efficiency and strategic impact. She has a strong track record in identifying development and commercialisation opportunities, facilitating strategic partnerships, and securing stakeholder engagement and buy-in. Jessica is recognised for translating complex challenges into actionable strategies, driving innovation, and strengthening organisational capability. She is committed to fostering high-performing, psychologically safe workplaces while advancing sustainability, social impact, and community engagement. Jessica holds a Bachelor’s in Political Science (policy and governance), a Graduate Certificate in Project Management, and is currently completing her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. She combines her professional expertise with a deep personal passion for volunteering, focusing on delivering measurable outcomes that are guided by the values of compassion, respect, and community impact.