OUR BOARD

Malcom McCullough

FICDA, AdvDipComServMgt, DipNScLead, DipComDev, DipComServ, DipGov

Mal has served as President of the Far North Queensland Legacy Club since 2020 and was elected to the Legacy Australia Board in 2022 as the Rural Queensland Representative. In 2023, he took on the role of Board Secretary and was appointed to the Governance Committee, the 2030 Committee, and the Advocacy Committee. In February 2024, he was named the Legacy National Aged Care Representative.

Further strengthening ties within the veteran community, Mal became Vice President of the Far Northern District RSL in 2024, forging a closer connection between RSL and Legacy to enhance support for veterans and their families.

With over 30 years of leadership in community services, Mal brings invaluable experience in Community Development, Alcohol and Drug Recovery, Homelessness, and veteran support. His previous role as Executive Officer and Secretary of the Cairns RSL Sub-Branch further deepened his expertise in advocating for those who have served.

A firm believer in collaboration, Mal champions strong partnerships between Ex-Service Organisations, recognising that "We All Work Better Together."

As he continues his work with the Legacy Australia Board, Mal remains committed to shaping the future of Legacy, honouring its century-long mission while ensuring it evolves to meet the needs of veterans' families today and for generations to come.

Alfonso Santos

CSC, RAN

Commander Alfonso (Alfie) Santos CSC, RAN, began his Royal Australian Navy career in 1996 as a Recruit Boatswains Mate, rising through the ranks over 29 years before commissioning in 2006.

His distinguished career includes Shore and Sea Commands, operational service, and various leadership roles. Having spent much of his career in Far North Queensland, Alfie is deeply committed to the region and its community.
A passionate advocate for veterans and their families, Alfie is dedicated to ensuring they receive the highest level of care and support.
Based in Cairns, he shares his home, a century-old Queenslander on a small acreage, with his wife Eden, their four children, two dogs, two cats, and his in-laws.

A devoted South Sydney Rabbitohs fan, Alfie enjoys family time, staying active, and keeping his tropical garden in check.

Bryce Coe

BBus (Acc), CA

Bryce Coe is a Chartered Accountant and Senior Associate in the Private Business Tax & Advisory team at Grant Thornton Cairns. A proud local, he helps private businesses grow through strategic insights and expert financial guidance.

Specialising in tax planning, budgeting, business advisory, and financial reporting, Bryce works across industries such as construction, medical, and real estate, with expertise in self-managed superannuation funds. He also mentors junior team members, fostering growth within his firm.

Bryce holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from James Cook University and a Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting from Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Committed to giving back, he serves as Treasurer of FNQ Legacy and Assistant Treasurer of Gordonvale Touch Association.

Outside of work, he enjoys family time, staying active, and exploring Cairns' waterfalls and natural beauty.

Karl Adams

CCD, DipGov

Born in England in 1963, Karl emigrated to Australia at the age of six and grew up in Tasmania. In 1982, he joined the Australian Army, beginning a career that spanned over three decades.

In 2003, he was posted to The Jungle Warfare Centre (JTW) in Tully, where he developed a deep connection to the region. Drawn to its rugged beauty, he purchased 56 acres of land across from JTW, establishing a home in Far North Queensland.

After 31 years of service, he transitioned to civilian life, leaving the Army in 2013 but remaining actively involved in supporting his local and veteran communities.

Committed to community service, he became Group Leader for Tully SES and now serves as Secretary of the Tully RSL Sub Branch, continuing his advocacy for veterans.

In 2023, he became a Legatee with Legacy, a role he considers the most fulfilling of all his volunteer commitments. Supporting the families of veterans is a cause close to his heart, and he is proud to contribute to an organisation that makes a real difference in their lives.

Outside of his volunteer work, he enjoys the peaceful lifestyle of his Tully property, embracing the natural beauty of Far North Queensland. His dedication to service, community, and the veteran network continues to be a driving force in his life, ensuring he gives back to those who have given so much.

Catie Williams

AM, GPCAPT, RAAF

Catie enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in 1979 as an Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO) and has since built a distinguished career spanning over four decades.

She has held key leadership roles across RAAF Pearce, Tindal, Williamtown, Townsville, and Darwin, played a pivotal role in establishing No. 44 Wing, and served in Combat Support Group and Strategic Policy Division, overseeing ADF AIR projects.

Catie has commanded major operations, including Base Commander at Tarin Kot, Afghanistan (2011–2012), earning a Commendation for Distinguished Service, and Commanding Officer of No. 3 Security Forces Squadron (2015–2017). She also led security planning for APEC (2007) and World Youth Day (2009), receiving commendations for both.

A leader in Emergency Management, she co-developed and led the Incident Site Controllers Course at RAAF Richmond, training over 500 ADF and NSW Police first responders. She has also been instrumental in the Australian International Airshow, serving as ADF Ground Component Commander (2009–2017) and Lead Coordinator (2019–2023), earning a CAF Gold Commendation.

Catie holds Advanced Diplomas in Aviation (ATC Services) and Personnel & Operations Management, a Diploma of Government (Management), and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2023. She now serves as a Director on the Board of FNQ Legacy, continuing her commitment to supporting veterans and their families.

Your Impact

Make an impact today

There are many ways to support FNQ Legacy and make a difference in our community.

You can choose to donate on behalf of a person in place of a traditional gift, host your own fundraising event, or simply make a cash contribution.

Whatever form your support takes, we are incredibly grateful for your generosity and commitment to our cause!

Volunteer with Far North Queensland Legacy

All it takes is a few hours of your time each month to help make a difference

(07) 4033 0344

admin@fnqlegacy.org.au