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 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.

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 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.

For Rebecca, Legacy isn’t just a job, it’s personal. Before she was even born, Legacy was part of her family’s story. Her grandfather passed away young, leaving her grandmother a widow. Legacy stepped in, providing support that became a constant in her grandmother’s life. Growing up, Rebecca saw firsthand the impact of that support and how much it meant to the families left behind.

Now, as EO of FNQ Legacy, she’s carrying that mission forward. With a background in business strategy, she’s helped modernise the organisation, grow its reach, and secure vital funding. She’s also leading the charge on Legacy House, a dedicated space in Cairns to support veterans’ families.

For Rebecca, this work isn’t just professional, it’s personal. She’s committed to ensuring that no veteran’s family is ever forgotten, just like her grandmother wasn’t.

Melanie is a dedicated Wellbeing Officer with FNQ Legacy, supporting the families of veterans as they navigate life after loss. 

A young widow herself, Melanie first connected with Legacy as a beneficiary, finding strength in its support network. Inspired to give back, she became a volunteer, later serving as a board member and working in event coordination. 

Now, in her role as Wellbeing Officer, she draws on her personal experience to provide compassionate guidance and practical assistance to fellow beneficiaries, ensuring they feel supported, heard, and empowered. Melanie is passionate about honouring the service and sacrifice of veterans by helping their loved ones build resilience and community.

Melanie Allen is a dedicated Wellbeing Officer with FNQ Legacy, supporting the families of veterans as they navigate life after loss. A young widow herself, Melanie first connected with Legacy as a beneficiary, finding strength in its support network. Inspired to give back, she became a volunteer, later serving as a board member and working in event coordination. 

Now, in her role as Wellbeing Officer, she draws on her personal experience to provide compassionate guidance and practical assistance to fellow beneficiaries, ensuring they feel supported, heard, and empowered. Melanie is passionate about honouring the service and sacrifice of veterans by helping their loved ones build resilience and community.