Meet The Team (2022)

President

Caitlin Macphail

Hi, I'm Caitlin and I'm the Big Lift President for Semester 2, 2022! I am a second year student studying a Bachelor of Nursing. As President, I will be working with the executives to provide needs-based volunteering opportunities for all QUT students. Through these experiences, we aim to develop meaningful relationships with rural and Indigenous communities across Queensland.

Hi I'm Joris. I'm in my last semester of a mechanical engineering degree. After being president last year I've taken the role of vice-president logistics manager (Semester 1) to share some of my experience for the future of the club. With only two trips left before I graduate, I'll do my best to make sure they'll the best trips of my four years in Big Lift.

Vice President

Joris Mijinnsen

Secretary

Tamzin Ward Kucurs

Hi, I'm Tamzin, a second-year student studying journalism and environmental science. I joined Big Lift's executive team at the start of the year as Mini Lift Officer and am now excited to be stepping into a new role as Secretary. I'm looking forward to a great semester!

Treasurer

Andrew Ballantyne

Hello there. My name is Andrew. I am going into my fourth year at QUT studying a double degree in engineering and science. I am currently the Treasurer of big lift. I hope that I am successful enough in my role so that big lift doesn’t go bankrupt haha

Local Volunteering Officer

Estelle Sanchez

Hi, my name is Estelle and I'm in my third year of a bachelor of Communications majoring in Journalism. I've decided to take on the local volunteering officer role in Big Lift this semester after participating in their mid-year trip. Being part of a club that gives you the opportunity to learn more about regional communities in Queensland while building your own Uni community is an awesome experience and I'd like to bring a little bit of that spirit directly in Brisbane.

Social Community Officer

Sarah Norton

Hey everyone! My name is Sarah and I'm in my first year studying a Bachelor of Data Science and Law. I'm the social community officer for Big Lift and I aim to use my role to deepen the connections between club members and to promote good vibes.

Logistics Manager

Taleesha Crone

G’day, I’m Taleesha and I look forward to meeting you in person as you read this short paragraph. I’m a third-year student studying a Bachelor of Human Services/Public Health. My role on the Big Lift team is Logistics Manager. I’m looking forward to lending a helping hand and broadening perspective on social issues that impact people’s lives through conscious, reflective conversation and hands-on volunteering projects.

Mini-Lift Officer

Annabelle Nott

Hi my name is Annabelle and I am in my fourth year of Mechatronics and Aerospace Engineering. I have have been promoted to the role of Mini Lift Officer after being president last semester. Hope to make mini memories with you all :)

Service Learning Coordinator

Taylor Willmington

My name is Taylor and I’m going into my third year of the Bachelor of Education (secondary)/Bachelor of Fine Arts (visual art). I have volunteered with big lift for roughly two years, as a volunteer, secretary, and now as an SL coordinator. As SL coordinator, I hope to deepen my understanding of how to facilitate meaningful discussions. Furthermore, I look forward to passing this on to the executive team and participants. I look forward to another year of learning and growing with the Big Lift community!

Media & Communications Officer

Abigail Pineda

Hey! I'm Abi and I am currently in my third year of visual communication design. I can't wait to showcase all of the wonderful work we do here at Big Lift (and invite you to the exciting events lined up) as the Media and Communications Officer for 2022! Hope to see you around :)

Media Producer

Long Ly

Hello all. My name is Long. I am going into my third year in a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film, Screen and New Media). I will be acting as Big Lift's official media producer this year and will be creating media content to share Big Lift's charm with you all. Turn your notifications on cause you don't want to miss out on all the greatness XD

Community Consultant

Hayley Bandera

Hi, I'm Hayley! I'm currently in my 3rd year studying Science and Maths. I'm one of the Community Consultants, and I hope to use this role to strengthen the relationships Big Lift has with rural communities, and to educate myself and others about life in these communities.

Community Consultant

Ilva Werkman

Hello! My name is Ilva and I’m half way through my Bachelor of Education (Primary). After having the best experience on my first BigLift trip last year, I decided to take on the role of Community Consultant. I’m hoping to learn more about the wonderful small communities we visit, and am honoured to be a part of such an inspiring and impactful club.

Community Consultant

Chilli Kot

Hey ya'll, my name is Chilli and I'm one of your newest community consultants! I'm currently studying to be a high school maths teacher...everyones dream job. I have been apart of big lift for round a year now and am so excited to finally be able to contribute to making trips and events possible. I am incredibly passionate about needs based volunteering, indigenous issues and the importance of fostering student development.

Community Consultant

Luci MacDonald

Hi, I’m Luci and I am a third year student studying a Bachelor of Secondary Education (English and Mathematics). I joined Big Lift this year and after having an amazing time on the Mid-Year Trip I decided to become more involved in the group as one of the Community Consultants. My goal is to strengthen our relationships with rural communities and inspire others to participate in needs based volunteering to make a difference!