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THE PEOPLE BEHIND OUR MISSION

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

Alfonso Santos

CSC, RAN

President

Commander Alfonso (Alfie) Santos CSC, Ret. began his Royal Australian Navy career in 1996 as a Recruit Boatswains Mate, rising through the ranks before commissioning in 2006. His distinguished career includes Shore and Sea Commands, operational service, and various leadership roles. Having spent much of his three decades of service 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 with his wife Eden, their four children, two dogs, two cats, and his in-laws. A devoted Parramatta Eels fan, Alfie enjoys family time, staying active, and keeping his tropical garden in check.

Ian Butler

Vice President

Ian has been a proud and active Legatee with FNQ Legacy since 2016. Known for his generous spirit and unwavering commitment, Ian is always the first to put his hand up.

Whether it’s donning the Easter Bunny suit or dressing as Santa to deliver joy (and a few laughs) to Legacy families. His warmth, reliability, and genuine care for others make him a cherished member of the FNQ Legacy community.

Ian embodies the heart of Legacy: supporting our veterans' families with compassion, dignity, and a whole lot of heart.

Bryce Coe

BBus (Acc), CA

Treasurer

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

Director

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.

Carly Goddard

BBA, DipQA, Cert IV WHS, DipPM, RYT-200

Director

Carly Godddard brings her 24 years of experience in Contracts & Compliance Management in the commercial construction industry, including 15 years in quality assurance, health, safety, and environmental (HSE) auditing and compliance management in large-scale project contracts across healthcare, education, and defence sectors.

She holds a Bachelor of Business from Griffith University and a suite of industry-recognised qualifications, including a Diploma in Quality Lead Auditing (ISO 9001), Certificate IV in Compliance & Risk Management, Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety, Diploma of Project Management, and formal training in both residential and commercial contracts. Her professional credentials are further supported by continued professional development in National Construction Codes, Regulations, and Compliance.

Carly’s leadership style is methodical yet people-focused, shaped not only by her professional experience but also by her personal interest in wellbeing as a Certified Yoga Instructor. She brings a balanced, human-centred approach to compliance leadership and governance.

Her commitment to service and legacy is also personal. Carly's Grandad, Captain Herbert Thomson Kienzle MBE CBE, played a key role in the Kokoda Campaign of WW2.  His rapport with the Papuan carriers, his organisational and logistical skills and his knowledge of the region and its terrain, all proved vital to Australia’s ultimate victory. After the war, he stayed on at Kokoda and devoted much of his life to the development of Papua New Guinea in its preparation for independence.

Carly carries forward his values of resilience, integrity, and community contribution in her role as a Board Director.

MEET OUR STAFF TEAM

Rebecca Milliner

Executive Officer - Currently on Maternity Leave

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 Allen

Acting Executive Officer

Melanie leads FNQ Legacy with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the families we support, because she’s walked the path herself.

A young widow and Legacy beneficiary, Melanie connected with our organisation during the hardest chapter of her life. What she found was a community that wrapped around herself and her young children with support, compassion, and practical help. The positive and supportive experience with FNQ Legacy sparked a deep commitment to give back.

Melanie began volunteering, joining the board and later coordinating events and stepping into the role of Wellbeing Officer. Drawing on her lived experience, she offered not just empathy, but real-world support to help others feel heard, empowered, and connected.

Now as Executive Officer, Melanie draws on every step of that journey, from beneficiary to frontline support, to lead the organisation with empathy and purpose. She understands what our families need because she’s lived it. Her focus is clear. Honour the service and sacrifice of veterans by ensuring their loved ones are supported, empowered, and never forgotten.

Simone Keats

Wellbeing Officer

Simone brings a wealth of experience, a heart for service, and a deep understanding of what our beneficiaries need most, genuine care, strong advocacy, and consistent support.

With over 15 years in the Community Services Sector, Simone first joined FNQ Legacy during a pivotal time of growth and renewal. Over two and a half years, she played an instrumental role in rebuilding our presence in the Far North raising the standard of support and deepening engagement with every veteran family she connected with. From heartfelt conversations to joyful Legacy events, Simone’s impact was both visible and lasting.

Simone has rejoined the Legacy family on maternity leave cover, she is looking forward to reconnecting with beneficiaries and Legatees, building new relationships, and continuing the vital work of ensuring no family of a fallen or injured veteran ever feels forgotten.

Bec Dent

Events Officer

Rebecca (Bec) Dent – Events Officer, Far North Queensland Legacy

Bec Dent is a dynamic events and media professional with more than 18 years of experience across entertainment, events, marketing, partnerships and community engagement.

Before joining Far North Queensland Legacy, she worked in a range of creative and leadership roles, including radio and television host, magazine editor, and marketing and events coordinator. She is well known for her energy, professionalism, and flair for bringing people and ideas together.

Bec’s strength lies in her ability to connect – whether she’s managing large-scale events, developing campaigns, or working with community partners, she leads with authenticity, creativity, and heart.

In her role at FNQ Legacy, Bec will channel her experience into creating meaningful and memorable fundraising events that celebrate, connect, and support veteran families across the region. Bec believes every event is an opportunity to tell a story, build connection, and make a difference. She loves this community and loves the opportunity to serve and give back.

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!

Learn More

Volunteer with Far North Queensland Legacy

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

APPLY NOW

(07) 4033 0344

admin@fnqlegacy.org.au

Rebecca Milliner

Executive Officer - Currently on Maternity Leave

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 Allen

Acting Executive Officer

Melanie leads FNQ Legacy with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the families we support, because she’s walked the path herself.

A young widow and Legacy beneficiary, Melanie connected with our organisation during the hardest chapter of her life. What she found was a community that wrapped around herself and her young children with support, compassion, and practical help. The positive and supportive experience with FNQ Legacy sparked a deep commitment to give back.

Melanie began volunteering, joining the board and later coordinating events and stepping into the role of Wellbeing Officer. Drawing on her lived experience, she offered not just empathy, but real-world support to help others feel heard, empowered, and connected.

Now as Executive Officer, Melanie draws on every step of that journey, from beneficiary to frontline support, to lead the organisation with empathy and purpose. She understands what our families need because she’s lived it. Her focus is clear. Honour the service and sacrifice of veterans by ensuring their loved ones are supported, empowered, and never forgotten.

Bec Dent

Events Officer

Rebecca (Bec) Dent – Events Officer, Far North Queensland Legacy

Bec Dent is a dynamic events and media professional with more than 18 years of experience across entertainment, events, marketing, partnerships and community engagement.

Before joining Far North Queensland Legacy, she worked in a range of creative and leadership roles, including radio and television host, magazine editor, and marketing and events coordinator. She is well known for her energy, professionalism, and flair for bringing people and ideas together.

Bec’s strength lies in her ability to connect – whether she’s managing large-scale events, developing campaigns, or working with community partners, she leads with authenticity, creativity, and heart.

In her role at FNQ Legacy, Bec will channel her experience into creating meaningful and memorable fundraising events that celebrate, connect, and support veteran families across the region. Bec believes every event is an opportunity to tell a story, build connection, and make a difference. She loves this community and loves the opportunity to serve and give back.