Who We Are
What We Do
First Minutes Matter
LifeFlight is built on the passion of our people, many of whom extend far and wide into the Queensland community. Our LifeFlight Foundation Board works tirelessly to uphold the mission of LifeFlight, employing their diverse backgrounds to drive strategic initiatives, secure vital funding and advocate for the regions we serve.
Stewart Morland is a distinguished figure in the Australian Energy sector with more than 25 years’ experience. His journey began in the 1990s with pioneering work in the Eromanga Basin, positioning him at the forefront of Australia’s oil and gas industry.
Stewart played a key role in the evolution of the IOR Group, transforming it into one of Australia’s leading suppliers of fuels and storage systems for the coal seam and shale gas sectors. His company also operates an oil refinery in the Eromanga Basin and has established a network of unmanned refuelling stations across Australia.
Beyond energy, Stewart’s business interests span transport, aviation, marine charter and computer software and hardware development. His diverse expertise brings a wealth of knowledge to his role as a Non-Executive Director at LifeFlight.
Stewart’s dedication to philanthropy was evident during his seven-year tenure as Chairman of LifeFlight, beginning in 2006. Under his leadership, LifeFlight expanded and diversified significantly. He was instrumental in responding to community needs in South West Queensland by establishing a helicopter rescue base in Toowoomba, which became a 24-hour service in 2010. Stewart also helped introduce LifeFlight aeromedical bases into the Surat Basin and Gladstone regions, enhancing support for growing communities throughout regional Queensland.
Ashley van de Velde is the driving force behind LifeFlight Australia, having dedicated more than two decades to the role of CEO. His unwavering commitment to LifeFlight's mission is fuelled by a deep passion for providing rapid aeromedical retrieval services to as many people as possible.
Ashley’s journey with LifeFlight began in 1981 when he was a Queensland Water Police Officer and volunteered as an aircrewman. Since those early days, he has been instrumental in the organisation’s growth and diversification, both nationally and internationally. His vision and leadership have ensured that quality medical care is accessible to both local and remote communities.
Recognised as one of Australia’s most experienced CEOs in the complex aeromedical industry, Ashley excels at developing innovative solutions in challenging situations. He firmly believes in building stronger communities through collaboration with government and industry partners. His unique combination of skills and extensive operational knowledge is vital to ensuring LifeFlight’s long-term sustainability.
Ashley’s dedication to LifeFlight’s mission and his exceptional leadership continue to inspire and guide the organisation towards a future where more lives can be saved through rapid and reliable aeromedical services.
Mike Stewart, a second-generation real estate agent, has been a prominent figure in the real estate industry for more than 25 years. Mike brings his extensive experience to LifeFlight, helping to guide the organisation's mission and vision.
As the Principal and group auctioneer of LJ Hooker Toowoomba, Mike has significantly contributed to real estate business consulting and project management across Toowoomba, the Darling Downs and Australia.
Mike’s journey in real estate began in 1989 when he followed in the footsteps of his mother, Claire, continuing their family legacy that started in Toowoomba in the early 1960s. His dedication to the industry and his community was recognised in 2015 when he received the prestigious Sir Leslie Hooker Award at LJ Hooker’s annual global conference. This award celebrates outstanding contributions to the brand, fellow offices, the industry and the community.
Kate Scott is a dedicated beef producer with deep roots in the Roma community, where she has also contributed 20 years of nursing experience. Her longstanding commitment to the region is evident through her active involvement in various community initiatives.
In 2004, Kate co-founded the Maranoa Community Kindergarten, demonstrating her dedication to early childhood education. She has been a vital part of the Roma Picnic Races committee for 25 years and is heavily involved in the Roma branch of the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association.
Kate’s passion for supporting the Maranoa region and her firsthand experience with farm accidents and emergencies inspired her to join the South West Advisory Committee. She understands the critical role LifeFlight plays in rural areas and is committed to advocating for and supporting LifeFlight’s mission in her community.
Travis's multifaceted expertise and commitment to both his profession and the community bring valuable insight and leadership to his role at LifeFlight. Travis is a Managing Partner of Travis Schultz & Partners, where he specializes in commercial litigation and personal injury law, including workers' compensation, motor vehicle, and public liability cases.
His legal career is marked by notable achievements, including becoming managing partner of an established firm at just 27 and expanding the firm to 76 staff before its sale in 2014.
Travis’s dedication to the legal profession is demonstrated through his extensive service roles. He has served two terms as President of the Sunshine Coast Law Association, is a life member of the Sunshine Coast Legal Service and has contributed to the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of the Sunshine Coast. Additionally, he has been involved with the QLS Personal Injuries Specialist Accreditation Committee and the Accident Compensation Committee.
Beyond his legal work, Travis is deeply engaged in various community and charitable organisations. He currently serves as a Board Member of the Sunshine Coast Turf Club and the LifeFlight Foundation, as well as Deputy Chair of the Board of Matthew Flinders Anglican College.
He is also a Councillor of the Queensland Law Society and Chairman of the Matthew Flinders Foundation. A life member of the Sunshine Coast Community Legal Service, Travis remains actively involved in a range of charities and non-profits.
As a founding director of the LifeFlight Foundation, Allan continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the organisation’s mission and vision, leveraging his extensive experience and community ties to drive meaningful impact.
Allan is a distinguished leader and one of the founders of GFA Strategic Accountants, established more than five years ago. His vision was to create an accounting firm that partners with businesses, sharing their journey and offering support, guidance and strategic advice to help redefine their long-term objectives. Allan’s approach focuses on delivering strategic-led advice that enhances overall performance, manages risk, saves money and positions businesses for future success.
Before founding GFA Strategic Accountants, Allan was a partner at Crowe Horwath, one of Queensland and Australia’s largest second-tier accounting firms and its predecessor firms for 21 years. He is renowned for his expertise in business advice and industry benchmarking, particularly within the pharmacy, dental, transport and mining services sectors.
A Gold Coast local with a deep passion for Southport, Allan is dedicated to contributing to the future development and direction of the CBD. He is an active member of the Southport and Gold Coast Chambers of Commerce and serves on the Board of the Southport Chamber.
Allan maintains strong relationships with business owners and professionals across the Gold Coast, Brisbane and South-East Queensland. His commitment extends to various not-for-profit organisations, where he serves as a long-term Board member of Friends of All Saints Limited, Treasurer of the Australia Israel Chamber of Commerce and a member of The Australian Industry Trade College and the Carbine Club of Queensland.
Neil McPhillips is a seasoned expert in regional development, currently serving as Director of Starfire Solutions, a consultancy specializing in regional development.
With more than 30 years’ experience collaborating with all levels of government and the private sector, Neil has built a reputation for his exceptional networking skills and commitment to sustainable development in both businesses and community organisations.
Neil’s expertise spans economic and business development, with notable achievements including his tenure as Economic Development Manager for Ipswich City Council. During this period, he played a pivotal role in the city’s revitalization, as well as contributing significantly to the Bundaberg Region, including the establishment of Bundaberg Technology Park and various other initiatives.
Deeply connected to his community, Neil is recognised as a business and industry leader in the Bundaberg and North Burnett regions. His dedication to regional development is exemplified by his success in establishing “The Foundation for the Sustainable Economic Recovery of the Bundaberg Region” (known as “Bundaberg Region Rising”). This foundation was instrumental in helping Bundaberg-based businesses and industries recover from natural disasters and set the stage for rebuilding and renewal.
In 2018, Neil’s exceptional contributions were honoured with the prestigious “President’s Award” at the Bundaberg Regional Chambers of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.
Tony McGrady has been a prominent figure in Mount Isa since 1963, where he and his wife, Sandra, have raised their two children, Susan and Paul. Tony's extensive career in public service began with his election to the Mount Isa City Council in 1973, where he later served as Mayor from 1985 to 1990.
Tony’s influence extended to Queensland Parliament in 1989, where he represented the State Seat of Mount Isa until his retirement in 2006. During his time in Parliament, Tony held several key positions, including Minister for Mines and Energy, Minister for State Development and Innovation, Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Speaker of the Parliament.
After retiring from State Parliament, Tony returned to local politics in 2012, successfully contesting the election for Mayor of Mount Isa. He served in this role until his retirement from politics in 2016.
In addition to his political career, Tony currently chairs several important organisations, including the Premier’s Ambassadors Council, the Copper String Regional Reference Group and the LifeFlight Regional Advisory Committee for the North West Region. His extensive experience and dedication to public service continue to shape and benefit the communities he serves.
Our Regional Advisory Committees play a crucial role in extending LifeFlight’s reach and impact. With a deep understanding of local challenges and opportunities, they play a key role in supporting LifeFlight’s efforts to provide exceptional care and build stronger, healthier communities.
We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Custodians of the land on which we serve and fly, and pay respect to their Elders past, present and future.
