Rachael Wass

Chief Executive Officer -

Pronouns: She/Her MA Ageing (Global Pop Health), MA Com (Marketing), FCPM (Invited Fellow AMI) Rachael holds master’s degree qualifications in both Ageing and Commerce and brings a career spanning strategic design and leadership in health and aged care. This leadership reflects a rare blend of analytical clarity, ethical stewardship, and deep human‑centred purpose. Her leadership is grounded in lived experience. For 15 years, Rachael was the primary caregiver for an elderly parent navigating a terminal illness - an experience that continues to inform a strong commitment to dignity, connection, and person‑centred care. A recognised voice in aged care reform, Rachael serves as Co‑Chair of the First Nations Workgroup and is an active member of the National Aged Care Alliance. Contributions also include the Department of Health, Ageing & Disability’s Aged Care Sector Reference Group; the ACQC Consumers and Families Panel; the ARIIA Palliative Care Knowledge & Expert Advisory Group; the LGBTIQ+ Health Silver Rainbow advisory committee; and advisory membership with A Dose of Grief. Rachael is a Board Director and a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia. Based in Naarm (Melbourne), Rachael was formerly a carer for 15 years, a life-long Buddhist practitioner and her passions include learning about indigenous culture, meditation and philosophy, pilgrimages and the power of song.

Jacquie Molloy

Communications Specialist -

BA (Hons), Grad Dip Arts Management

From July 2021 – March 2024, Jacquie was responsible for Meaningful Ageing Australia Projects & Leadership Communications and an important member of the team behind the strategic review of the organisation. She is committed to the mission and vision of our organisation and today continues to serve MAA in a volunteer and casual capacity.

With a background in stage performance as well as corporate consulting and communications coaching, Jacquie is an integral adviser and practitioner for our organisation. She continues to be the face of MAA’s monthly all access webinars (including the popular conversation series), and our Community of Practice meetings.

She is neurodivergent (AuDHD) and has a keen interest in diversity and inclusion. And if you know Jacquie it will come as no surprise that for her spirituality is experienced in the company of animals and the habitats they live in.

Marnie Kay

Manager Member Services & Organisational Support

BA (Sustainable Development & Community Development)

Marnie has many years of experience supporting businesses in the corporate and not for profit sector. Her experience spans HR, project support, office management, EA roles, and general administration. She has been fortunate to work in Canada, the UK and USA. After spending many years overseas working and travelling, Marnie is very happy to be home in the city she loves, Melbourne.

Marnie cares deeply about sustainability, nature and supporting local communities. Meditation and exercise have become part of her daily routine, which she finds immensely helpful for physical and mental health.

Cheryl Holmes OAM

Strategic Advisor - Health & Spiritual Care -

Doctor Philosophy; MA Applied Social Science; Grad Cert Management (Psychology); Diploma of Pastoral Ministries; BA Applied Science (Speech Pathology)

Cheryl is a leader renowned for her strategic influence and commitment to the health and wellbeing of communities who has driven significant organisational transformations, particularly within the Spiritual Health Association, where she served as CEO from 2002 until 2024. Leading pivotal national change processes, culminating in the founding of Spiritual Care Australia, thereby shaping the landscape of spiritual care across the nation.

Her leadership is marked by a dedication to enhancing quality holistic care services across Australia, earning her an Order of Australia Medal in 2015 for her contributions and a Pioneer Medal for Leadership in Healthcare, awarded by the Health Care Chaplaincy Network (New York).

Cheryl has authored influential research and articles on spiritual care, contributing significantly to its academic and practical frameworks. Her works include explorations of chaplaincy leadership during crises, the evolution of spiritual care professions, and the role of spiritual care in public health settings. Most recently, Cheryl has been providing spiritual care in residential aged care based in regional Victoria; and leads the transition process for Spiritual Health Association (SHA) to custodianship of Meaningful Ageing Australia.