Q&A with Andrew Mackinlay Trust Fund Manager
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to take on the role of Manager of the Trust Fund?
I grew up in Holbrook and later moved to Albury for high school when I was 17. After school, I took up an apprenticeship in horticulture and then moved into commercial landscaping. I ran my own landscaping business for three years and spent a lot of time playing AFL and cricket—sports that introduced me to many lifelong friends.
My connection to cancer became deeply personal in 2019, when my Uncle George was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer. He passed away later that year, and just two days later, my grandfather on my mum’s side also died from cancer. Nine months later, my other grandfather passed away after his own cancer battle. In less than a year, I lost three of the four most important men in my life to this illness.
That experience showed me how vital it is to have strong local cancer care, not just for patients, but also for the families walking beside them. I started fundraising through Dry July and later took part in several Sunshine Walks, including one I completed solo during the pandemic. In 2024, I helped run a fundraiser through the Holbrook Football Club, raising $58,000 for the Trust Fund. It was a proud moment, knowing my small business could help spark something so impactful.
After three years of running my business, I was ready for a change. When I saw the Trust Fund role advertised, I knew straight away it was something I wanted to do. While leaving my business was a tough decision, it felt right—and I’m definitely not missing being outdoors during winter!
Q: What motivates you most in your role as Manager? What drives you forward?
It’s an opportunity to make a real difference in improving cancer services across our region. After seeing first-hand how critical this centre is to the community, motivation comes easily. The passion of the staff is incredible, from the Oncology Nurses and Cancer Care Coordinators to our volunteers; everyone here truly cares.
I’m also constantly inspired by the community. The creativity and generosity in local fundraising efforts are extraordinary. There’s such a strong sense of ownership and pride in the Cancer Centre, and that collective energy drives us to keep pushing forward.
My ultimate goal is to help shape this into the best cancer care facility outside a metropolitan area in Australia.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in your first 12 months as Manager?
I can’t wait to be behind the scenes for my first Sunshine Walk. It’s such a special event, and seeing a sea of yellow walking through the streets is something I’m really excited for. We’re hoping to keep growing the number of participants and fundraising totals.
I’m also looking forward to the continued growth of our community-run events like the Sunshine Ride, Sunshine Swim, and the new Sunshine Charity Golf Classic in Yarrawonga. These events, and the people behind them, are a real highlight of our work, and you can read about many of them in our Shine Newsletters.
Most of all, I’m looking forward to coming to work every day alongside Leanne, Justine, and the rest of the amazing people in the building. Together, we’re working hard to keep improving cancer care in our region.
