Meet our ambassadors

Mark Beretta OAM

Alison Brahe-Daddo

Alison Brahe-Daddo has been one of Australia’s most recognised and loved faces after bursting onto the modelling scene at the age of sixteen, regularly gracing the covers of Cosmopolitan, Cleo and Dolly magazines. In 1992, she moved to Los Angeles with her husband Cameron Daddo, where she worked as a screenwriter and producer and secured a degree from UCLA in Early Childhood. Today Alison and Cameron live in Sydney with their three children. Alison is currently writing several feature film scripts and is a screen writer, producer, podcaster and teacher, whilst continuing to teach and co-host Separate Bathrooms with Cameron.

"Never has the mental wellness of our teens been so compromised. They face many challenges not only loneliness, bullying but alarming statistics that suicide is the leading cause of death for our teens. I am proud to support the work that Raise provides to the youth of today . Having that certain someone, a mentor in their life as they struggle with issues, can be life changing.  I've seen first-hand how amazing a mentor can be to a teen, or to anyone really! I look forward to continuing to support Raise and all that they do."

Chloe Dalton OAM

Chloe Dalton OAM is one of Australia’s few triple sport elite athletes. After playing basketball in the WNBL with the Sydney Uni Flames, Chloe transitioned to Rugby, where she debuted for the Australian Rugby 7s team in 2014. At the Rio 2016 Olympics, Chloe won Gold with the Australian 7s team and was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for Service to Sport. She was also recognised as Australia’s top Rugby 7s player in 2017, winning the Shawn Mackay Medal. Chloe then crossed codes again to Aussie rules, making her debut in 2019 for Carlton in the AFLW, playing in the Grand Final in front of a crowd of 53,000. She was named Runner-Up in the Carlton Best and Fairest Awards for the 2020 AFLW season.

During a 2020 lockdown, Chloe created a platform to recognise and celebrate the stories and achievements of female athletes, in an attempt to address the gender inequalities that exist within the sports media space. The [female] athlete project is now the fastest growing women’s sport platform in the country.

Chloe is currently playing AFLW with the GWS Giants in her hometown of Sydney and is a regular panelist on Channel Nine's program Sports Sunday.

Ryan Fitzgerald

Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald shares the breakfast studio with Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli weekdays on Nova 96.9 in Sydney and Fitzy & Wippa can be heard nationally from 6pm to 7pm on the Nova Network.

“Mental health is a cause close to my heart and being involved with Raise I’ve seen firsthand the amazing work they do for our Aussie youth. It’s a worthy initiative and one I’m proud to support!”

Georgie Gardner

Georgie Gardner is Channel Nine’s newsreader on the nightly news at 6pm. She is one of the country’s best known and most popular television presenters.

“As an Ambassador and mother, I love what Raise does; not only championing the needs of young people year in, year out, but also upskilling all the wonderful volunteer mentors.
Raise empowers those of all ages and backgrounds to connect, support and believe in young people around Australia – it’s such important work.”

Ellia Green OAM

Ellia Green OAM is a Fijian retired professional rugby sevens player who was a part of the proud Australian Olympic winning team at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Ellia retired from rugby in August 2021 and is currently in his second year studying International Security Studies at Macquarie University whilst working.  

Since retiring from professional sport, Ellia has found liberation in his identity and sense of self, along with the greatest achievement to date: becoming Dad to daughter Waitui and financé to Vanessa Turnbull-Robert. 
Ellia is committed to racial gender diversity in sport and the wellbeing of marginalised individuals and groups. These attributes make him a perfect Raise Ambassador. 

Tommy Herschell

Tommy Herschell has worked as a weather man, footy reporter and surf reporter and has been part of the Raise village since 2010.

"I see mentoring as another opportunity to get around our young people and support them in their journey. The genuine relationships that are built, allow the skills and tools that are developed in the program, to be handed on through family, sport, school, and community-and how good is that. As we mentor young people we also reap rewards ourselves. Empathy, understanding, and the skill of just listening. And for all that, I'm stoked to be a Raise ambassador.”

Jean Kittson AM

A multi-talented performer and writer, Jean Kittson is one of Australia’s best known and most popular comedians, entertaining and amusing audiences in theatre, print, on radio and television. 

"There has never been a more important time for Raise in the lives of our young people, who are more anxious and overwhelmed than ever before.

In the old days, it really was a village that raised us, but the last two years especially, have inhibited that.  Young people have become habituated to isolation, removing them from the extended wisdom and guidance of people who know and love them.

A Raise mentor is another important and trusted adult in the lives of our young people. Raise is life-changing and an essential service."

Cathrine Mahoney

Cathrine Mahoney is an author, columnist, over-sharer and hosts various podcasts including ‘So, I Quit My Day Job’ and the ‘456 Club’. Cathrine is a solo mum to one beautiful son who she tends to embarrass regularly. 

"I first came across Raise and the incredible work the organisation does five years ago. As a parent to a teenager, I’m aware of some of the issues such as bullying, social media and mental health that are increasingly facing young people. It can be very difficult for teenagers to reach out and ask for help. The Raise program offers a framework that is structured and offers a consistent, proven approach for both Mentors and Mentees."

"I have been lucky to have various mentors throughout my life (including now) and know the support, growth, and guidance they have brought to my journey. I’m thrilled to be Ambassador and to spread awareness and support in any way I can."

Pat McCutcheon

Rugby Pro and ex- NSW Waratah, Pat currently runs the family farm in Narromine, NSW. He is utilising his experience as the Elite Youth Development Manager and Club Captain at the NSW Waratahs to relaunch his local Junior Rugby Club.

"I was fortunate to meet Vicki Condon at an awards ceremony, celebrating young Australians in 2012. After hearing her story and the positive impact Raise was having, I was hooked. I immediately wanted to be involved. Fast forward 10 years and it's been the best decision of my life!

The Raise community are arms wide open, yet so selfless in their approach. Watching young students flourish as the program works its magic is one of the most humbling experiences. I'm grateful to be involved with Raise and would highly recommend becoming a mentor."

Hugh Sheridan

Hugh Sheridan is a four-time Logie Award winner — an Australian actor, musician and television presenter.

"I support Raise because I know first-hand that a good mentor can play a critical role in helping young people shape their lives, and I know it can be a lifesaver for some too. I am proud to be part of the passionate team at Raise and love that they support young people in their teens - its a time when life can feel so overwhelming, a time when so many start a lifelong battle with mental health issues."

Erik Thomson

Erik Thomson is one of Australia’s most respected actors across film, television and theatre. He will next be seen in the feature film STORM BOY alongside Geoffrey Rush and Jai Courtney and the third season of the highly popular series 800 WORDS for Network Seven.

“I was drawn to work with the Raise Foundation because of their simple but extremely effective premise. Simple one on one connection with a non-judgemental and compassionate adult. A pair of attentive ears to simply listen to their concerns.” 

Jacinta Tynan

Jacinta Tynan is a well-known news presenter, author and columnist. She is also the author of Good Man Hunting, and edited the anthology Some Girls Do: My Life as a Teenager.

"As a Raise mentor, I have witnessed first-hand the impact mentoring can have on a young person. Having someone listen to them and take a genuine interest in them - someone with no agenda or judgment - can change the trajectory of their life. 

Weekly mentoring gives these kids an opportunity to step away from the pressures and demands that are heaped on them at this age and see possibilities. They’re at a crucial stage in their lives where impressions last. It’s incredibly affirming to see them empowered to make decisions that will transform their future."