Treasurer: Jake joined Rainbow Families in 2023 with a wealth of both treasury and volunteer experience. Jake is also on the Macquarie Group Pride Committee which empowers LGBTQ+ staff and creates a space where everyone can bring their full self to work. Jake is passionate about equality and fostering a safe and vibrant community for LGBTQ+ families. With a background in quantitative risk, Jake is also a Co-Treasurer of the Graduate Volunteer Network at Macquarie Bank.

Rainbow Families Co-chair: Lara has a diverse background working with marginalised communities as a youth worker, social worker and manager of a women’s, children and transgender women’s domestic violence refuge. Lara has been volunteering with Rainbow families for the past two years, and is passionate about social justice, equality, and reducing disadvantage in the community.  She is also part of the Inner West Council’s Pride Committee, and is one of the mums of her twin sons Lui and Archie.

Executive Officer: Ashley and his husband have two daughters who were born through surrogacy, and Ashley is also a known donor for a Lesbian family. Ashley is one of the founders of Rainbow Families and has been active within the Gay Dads group since his eldest daughter was born in 2012. Ashley enjoys bringing the Rainbow Families community together - seeing families build connections with their community and supporting families to be their most authentic selves.

Board member: Matt and his partner are proud Dads to a young son and daughter, born through surrogacy in Canada. Matt has extensive professional experience in management consulting, with a focus on strategy development and organisational change, and has also launched and run a technology startup. He is passionate about applying his skills and experience to help influence positive change for the Rainbow Family community across Australia.

Equality Director. Heather has been organising social events and advocating for rainbow families in Mianjin Brisbane since the birth of her child in 2015. She has a background in filmmaking, mediation, law and social policy. Heather is passionate about acheiving equality and inclusion for LGBTIQ+ people.

Kai joined the Rainbow Families Board in April 2024, bringing over 15 years of experience delivering and managing programs and services in the sexual, domestic and family violence and the LGBTIQA+ sectors. In 2024, Kai was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the LGBTIQ+ community and to the domestic and family violence sector. Kai identifies as queer and non-binary and is a doting parent of one (so far). “I just want all of our children to grow up in a world that is kind and fair”.  

Jess Cronin (she/her) Jess and her partner are parents to two young children, conceived via IVF utilising a close friend as a known donor.   After returning to her home state of South Australia in 2022, Jess became actively involved in the local rainbow families community. She now serves as Co-Convenor of Rainbow Families South Australia and joined the national Board of Rainbow Families Australia in December 2024.   With a long-standing commitment to LGBTIQ+ advocacy, Jess brings extensive experience in community leadership, fundraising, and driving positive change. She is especially passionate about ensuring rainbow families are visible, supported, and celebrated across Australia.

Board Secretary Paul Hadfield-Jia and his husband are proud dads of two children born through international surrogacy and passionate advocates for rainbow families. Based in Perth, Paul played a key role in driving WA’s ART and surrogacy law reforms to remove discrimination and expand access for LGBTQIA+ people. He leads partnerships with local groups including Gay Dads WA and Playgroups with Pride WA, and is committed to building inclusive spaces that promote connection, recognition, and celebration of diverse families.