About us - Boys to the bush

Meet the Founders

Adam DeMamiel

Co-Founder, CEO & Director

Adam was born in Leeton, NSW and grew up in towns including; Cowra, Forbes, Narrandera and Barellan.

Adam completed a Bachelor of Education, Primary (Special Education) and had been teaching Special Education since 2005.

Adam is married to Angela and they have two daughters- Zahli and Emmi and a son- Jed.

“I have loved seeing Boys To the Bush grow from being an idea to a reality. I am so proud of what we have achieved so far and I am excited for what the future holds. I can 100% say that we are making a difference.”

Richard Leahy

Co-Founder

Richard was born and raised in Howlong, NSW. Richard has always loved camping, fishing, hunting and sport.

Richard Completed a Bachelor of Business – Commerce and Marketing, Dip Ed. He is currently employed as a high school teacher.

Richard is married to Lisa and has three young boys- Jack, Charlie and Billy.

“Boys to the Bush is something that is changing lives. Boys to the Bush gives boys a chance to connect with their communities and build relationships with positive role models. It allows the boys to be hands on and learn through doing…”

Tim Sanson

Co-Founder & Director

Tim was born and raised in Lake Cargelligo, NSW. Tim grew up on the land with his family and loves nothing more than drawing upon his past experiences to assist youth.

Tim completed a Bachelor of Education, Human Movement and has been teaching for over 20 years.

Tim is married to Fiona and has two sons- Charlie and Roley and a daughter- Olivia.

I have a great passion for the land and I want to use this to engage with boys that may not be as fortunate as I have been to have positive males in their lives. I really enjoy getting back to basics and keeping things simple.”

Meet the Board

Andrew Kaye

Chair

Andrew grew up in Sydney spending his spare time in the outdoors. Whether through the Queen Scout and Duke of Edinburgh programs or on the family hobby farm West of Bathurst, NSW.

Having studied Construction Management at Newcastle University, Andrew spent his early working years in commercial construction in Sydney before meeting his now wife and relocating to Albury.

Since moving to Albury, Andrew has worked in a variety of capacities across the construction and manufacturing space and now runs a client-side Project Management consulting business along with Chameleon AMLS, a modular ute tray and trailer manufacturer based in Albury.

“Having grown up in the outdoors, I have witnessed, time and time again, the profound impact being in the outdoors and having strong leadership can have on a young life. It’s a wonderful program with a big future and I’m excited to be able to play a small part.”

Charles Cay

Vice Chair

Charles was born in Corowa and grew up north of the town on his family’s farm, attending primary school at a local small bush school before then going to Sydney for secondary and tertiary education.

In the late 1990’s he returned to the family farm and has spent the time since then working in Agriculture, He has broad industry experience including hands-on farming, corporate agriculture and has served on several industry boards and committees.

During the last twenty-plus years, Charles has been involved in local community organisations such as sporting clubs and have also placed an emphasis on environmental work and investments.

His involvement in Boys to the Bush comes from his belief that to be good at being a citizen, you should belong to something greater than yourself and that a worthwhile society should look after those that have fallen through the cracks, especially in this case through no fault of their own.

Stephen Bowler

Treasurer

Steve grew up on a farm at Holbrook. He is married with 4 children, Rebecca, Sam, Lily and Archie.

Steve is a Chartered Accountant with over 30 years’ experience in the accounting and advisory sector and is currently Managing Partner at Findex in Albury. He has previously had roles with KPMG, PWC and Coopers & Lybrand.

Steve also participates in a number of volunteer roles within the community, including his role at the Lavington Panthers Football Netball Club.

Steve has a passion for assisting his clients in achieving their goals and has a strong belief in ensuring the youth from all backgrounds are offered opportunities to grow and excel in life.
Boys to the Bush has a clear vision which will positively impact the lives of at-risk boys. It’s a privilege to be able to work with the cofounders to deliver programs at the grassroots.

David Cooper

Board Member

David grew up in Melbourne where he worked as an engineer until relocating to the border with his wife Wendy, in the late 1990’s.

David and Wendy formed Milspec Manufacturing in 2002 and now employ almost 100 locals’, manufacturing for the defence, aerospace and rail sectors.
David has always enjoyed the outdoors and has hiked and camped in every state in the country and appreciates what getting out and doing something different can do for you.

Boys to the Bush gives these young guys the opportunity to learn that there is so much more and offers them an opportunity to grow.

"It’s an honour to be part of the team."

Karen Kenny

Board Member

Karen was born in Leeton NSW and grew up on a sheep and grain farm.

She brings extensive commercial leadership and governance experience from a successful career in senior roles with Rabobank Australia and New Zealand, and as Director of Cooperative Business New Zealand (Not For Profit), specialising in business strategy, communications, governance and risk management.

Karen has completed the Institute of Directors New Zealand Company Directors’ course and holds a UTS Master of Arts in Communication Management qualification.

“I am excited about joining the Boys to the Bush team to build on the achievements so far and create a better future for the boys in need”.

Simon McMaster

Board Member

Simon was born in London and then grew up in Wellington, New Zealand. He completed his Bachelor of Commerce Degree at Otago University in Dunedin, before returning back to London to build his Advertising career with the biggest agency network in the globe, TBWA.

When his two boys reached an age where inner-city living in London wasn’t ideal, the family moved to Sydney for the Aussie lifestyle. The next stage was a tree change, moving to Albury six years ago and now Simon is running his own advertising agency, and working on a number of Boards and community groups.

Simon started working with Boys to the Bush as a sponsor through pro bono advertising and marketing support, and he jumped at the chance to more formally assist by joining the Board.

"When I first engaged with Boy to the Bush, I loved the concept and the impact that this organisation is making on so many lives, and at all levels. Whilst it is making an immediate impact on these boys, it is also a future-focused initiative that will make an impact on our communities for years to come."