Phil Yelland brings a wealth of compassion and experience to the Holy Fools Board, where he has served since July 2012, following two years as a dedicated volunteer. With a remarkable 17.5 years of experience in juvenile justice and 9 years as a Support Worker, Phil has devoted his career to supporting vulnerable youth and families. His involvement extends to foster care and respite programs, reflecting his deep commitment to creating safer, more hopeful futures for young people.
A familiar face at Street Angels and countless Holy Fools events, Phil’s hands-on approach and steady presence embody our mission of restoring dignity and hope in the Yarra Ranges. Married to Glenda for 30 years and the proud father of three adult daughters, Phil’s life is rooted in family, service, and community. His lived experience and heart for people make him an invaluable part of the Holy Fools family.
Timothy was born and raised in the Melbourne eastern suburbs, specifically Lilydale and Mount Evelyn. He was raised by a single mum and grew up alongside 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Homelessness and mental health are two subjects close to his heart. Having been homeless twice in his life, once recently.
He understands how tough it can be.
Attended primary school at Wandin Yallock Primary School and then went on study at Mount Evelyn Christian School, graduating year 12 in 2008. Over the years he has completed a Bachelor of Creative Arts Drama, Diploma of Youth Work and a Diploma of Theatre Arts. He has been a part of Holy Fools Inc for over 11 years and this year will be his 2nd year of being on the board.
Andrea brings over two decades of experience in facility management, property operations, and strategic planning, spanning local government, community housing, education, and the not-for-profit sector.
She has led large-scale capital works, managed multi-site property portfolios, and overseen compliance, procurement, and risk management in highly regulated environments.
As a Board Member at Holy Fools, Andrea draws on her financial acumen, governance expertise, and operational knowledge to guide strategic decision-making, strengthen organisational systems, and ensure resources are used effectively to support people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.
She contributes to budget planning, risk oversight, policy development, and community engagement initiatives, helping to build sustainable pathways towards the organisation’s mission of ending homelessness in the Yarra Ranges. Passionate about social justice and community wellbeing, Andrea values collaboration and practical solutions that make a tangible difference. Her combination of strategic insight and hands-on management experience enables her to support Holy Fools work with both vision and attention to detail.
Neal Taylor is a dedicated community leader and long-time resident of the Yarra Ranges. As Founder, CEO, and Community Worker at Holy Fools, Neal has spent nearly two decades supporting people experiencing homelessness – operating drop-in centres, serving meals, and building connections at local initiatives like the Dining Room and Vive Cafe. He also serves on the Yarra Ranges Housing Action Group and is Vice-Chairman of the Lilydale Township Group, where he previously served as Chairman since its inception.
Passionate about social justice and creating positive change, Neal holds a Diploma of Community Welfare, a Bachelor of Arts, and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. He has taught Diploma-level Community Work at Box Hill Institute. Neal and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 27 years and have three adult children.