Shining the Lyme Light for 90 miles

08/07/2026

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Danielle Elsum holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Finance and is a fully accredited finance broker with expertise across both residential and commercial lending. She specialises in supporting self-employed individuals and businesses within the health sector, offering tailored financial solutions that reflect a deep understanding of complex lending needs.

Her career includes a decade in senior business banking roles - most notably as a Business Banking Manager overseeing a dedicated portfolio of clients - five years in the mining industry with a focus on accounting and financial analysis, and several years in financial planning, where she developed strong skills in banking strategy and loan structuring.

Alongside her professional achievements, Danielle has spent many years contributing her financial expertise to community organisations, serving in finance and treasurer roles with commitment and integrity. Her combined experience across banking, analysis and community governance brings valuable depth and stability to the organisations she supports.

08/07/2026

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Introducing our board:
Ryan McMillan is a devoted father of four and a passionate advocate for the Lyme community in Australia. His advocacy began through personal experience: caring for his son, who bravely battled Lyme Disease for four years. That journey ignited a powerful determination in Ryan to bring hope, compassion and meaningful support to other families facing the same challenges.

He coordinated Tanner and Ed’s Epic Hike for Lyme, an extraordinary 90-mile walk along Victoria’s iconic Ninety Mile Beach, raising more than $183,000 for Lyme Disease research and advocacy. Through this achievement and his continued collaboration with community and national advocates, Ryan has become a strong and respected voice for awareness, action and change for people affected by tick-borne illness.

Beyond his work in the Lyme community, Ryan is an active board member and long-time volunteer with the Lakes Entrance Surf Life Saving Club, where his dedication to service shines through his leadership and fundraising efforts.

Driven by empathy and an unwavering sense of purpose, Ryan stands alongside the Lyme community - ensuring that every family navigating Lyme Disease feels seen, supported and understood. His message remains at the heart of his advocacy: “We hear you. We see you. You’re not alone.”

08/07/2026

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Tanya Dupagne has dedicated more than two decades to the charity sector, creating and leading transformative programs such as Camp Kulin. Her work has reached over 150,000 people across Australia, America, South Africa and Vietnam, with a particular focus on supporting children and women who have experienced trauma.

She holds a Bachelor of Communications and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Edith Cowan University in recognition of her service to the community. Tanya has completed leadership and management studies at Harvard University, and four years as a Councillor for the City of Kwinana gave her extensive governance training.

An experienced grant writer and sought-after motivational speaker, she is also a Churchill Fellow, Westpac Scholar, and the 2017 AgriFutures Australian Rural Woman of the Year. She has been named one of the Australian Financial Review’s 100 Most Influential Women, and in 2024 received the Order of Australia Medal for her service to youth and community.

Tanya has spent the past ten years mentoring social entrepreneurs and charity founders, both unofficially and formally through programs such as Westpac Scholars. She has been a judge for the Westpac Social Change Fellowship and Telstra Best of Business Awards for the past five years.

Tanya’s leadership is further shaped by lived experience. Diagnosed with tick-borne illnesses in 2019 - stemming from a tick bite in America two decades earlier - she has since navigated multiple related health challenges. She has used her experience as a patient to help others, being appointed to groups such as the Rockingham Peel Group Consumer Advisory Council (providing consumer perspective on the running of WA hospitals).

Her firsthand understanding of tick-borne illness fuels her passion for advocacy, education and meaningful change.

08/07/2026

We are SO excited to be a part if this incredible new charity that will help Aussies dealing with tick borne illness. Watch this space!