Rachel Evans
Business Development and Partnerships Manager
With more than 20 years experience spanning the Not For Profit, Local and State Government sectors, Rachel has focused on partnerships and collaboration with equitable outcomes, supporting marginalised communities to overcome barriers, participate fully in community and for individuals to achieve their goals and aspirations. Following her social policy studies, Rachel’s professional journey began in commercial business development across the UK at Data Connectivity, however she transitioned into the not for profit, and public service, applying her commercial acumen to addressing complex social and community challenges.
Throughout her career, Rachel has led and influenced major initiatives across community development, social policy, grant management, and strategic planning within health and human services, volunteering and community sport and recreation sectors, and has been recognised through numerous Victorian Government awards. With an established extensive network spanning government, community services, academia, and corporate partners, her ability to bring diverse stakeholders together has resulted in successful funding outcomes, innovative partnership models, and programs that deliver measurable social impact.
Rachel brings a deep understanding of homelessness, informed by years of working alongside organisations supporting vulnerable communities and advocating for equitable investment in prevention, early intervention, and long-term solutions. Through her work with Reclink Australia, and place-based programs, she has developed a holistic understanding of the drivers of homelessness, including family violence, disability, and mental ill-health, prevention of which is her passion.