About Us

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(President)

Peter Dixon has been appointed President of the YRUA for 2026. He has umpired over 300 matches, including an impressive 18 grand finals.

In recognition of his contribution to the Association, Peter was awarded Life Membership in 2023—one of its highest honours—and was also named Goal Umpire of the Year in 2025.

Peter brings a wealth of professional experience in economics, marketing, and engineering, along with more than three decades of strategic business and sporting experience to the Committee.

(Vice President)

Lucas Taylor is certainly no stranger to the umpiring world.

He has enjoyed an outstanding career, representing Victoria at the National Championships in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. His achievements include Boundary Umpire of the Year in 2014, officiating five Senior Division 1 Grand Finals (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016), receiving the Golden Whistle in 2015, and being awarded the John Edwards Medal in 2016.

Lucas was also a member of the VFL Development List from 2017 to 2022 and joined the Girls Talent League Finals Panel in 2021. More recently, he has officiated four consecutive Premier Division Grand Finals from 2022 to 2025. He has also been a valued supporter of the YRUA Committee for several years.

Beyond umpiring, Lucas has represented Victoria multiple times at the National Athletics Championships and achieved a third-place finish in the national 10km racewalk.

Professionally, Lucas manages a large restaurant operation, leading a team of over 100 staff.

He is also passionate about giving back to the community, regularly participating in fundraising initiatives such as 100km walks, Movember, and the World’s Greatest Shave, while raising awareness for type 1 diabetes a cause close to his heart.

Lucas is committed to building a strong and connected umpiring community, creating an exciting environment for emerging talent, and ensuring current umpires remain engaged, supported, and proud to be part of the group.

(Treasurer) 

Ross Priestley is a family man with four fantastic children, all of whom have followed in his footsteps and umpired with the YRUA.

A true jack of all trades, Ross has umpired over 200 games across all three disciplines, including 11 grand finals. In recognition of his contribution, he was awarded one of the Association’s highest honours, the Luke Hollier Shield, in 2019.

Ross previously owned his own business, specialising in card payment systems, and now works in management within the automotive repair sector, bringing over 35 years of industry experience.

He is passionate about developing the next generation of umpires and is always willing to lend a hand wherever needed.

(Secretary)

Goal umpire Avi Kulatunge returns for his second year on the Executive Committee. Avi began his umpiring career in 2022 and has since officiated over 200 matches, including 12 grand finals.

In 2025, Avi was the recipient of both the YRUA Clubman Award and the Andrew Marshall Award. He was also selected to represent Victoria on the state umpiring panel at the National Championships held in Queensland.

Outside of umpiring, Avi is an active St John Ambulance volunteer, providing medical assistance in times of crisis. 

A natural entrepreneur, he previously ran a successful business from the age of 12 and currently works in facilities management for an arcade entertainment company.

In his spare time ''whenever that may be'' Avi enjoys working around his property, going four-wheel driving, or relaxing on the couch while watching AFL umpires on TV.

(General Committee)

Alister Raskas has been umpiring for 28 years and has officiated over 700 games.

Alister loves umpiring and has built many strong friendships during his time with the YRUA. Throughout his career, he has umpired 13 grand finals and was awarded the YRUA Clubman Award in 2015, followed by Life Membership in 2016. He has also been a dedicated supporter of the committee for a number of years.

Better known as “Rowdy,” Alister is a die-hard Melbourne supporter and never misses a chance to remind others that they’re the best team in the AFL.

currently(General Committee)

Marianne Thomson joined the Yarra Ranges Umpires Association Committee in 2026, having supported the Association for many years through her two sons who umpire.

By trade, Marianne is a baker and pastry chef, and she currently manages a powder coating business. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time on her hobby farm, caring for her animals and bees, and “trying” to grow vegetables and herbs.

Marianne is also an active volunteer with the CFA and SES. While the work can be demanding, she finds it incredibly rewarding.

A proud mum of three boys, Marianne loves supporting her sons and watching them play their chosen sports.

(General Committee)

Chris Barry has been a member of the YRUA since 2021 and was elevated to the General Committee in 2025.

Chris and his family have strong ties to both junior and senior football in the Outer East Football League, with his three sons having played for Mount Evelyn and also umpired with the YRUA.

He has officiated over 100 games and, in recognition of his contribution, was awarded the YRUA Clubman Award in 2024. In 2025, Chris was selected to umpire the Premier Division Grand Final.

Coming from the construction industry, Chris brings a wealth of practical and professional experience to the Committee.

(General Committee)

Rickeylee Brown has been a goal umpire with the YRUA for six years. During this time, she has had the privilege of officiating grand finals across all divisions of the Outer East Football Netball League.

Outside of umpiring, Rickeylee has worked in the hospitality industry for over 10 years and holds a Certificate III in Business Studies.

A passionate dancer, Rickeylee enjoys helping others and making people feel comfortable in environments they may not be familiar with. She has also been a proud North Melbourne supporter since her early school years—UP THE ROOS!