Meet the team: Tahleah Irvin

Leading services across a diverse region requires more than operational oversight. It requires a clear understanding of community needs, strong relationships and a commitment to ensuring recipients receive high-quality, person-centred care. 

As selectability’s new regional manager for Cairns, Tahleah Irvin brings more than 14 years of leadership experience to help strengthen services across the region. 
 
As a key part of her role, Tahleah oversees the strategic and operational leadership of services throughout Cairns, working alongside employees to ensure quality, safety and sustainable growth while supporting the evolving needs of the community. 
 
“I’m excited to lead regional services at Cairns selectability, with a focus on strengthening service delivery, expanding reach and impact, and building high-performing teams that can support the evolving needs of the communities we serve,” said Tahleah. 
 
Born and raised in Cairns, Tahleah has a strong connection to Far North Queensland and the community she now supports.  

Her local knowledge, combined with extensive experience across community services, child protection and early childhood, provides a strong foundation for leading services that respond to local needs. 
 
Throughout her career, Tahleah has specialised in operational leadership, quality and compliance, governance, and regional and state-level management.  

Through this, her focus has remained consistent: building capable teams, strengthening systems and delivering positive outcomes for children, young people and communities. 
 
For Tahleah, working within the community where she grew up adds another layer of purpose to her role. 
 
“What I enjoy most about living and working in my community is the strong sense of connection and the opportunity to make a meaningful local impact. 
 
“Being born and raised in Cairns, I have a deep appreciation for the lifestyle and the outdoors, but also for the resilience and support within the community. 
 
“I was prompted to enter the sector by a passion for creating positive change at both an individual and community level. 
 
“Over time, this has grown into a commitment to leading services that deliver strong outcomes, support vulnerable populations, and strengthen community wellbeing. 
 
One of the most important lessons throughout her career has been the value of accessible, community-based support. 
 
“Most importantly, I’ve seen firsthand how accessible, community-based support can positively change lives,. 
 
For those considering a career in the sector, Tahleah believes a genuine commitment to people is essential. 
 
“My advice would be to enter the sector with a genuine passion for making a difference and a willingness to learn. 
 
“It’s incredibly rewarding work, but it also requires resilience, adaptability, and a strong commitment to person-centred outcomes. 
 
Outside of work, Tahleah enjoys camping, exploring the outdoors and making the most of the Far North Queensland lifestyle.  

As she begins her journey with selectability, she looks forward to building strong teams, strengthening local services and ensuring recipients across the Cairns region continue to receive high-quality, person-centred support.