Our Clinical Councils
The Clinical Councils are in place across each of the three major regions of the PHN catchment, Central Queensland, Wide Bay and Sunshine Coast. The primary role of the GP-led Clinical Councils is to provide advice to the PHN’s Board on locally relevant clinical issues and other associated issues. Terms of Reference are in place and are reviewed bi-annually.
Find information and biography for each member below.
Contact us
Please forward any queries in regards to the Clinical Council or membership enquiries to council@ourphn.org.au
- Dr Ewen McPhee
Chair, Central Queensland Clinical Council
General Practitioner, Emerald Medical Group
Dr Ewen McPhee is currently a member on the National Primary Health Care Advisory Group (NPHCAG), the treasurer for the Rural Doctors Association of Queensland, RACGP Queensland Director of National Rural Faculty, Central Queensland Rural Health Board Director, University of Queensland Senior Lecturer for General Practice, Member of NEHTA Clinical Usability Steering Group for PCEHR, Chairman of Telehealth Governance Committee for Qld Health, Member of Qld Health Statewide Rural Clinical Networks, ACRRM PROMPT Steering Committee member and practice principal for Emerald Medical Group. - Dr Bhavesh Dhamsania
Deputy Chair, Central Queensland Clinical Council
General Practice Liaison Officer, CCQ
Dr Bhavesh is a GP with the Gracemere Medical Centre. He is also a Lead Clinical Editor involved with the Health Pathways project with the PHN. He graduated from university in India in 2003. After moving to Australia 13 years ago he completed a Fellowship in Australian Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM). - Professor* Alan S C Sandford
AM MB BS; B.Med.Sc (Hons); MHA; FRACMA; FCHSM; GAICD; FRSM.
Director of Medical Academic Development – Regional Medical Pathway, Central Queensland and Wide Bay Hospital and Health Services
Professor Sandford is currently Director of Medical Academic Development – Regional Medical Pathway, Central Queensland and Wide Bay Hospital and Health Services & Immediate Past President and Executive Board Director, Chair of Finance and Audit, and Censor with Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA).
Initially commenced training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and then Emergency Medicine, Professor Sandford is now an experienced Specialist Medical Leader holding positions in Executive medical leadership over the past 34 years in Australia and Internationally. A longstanding priority is supporting teaching, training and supervision in an evolving medical system and he holds Professorial appointments with University of Queensland, Central Queensland University and James Cook University. National Health system contribution includes Membership of the Australian Medical Council – Specialist Medical Accreditation Committee (SEAC) and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Rural Health Equity Steering Committee.
Professor Sandford has worked and consulted in a wide variety of posts across all States in Australia with a particular focus on workforce in rural Australia. He is particularly delighted to be medical lead for the newly commenced and exciting medical workforce initiative of the end-to-end Regional Medical Pathway in the Wide Bay and Central Queensland regions.
Appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours in 2017 for “significant services to medical administration and health management in a number of executive roles”
*Medical Academic roles include: Professor University of Queensland & Central Queensland University and Honorary Professor with James Cook University. - Amelia Counahan
Pharmacist Manager, LiveLife Pharmacy Gracemere - Bradley Miers
Senior Operations Supervisor/Critical Care Flight Paramedic, Queensland Ambulance Service
Bradley has experience in metro, regional and remote practice as well as experience as a flight critical care paramedic. Bradley is also on the CQHHS Emergency Services Clinical Network, attending district disaster meetings, mental health tri-agency meetings and working closely with SMOs and the executive team from Rockhampton Hospital. - Dr Gaston Boulanger
General Practitioner, BITS Medical Centre
Dr Gaston Boulanger is the consulting doctor for Heron Island, owner of BITS Medical,as well as the facility doctor for Edenvale Nursing Home and Bindaree Lodge. He is a board member for the Rio Tinto Community Fund Board and a member of Here for Health Gladstone. He also acts as an examiner for RACGP, is a GP trainer for GPTQ and organises quarterly health network meetings for GPs, specialists and other medical professionals in the Central Queensland area. - Professor Gulam Khandaker
Director and Public Health Physician, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service
Professor Gulam Khandaker is a Public Health Physician and Director of Public Health for Central Queensland. Dr Khandaker was trained in Paediatrics at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Public Health Medicine at the Australia’s National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS). Dr Khandaker has also completed a PhD from the University of Sydney on viral respiratory infections, and prestigious NHMRC Early Career Fellowship at the Centre for Perinatal Infection Research at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. Prof Khandaker is an established career researcher with over 100 peer reviewed publications, and over $6M in peer-reviewed research funds to date. - Helen Burgess
Nurse Unit Manager, North Rockhampton Nursing Centre, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service
Helen Emigrated in 1996 from Wales and is a Registered Nurse with extensive experience in Aged care both in the private and Public sector and has held many management roles. Is currently one of the Nurse Unit Managers at North Rockhampton Nursing Centre. Helen Enjoys working with the elderly and advocating for their rights and ensuring they receive the care they deserve.
In her spare time enjoys walks across the beach and spending time with her family. - Helen Cleary
Health and Wellness Manager, Benevolent Living Aged Care
Helen is the Health and Wellness Manager (formerly Director of Nursing) for Benevolent Living. Helen worked in Aged Care for 12 years in New Zealand, before moving to Rockhampton and joining Benevolent Living in 2012. In her time at Benevolent Living Helen has worked as a Registered Nurse and Clinical Nurse. Helen enjoys the warm, friendly, family and community spirit that exists at Benevolent Living and within the wider Rockhampton community. Helen is passionate about wanting to change the attitudes and perceptions towards older adults living with dementia and physical health conditions and improve the quality of life for all older adults within the Rockhampton Community. One of the biggest issues Helen believes that requires change is the assumption that with age you cannot make decisions regarding your living circumstances especially after significant health events. Helen participates in the Dementia Reference Group. - Dr. Jae Choi
Academic and Primary Care Workforce Lead, Regional Training Hub, University of Queensland - Associate Professor Jennifer Barry
Director, Rockhampton Rural Clinical School and UQ Rural Clinical School - Jennifer Brandon
Practice Manager and Practice Nurse, Gracemere Medical Centre
Jennifer is a Practice Manager, but has also worked as a practice nurse, having completed her nursing degree in 1996. She began working in nursing homes, rural hospital, regional private and public hospitals and school nursing. Working in general practice part time lead to a role as a practice nurse. Jennifer enjoys working in General Practice nursing and practice management roles, getting to know patients and the community needs, and trying to meet some of the needs. Jennifer attends as many local, state and national events in nursing, general practice and practice management. - Jenny Kerr
Clinical Practice Manager, Nhulundu Health Service - Jessica Burrey
Pharmacist, Director of Services, Emerald Pharmacy Services Pty Ltd.
Jessica is a registered pharmacist, practicing for over 10 years. Currently residing Emerald, Jessica is the Director of Emerald Pharmacy Services Pty Ltd, and managing partner of Direct Chemist Outlet Emerald. Jessica is passionate about health and the Central Queensland region. With a focus to build a stronger health practitioners network, Jess seeks to improve community health through a holistic approach and appropriate referral pathways between all health professionals. - Linda Medlin
Acting Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Community Health Centre, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Gladstone - Matt Willis
Director, ER24 Australia
Matt is a remote area specialist with an interest in developing solutions for increasing access to primary care. After training as a Paramedic, he enjoyed a 20-year career with the Queensland Ambulance Service including as an Officer in Charge and Group Coordinator of the Western Queensland area. Following this, he co-founded a company, ER24, which delivers health, rescue and primary care services to mine sites and remote locations. He understands the complexities of delivering healthcare within our complex mix of Federal and State government funding models with services provided through layers of public and private delivery systems. Matt’s experience includes recruiting ER24’s leadership team, high level input into the development of clinical and corporate governance structures, formulating policies and procedures, securing ER24’s Queensland Health drug licence, and spearheading and achieving ER24’s ISO 9001 and OH&S certification. He understands and has worked in a range of clinical and compliance governance frameworks in the public and private sectors. As ER24’s managing director, Matt’s distinctive leadership style is energetic, hands-on and involved. He retains his AHPRA registration as an Advanced Care Paramedic and regularly visits and works in the rural and remote areas serviced by the company. Matt has an interest in developing innovative primary health care delivery systems to better cater to the needs of communities historically disadvantaged by barriers of distance and other challenges to access.
- Professor Pooshan Navathe
Executive Director, Medical Services, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service - Sandra Corfield
Chief Executive Officer, Central Queensland Rural Health
Sandra has 30 years’ of rural health experience. She continues to support the development of excellence and sustainability for rural health. - Sharon Woods
Senior Director Allied Health, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service
Sharon Woods is the acting Senior Director of Allied Health for Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service responsible for operational, professional, and strategic leadership for allied health services. Prior to joining CQ Health in August 2020 Sharon held a number of senior leadership roles at Mackay Hospital & Health Service, and has worked in regional and tertiary metropolitan Queensland health services for over 10 years. Sharon has a Master of Nutrition and Dietetics, with a major in public health nutrition., as well as post graduate qualifications in Health Service Management and in Health Research. - Associate Professor Sonia Saluja
Head of Course (Pathway to Medicine), Senior Lecturer Clinical Physiology, College of Clinical Sciences, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University
Sonia is a medically trained academic with over 20 years of teaching experience in tertiary institutions and medical schools in Australia and overseas. In her role as Head of Course she provides academic leadership and oversight to the curriculum development, delivery, and academic quality of the Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine). She has a keen interest in medical education and has extensive experience in curriculum design and development of medical programs throughout her professional career. Creating learning environments contextualised to student’s careers has been at the heart of her work. Her teaching practice involves including authentic learning experiences and presenting students with real-world situations to link theory with practice. A strong believer in taking a student-focused approach, she develops teaching tools and assessment strategies aimed at encouraging students to discover the exciting world of medical science. Sonia is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK) and has received a number of institutional awards for her teaching, most recently the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Learning and Teaching (2020).
- Thalep Ahmat
Chief Executive Officer, Bidgerdii Community Health Service
Formerly Deputy CEO of Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council, Thalep has extensive experience in business development with focus on assisting Indigenous people who wanted to run their own business to become ‘business ready’. Thalep is also a consortium partner for Partners in Recovery in CQ.
- Professor* Alan S C Sandford
AM MB BS; B.Med.Sc (Hons); MHA; FRACMA; FCHSM; GAICD; FRSM.
Director of Medical Academic Development – Regional Medical Pathway, Central Queensland and Wide Bay Hospital and Health Services
Professor Sandford is currently Director of Medical Academic Development – Regional Medical Pathway, Central Queensland and Wide Bay Hospital and Health Services & Immediate Past President and Executive Board Director, Chair of Finance and Audit, and Censor with Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA).
Initially commenced training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and then Emergency Medicine, Professor Sandford is now an experienced Specialist Medical Leader holding positions in Executive medical leadership over the past 34 years in Australia and Internationally. A longstanding priority is supporting teaching, training and supervision in an evolving medical system and he holds Professorial appointments with University of Queensland, Central Queensland University and James Cook University. National Health system contribution includes Membership of the Australian Medical Council – Specialist Medical Accreditation Committee (SEAC) and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Rural Health Equity Steering Committee.
Professor Sandford has worked and consulted in a wide variety of posts across all States in Australia with a particular focus on workforce in rural Australia. He is particularly delighted to be medical lead for the newly commenced and exciting medical workforce initiative of the end-to-end Regional Medical Pathway in the Wide Bay and Central Queensland regions.
Appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours in 2017 for “significant services to medical administration and health management in a number of executive roles”
*Medical Academic roles include: Professor University of Queensland & Central Queensland University and Honorary Professor with James Cook University. - Professor Tony Schneiders
PhD, MSc, PGDipManipTh, PGCertTerTch, DipPhty
Deputy Chair, Wide Bay Clinical Council
Tony is based in Bundaberg and is the current Head of College- Health Sciences at CQUniversity (CQU). In this role he manages eight allied health disciplines across the CQUniversity footprint. Tony has been a registered Physiotherapist for more than 30 years with significant clinical and research expertise in Sports and Musculoskeletal Medicine. - Catherine Hackney
Executive Officer/Director of Nursing, Mater Hospital Bundaberg
Catherine is the current Executive Officer/Director of Nursing at the Mater Hospital in Bundaberg. She has extensive experience in healthcare in rural and regional communities. Catherine has a passion to improve health outcomes in the community by contributing to the development and implementation of effective partnerships between primary and acute care services. - Dr Fionna Hadden
General Practitioner, Millbank Medical Practice, Bundaberg
General Practice Liaison Officer, CCQ - Dr James Chanaka
MBChB, FRACGP
General Practitioner, Primary Care Medical Practice, Urraween.
Dr James Chanaka has been a General Practitioner in Hervey Bay for the past ten years and has a passion for chronic disease management, mental health and weight loss management. Dr Chanaka’s previous experience includes the role as GP Liaison Officer for the Fraser Coast region from 2019 to 2021, and he is currently a GP mentor for medical students, a GP supervisor for registrars and an RACGP fellowship examiner. Dr Chanaka enjoys sharing his experience with the Wide Bay Clinical Council members.
- Dr Katie Gardner
General Practitioner, Duwalami Primary Health Care Service
Katie returned to Hervey Bay in late 2020 after growing up in the area in the late 80’s and 90’s. She has Fellowship with the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and is currently working as a GP at Galangoor Duwalami Primary Health Care Service. Her areas of special interest are Indigenous Health and Maternal, Infant and Child Health. - Assoc. Professor Dr Cornelius “Kees” Nydram
Kees obtained his MBBS (UNSW) in 1977, specialist qualifications in Emergency Medicine in 1986, Addiction Medicine in 2002 and Medical Management credentials in 2010. His wide-ranging clinical interests include complex substance dependence with persistent pain, suicidology and macro-level health systems. Kees is a consummate teacher and educationalist with a Master of Medical Education and Master of Health Management. He holds an Associate Professor appointment at the UQ Rural Clinical School. His current part-time substantive position is Clinical Director of the Addiction Medicine Service, Wide Bay HHS, Queensland. He is also currently the WB-HHS medical representative on the Queensland Health Clinical Senate and on the AMAQ Council. Kees has contributed articles to The Medical Republic. In his spare time Kees is a published poet and a singer songwriter. He credits his three children as his finest teachers.
- Kylie Cooke
Manager, Clinical Education, Ambulance Service - Lisa Baker – Team Leader, Rural Allied and Community Health, Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service
Lisa is a qualified speech pathologist, and has worked within the Wide Bay since 2002. Lisa, based from Gayndah, has worked as the Rural Allied Health Team Leader since 2007 and now works as the Rural Allied and Community Health Team leader covering all rural regions within the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service. With representation across a number of committees, networks and rural allied health groups, Lisa brings substantial knowledge to the Clinical Council. Her goal as a member is to address chronic disease management through the provision of clinical pathways appropriate to clients in all regions. - May Chi
May is a Generally Registered Psychologist who has completed coursework for a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and is working towards her PhD Candidature. She is a member of the Association of Contextual Behavioural Sciences (ACBS) and Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). May has worked in a number of educational and employment settings, helping clients clarify what they want in life and moving them in that valued direction. She is involved in a research project aimed to improve the lives of women post primary breast cancer intervention, with a focus on ‘right therapy, right dose, right patient, right time’. May hopes to assist in developing and maintaining the social capital of the Wide Bay community and improving the effectiveness and coordination of health care. She especially passionate about mental health, the health workforce, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health. She would like to support the implementation of the Stepped Care Model with existing services in the Wide Bay to provide seamless and navigable service delivery. When she is not a psychologist, May enjoys writing fictional stories, playing D&D with her friends, and listening to Russell Torrance on ABC Classic FM. - Fr/Dr Michael Nixon, OAM, ThDIP. MBBS. FRACGP
SMO Galangoor Duwalami
Born in London, first living memory German bomb blast damaging his house in London. He came to Australia as a teenager, became an accountant, then an Anglican Priest – after working among Indigenous folk on the Darling River at Bourke and Brewarrina in NSW went to PNG. There studies medicine and became acting Chief Medical Officer for the West New Britain Province after two years registrar ship and later medical Director of University of Technology clinic in Lae. Then to Sydney and a member of Royal Price Albert hospital’s Ethics Research Committee. Then to Darwin as Anglican Dean of their cathedral, member of the Menzies School of Health Research Ethics Committee and joined the remote medical officers GP programme while gaining my FRACGP. This year awarded OAM for my work in Indigenous Health, with referral to my work of 16 years in PNG. I led the WHO HIV education outreach programme to medical staff in Solomon Is, Vanuatu and Fiji. As a gay man I have special interest and care for patients with sexuality issues, STI ‘s and relationship issues – often involving anxiety, depression and even suicide. - Dr Paul Wilkinson
Director of Allied Health, Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service
Dr Paul Wilkinson is the current Director of Allied Health Services at Bundaberg Hospital. Over the last 25 years he has worked in healthcare, research, and regulation in both the UK and Australia. He is a qualified Dietitian with specialism in child & adolescent eating disorders. He is a former executive of Dietitians Australia leading their national accreditation and overseas skills recognition programs. Paul is passionate about the role Allied Health can play in delivering care to our community as part of the broader healthcare team.
- Peter Wood
Acting Executive Director of Acute Health and Community Services
Peter has almost 30 years’ experience in health care in Australia and internationally, 20 of which have been spent in senior leadership roles. His previous appointments have included Executive Director BMI Healthcare and General Manager roles with portfolios including Medicine, Surgery, Cardiology, Emergency Services and Critical Care. Peter has completed a BSC (Hons) Health Management, a postgraduate diploma in healthcare management and a Master of Healthcare Leadership and Management at the universities of Lancaster and Auckland. Prior to joining WBHHS in 2017 as the General Manager of Emergency and Critical Care, Peter worked in healthcare management roles in the UK and New Zealand. He is currently undertaking a Master of Business Administration. - Norma Frost
Director, Clinical Services at the Friendlies Private Hospital
Living in the Wide Bay region since 2008, Norma has held extensive nursing management and leadership positions over the last 25 years in private and public sectors. Norma has a strong patient and improved standards of care focus. Norma’s achievements include leading the implementation of clinical nursing documentation and nursing care plans, improving elective surgery/outpatient processes and waiting times, and has received awards for teamwork, building effective teams, improvements in elective surgery, outpatient and endoscopy waitlist improvements, the Bundaberg flood evacuation and community engagement events. - Dr Scott Kitchener
Executive Director Medical Services, Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service; Associate Professor, University of Queensland Rural Clinical School - Simone Finch
Chief Executive Officer, Friendly Society Private Hospital
As the CEO of the Friendly Society Private Hospital in Bundaberg (Queensland, Australia), Simone is leading the rebuilding of the hospital service following a challenging time during the Global Pandemic. Working closely with the team at The Friendlies, Simone’s passion for collaboration and good governance will ensure that the hospital, pharmacy and allied health practice are reimagined and set up for a strong, sustainable future. Simone has led multiple turnarounds and strategic redevelopments, from small businesses to large government departments. She specialises in working within organisations to develop strategic frameworks that engender a ‘whole of organisation’ approach based on an ethical and sustainable method to business and human services. Her favourite thing about being a CEO is working with people to ensure the successful delivery of services to the community.
Simone has a Bachelor of Arts (Deakin University) and an Executive MBA from RMIT University, as well as being a qualified mediator and governance professional. She is currently considering a doctorate and is in conversation with an Australian university to determine her thesis question.
On a personal note, Simone is an amateur historian with a passionate interest in vintage fashion. She is fascinated by the 1940s, sewing and knitting, is a keen op shopper and brooch wearer!
- Dr Zaffar Abbas
General Practitioner, Gin Gin Hospital, Gin Gin Family Medical
Dr. Zafar Abbas is currently practicing GP/SMO at Gin Gin Hospital and Gin Gin Family Medical in Queensland. He is pursuing fellowship training in Rural Remote Medicine with the Emergency Medicine Sub speciality. Dr Abbas has an interest in treating a wide range of Chronic diseases ( Diabetes and Hypertension).
- Dr Geoffrey Byrne
Chair, Sunshine Coast Clinical Council
General Practitioner, Golden Beach Surgery; Medical Coordinator, Ochre Medical Centre Caloundra
Dr Byrne is a member of SCLMA, with over thirty years’ experience in general practice. He is on the Medical Advisory Committee for Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital (SCUPH) and Caloundra Private Clinic, and regularly trains medical students from Griffith University. He is a vocationally registered GP with his fellowship. Dr Byrne is a JP (Qualified). - Dr Michelle Johnston
Deputy Chair, Sunshine Coast Clinical Council
Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service General Practice Liaison Officer
Dr Michelle Johnston is a GP who has worked in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland for the past 20 years. She is GP Liaison officer and clinical lead for the GP with Special Interests program, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service. Her passion is improving communication and collaboration within healthcare. - Catherine Scott
Executive Manager Clinical Governance, Sundale
Catherine brings more than 25 years clinical and administrative experience in both the public and private sectors and has worked across a range of subspecialty practice areas of health in metropolitan and regional health services. She possesses advanced clinical leadership skills and has assessed, guided and contributed to the implementation of innovative, evidence based, recovery led clinical practices contributing to highly reliable care.
- Danielle McCarthy
Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Director, Mind Potential Psychology
Danielle McCarthy is a Clinical Psychologist and the Clinical Director of Mind Potential Psychology. Following on from completing her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Queensland, Danielle went on to work for a number of private practices. She then started Mind Potential Psychology in 2014, which is now a well-established practice in Birtinya, Sunshine Coast. Danielle continues to see clients and is a board approved supervisor.
- Dianne Rigby
Senior Operations Supervisor, Queensland Ambulance Service
Dianne has extensive experience in both nursing and as a paramedic. In her role, she networks with other LASN Supervisory, particularly in the Brisbane Metro North and Wide Bay regions. Working at present on the ‘SPOT-ON’ project diverting non-urgent QAS patients back to general practice as their medical home. - Associate Professor Florin Oprescu
Senior Lecturer in Public Health, Health Promotion, USC (Academic Member)
Ass. Prof. Oprescu is a health promotion and communication specialist. His formal qualifications include medicine (MD), public health (MPH, PhD), business management (MBA) and education (Grad Cert). He works on initiatives including health promotion education, health communication, injury prevention, and translation of scientific findings into practical and accessible public health content. - James Lester
General Manager/ Pharmacist, John Moffat Pharmacies
James Lester is a community pharmacist based on the sunshine and cooloola coasts since registering in 2012. He has a strong patient centered approach with clinical focus, doing further study and gaining graduate certificates in Clinical pharmacy and Management after graduating. He also represents the sunshine coast region on the pharmacy guild of australia QLD branch committee.
- Dr Jon Harper
General Practice Liaison Officer, CCQ
General Practitioner
Dr Jon Harper did his medical training in the UK, graduating from Nottingham University Medical School and then training in General Practice in London. He migrated to Australia’s beautiful Sunshine Coast in 2008. He currently works part-time as a GP in Buderim and part-time as the GP Liaison Officer for the Sunshine Coast area of the CCQ. He has been the Senior Clinical Editor for Sunshine Coast HealthPathways since its launch in 2016. He is a clinical adviser for the design and implementation of GP Smart Referrals. Over the last 10 years, Dr Harper has been actively involved with improving patients’ access to quality healthcare in the region. He has been part of various health integration initiatives; believing that creating robust cross-sector clinical leadership is vital to guide health system reform. - Dr Julie Blake
General Practitioner, Channon Street Medical Centre, Gympie
Dr Julie Blake is an Australian trained General Practitioner, who grew up on a dairy farm just outside of Gympie and returned to live and practice in Gympie in 2009. Julie has a special interest in the area of sexual and reproductive health and is a firm believer in ensuring reproductive rights for women as a critical factor in the empowerment of women. Julie is also passionate about the health education of her patients in order to assist them in making choices to live healthier lives. - Professor Kim Greaves
Cardiologist, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service
Professor Greaves is a Professor of Cardiology, University of the Sunshine Coast and Director of Cardiac Research at the Sunshine Coast. He is a member of the SCHHS Clinical Council, GP Council, Research Governance Committee, and Hospital ICT Committee. - Lisa Kirkham
Clinical Nurse Coordinator, Coastal Family Health, Currimundi Family Doctors and Aura Family Doctors
Lisa Kirkham is a Registered Nurse and an AGPAL surveyor with 18 years clinical experience including acute and primary care. Lisa gained her Bachelor Degree of Nursing in the UK at The Manchester University and imigrated to Australia in 2014 with her family. She is currently employed as a Clinical Nurse Coordinator working across three practices; Coastal Family Health, Currimundi Family Doctors and Aura Family Doctors on the Sunshine Coast. - Lee-Ann Monks
Consumer Representative
Lee-Ann Monks and her husband have lived on the Sunshine Coast for more than 10 years, using the local health system for themselves, their children and parents. They’ve used public and private services for aged care, palliative care, paediatrics, emergency, in patients, rehabilitation post surgery and allied health. They currently support/care for their 21 year old daughter who has complex, chronic health conditions and lives at home. Lee-Ann is an agricultural scientist, operating a consultancy business specialising in communication of research to rural communities (www.monkscom.com.au). She has always held an interest in health, health promotion and farmer health. While her children were at school she volunteered with a variety of community initiatives such as nippers and reading support. When they completed school, Lee-Ann took the opportunity to volunteer in areas of personal interest such as health. Her current health consumer roles include the SCUH Choose Wisely program and Nambour General Hospital. - Dr Marco Giuseppin
Clinical Director Community and Preventive Health SCHHS, Non-Executive Director, Chair AMA Council of Rural Doctors - Dr Matheesha Ranaweera
Practice Principal, The Gympie Clinic
General Practitioner with Specialist Interest (GPSI), Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service
Dr Ranaweera, a local doctor for the last 5 years, is currently the practice principal at The Gympie Clinic, a vasectomist servicing the Sunshine Coast and Gympie, and a GP with Special Interest in the Urology department at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. In addition, he supervises teaching for both medical students and GP registrars. Working in both primary care in hospital settings, Dr Ranaweera is keen to optimise communication between both sectors and avoid fragmentation of care particularly for vulnerable patients such as those in residential aged care facilities and regional and remote areas. - Owen Mellon
Pharmacist
Owen P Mellon is a Community Pharmacist Owner based on the Sunshine Coast since 2014. He has extensive community, hospital, prison, army and psychiatric clinic experience in Australia, UK and Ireland. Owen is the only owner within the multiple award winning Capital Chemist Group who has a business in QLD. The group has won the prestigious Pharmacy of the Year on a National Level twice in 4 years. - Rob Cross
Customer Development Manager, SE QLD, IRT
Rob’s diverse career serving the community includes deployment with the United Nations plus service in the UK and Australian police services leading him to roles within the aged care industry. Since 2013 Rob has developed and fostered collaboration within the community to benefit ageing on the Sunshine Coast. A member and former Chairperson of the Healthy Ageing Partnership, Rob has facilitated and made contributions to various community groups including the Buderim Dementia Alliance, SCHHS Falls Prevention Strategy team, the PHN Integrated Care Alliance, SCHHS Community & Consumer Consultation Panel, Community Care Support Network and Sunshine Coast - Suzanne Wilmhurst
Registered Nurse
Suzanne is a Registered Nurse with experience in emergency, paediatrics and intensive care. She now works in aged care as a Home Manager and has recent hands on experience with managing a Covid Outbreak (Delta variant) in an aged care. Working across Queensland Health, Private and not for profit aged care environments, Suzanne has a sound understanding of the operational and strategic requirements within Aged Care. -
Dr Arosha Weerakoon Principal, Owner Tewantin Family Dental
Dr Arosha Weerakoon is an Australian-trained Dentist who served the northern Sunshine Coast community for 20 years. She is a lecturer (hon) for the School of Dentistry at the University of Queensland (UQ). She also holds a Masters in Public Health and Fellowships with the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, Pierre Fouchard Academy, and the International College of Dentists. Arosha is in the final stages of her PhD through UQ. Arosha holds a special interest in communicating about oral health with the public, and had published numerous articles with The Conversation group, and she is one of Colgate’s Advocates for Oral Health. Her Masters thesis focussed on the barriers to accessing oral health services by patients, and challenges faced by GPs and dental professionals involved with the Chronic Diseases Dental Scheme. Arosha wishes to foster interprofessional collaboration to provide better health outcomes for patients by supporting GPs and allied health professional groups through education and assistance.
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Katrina Graham
Clinical Pharmacist, Medical Operations Portfolio Team Lead, Pharmacy Department, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service
