Our People

Anna joined Hepatitis Queensland in 2024 with a wealth of experience in public health policy, practice, and research. Her expertise spans strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, advocacy and government relations, health promotion, and epidemiology. Anna holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Public Health, a Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, and a Bachelor of Science degree with First Class Honours in Pharmacology. Before joining Hepatitis Queensland, Anna served as the Manager of Engagement and Strategy in the BBV/STI Unit at Queensland Health. Her robust educational background, combined with her practical experience, positions her well to lead Hepatitis Queensland into the future.

Rachael makes a tremendous difference to the health of Queenslanders in her role as Programs Manager. Rachael has worked for over a decade in the public health space and holds qualifications in science and public health. She has a strong background in alcohol and other drug harm prevention and chronic disease prevention. Rachael continually wows us with her energy and determination to reach successful outcomes for the benefit of the community. When she is not hard at work, Rachael loves to keep active by swimming, running and discovering op shop treasures.

Since joining Hepatitis Queensland in August 2024 as Office and Administration Manager, Jo has brought strong organisational skills and a genuine passion for supporting the team’s mission. Inspired by the dedication of her colleagues, she’s committed to helping Hepatitis Queensland make a meaningful difference in the community.

Jessie joined the team in 2016 with previous experience in the not for profit sector in digital technology, communications and marketing.  Her efforts have brought to life our social media platforms and introduced some new technologies to the team. With her bubbly personality and an active imagination, she certainly creates an impact.

Since joining Hepatitis Queensland in April 2024, Mikayla has brought a dedicated passion for public health to her role. With a degree in public health and a deep-seated interest in improving community well-being, she is committed to making a meaningful impact for those in need. Mikayla’s journey into this vital sector reflects both her professional aspirations and personal dedication to promoting health equity and education.

Alex is a passionate advocate for community wellbeing with qualifications in public health that amplify her commitment to creating positive change. With a strong background in the drug and alcohol sector, she brings experience managing impactful programs in Queensland communities. Her expertise extends to working with marginalized groups and combating the negative effects of stigma. She finds joy in contributing to the health and happiness of others and believes that true success comes from making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

Nicky Newley-Guivarra is a proud Wuthathi woman, artist, cultural leader, and teacher. As the Cultural Lead for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People at Hepatitis Queensland, Nicky plays a vital role in supporting the organisation’s mission. She connects with communities to improve access to viral hepatitis testing and treatment, helping to create a culturally safe environment and increasing access to health services. Nicky’s previous work with Hepatitis Queensland includes leading art and storytelling workshops across Queensland, including the Torres Strait Islands, where she has made a lasting impact.

Lana has spent the last 10 years working in the BBV and AOD sector across Queensland and the Northern Territory. She loves to wear the educator hat in the office and during her time has delivered some truly exceptional education and awareness projects to culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The well-received Dancing in the Rain film about hepatitis B in the African community is just one of these many contributions.

Jeanette joined the team in early 2019 to kick start our community nursing initiatives such as the Be Liver Smart project. She has extensive experience across the nursing sector having worked for eight years in community practice after working as a midwife. With her calming and insightful nature Jeannette is a wonderful addition to the Hepatitis Queensland team.

Dr Jonathan Leitch is currently the Senior Medical Officer at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Brisbane sitting on the senior management team and responsible for clinical governance, quality assurance and quality improvement. For the last 6 years, he has worked as a GP and Senior Medical Officer at an Aboriginal Medical Service in Brisbane and has a passion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and to empower individuals, families and communities to be enabled to improve their health and well-being.

Dr Enoka Gonsalkorala studied medicine at the University of Queensland and completed her advanced training in Queensland and New South Wales. She then went on to complete a two-year fellowship at King’s College Hospital London in general hepatology as well as transplant medicine. Currently, she works as a consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and Caboolture Hospital. She has an interest in liver disease in pregnancy.

Kaveen has been Treasurer and Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee for Hepatitis Queensland since 2016. Kaveen has held senior management positions in Finance across blue chips in the mining industry including BHP, Xstrata and Glencore in the last 12 years. His qualifications include a BComm (Hons) from the Australian National University and an MBA from the University of New South Wales. More recently, Kaveen completed an executive program from INSEAD in France. Kaveen is also a CPA. Originally from Mauritius, Kaveen migrated to Australia when he was 17 and has since made Australia his home alongside his small beautiful family.

Cath Brown is a proud Quandamooka woman from Minjerribah. As a trained Indigenous Health Promotion advocate, Cath has spent over a decade empowering and advocating for First Nations people. She has recently worked with the QIMR Berghofer Institute to engage First Nations communities on liver health and genomics. Cath’s expertise and unwavering commitment make her a valuable asset to the Hepatitis Queensland Board.

Rebekah (Bek) Lamb has a professional background in public health, particularly communicable diseases and sexual health, and has worked in this sector for 8 years. She has extensive experience in project management and health promotion, both in Australia and overseas. Bek has held several roles coordinating community-based blood-borne virus programs, supporting people living with blood-borne viruses, and developing and delivering education programs.

Dr Jacqui Richmond is a Registered Nurse with a PhD and a Master’s in Public Health. She has over two decades of experience in the viral hepatitis sector, working in various roles that include nursing, education, health services research, and policy development. Her current role is the Workforce Development and Health Service Delivery Program Manager for the Eliminate Hepatitis C Australia partnership at the Burnet Institute. Jacqui has extensive experience in designing and implementing models of care for viral hepatitis and leading implementation projects in this field. The broad focus of her work is building the capacity of the health workforce to test, treat and manage the healthcare needs of people living with viral hepatitis.

Jo Stone brings nearly three decades of experience in journalism, corporate communications, and public relations to the Hepatitis Queensland Board. Throughout her extensive career, she has worked with top-tier Australian companies, not-for-profit organisations, and national media outlets. An award-winning journalist and TV newsreader for ABC and Channel 7, Jo now operates her own PR company, where she helps businesses promote, market, innovate, and grow while inspiring their communities. Passionate about social justice, Jo has a deep respect for everyone’s right to access quality healthcare and to live free from stigma and discrimination. She is dedicated to applying her skills to support Hepatitis Queensland’s advocacy efforts for individuals living with or at risk of viral hepatitis.

Dr. James Thomas is a Staff Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and the Queensland Liver Transplant Service. He completed specialty training and doctoral research in the UK, undertaking further subspecialty training in hepatology and transplant medicine in Edinburgh and Brisbane. James’s clinical and research work focuses on liver health and disease alongside interests in medical education and health equity.