Our Board and Executive Team
To our people, it’s personal
Our team consists of people who care deeply about remote and rural communities. People who don’t just talk the talk but walk the walk. They’re out there, on the ground, connected to and part of regional communities. Every day they see the challenges faced in health care in isolated areas. And they are inspired to provide real solutions to make a difference.
Our Board Chair is Dr Michael Rice – a rural health practitioner based in Beaudesert, Queensland.
Michael is supported by a a diverse bunch of practising rural doctors and business professionals who bring their skills in rural medicine, business, law, finance, marketing and fundraising to build a Foundation that is focused on caring for the people who live in our rural and remote communities.
Despite their different backgrounds, they have one thing in common – a passion and commitment to improving rural health.
Our practising GPs face the challenges of living in rural and remote communities every day. They see first hand the impact of inequitable access to health care. Our non-medical directors have experienced the challenges of rural health, either in their childhood or through their careers.
“Rural medicine is a special opportunity to work in an advanced scope of practice and provide whole-of-life care across a whole community and multiple generations.”
Dr Michael Rice
Chair | Beaudesert
MBBS, DRANZCOG, FRACGP, FACRRM
Our Board
Dr Susan Masel
Deputy Chair | Goondiwindi
MBBS DRANZCOG FRACGP FARGP (Anaes) DACSCM FACRRM
“In rural medicine, I can never tell what is going to happen next, so it is impossible to get bored.”
Amanda Roser
Treasurer | Townsville
BBus (Acc), MBA PROSCI
“Australia needs farmers. We need rural and remote communities and I have a passion for assisting in the impacts of retention of all health professionals in the regions.”
Rohan McPhee
secretary | Brisbane
BA/LLB (Hons), GDLP
“I grew up in a rural community in a medical family. I have seen the challenges faced by rural doctors – acting as GP, specialist, counsellor and confidant for their patients.”
Stephen Buchanan
Director | Sydney
BBus (Acc) MBus (AppFin)
“I deeply appreciate the culture and commitment of our rural communities and the importance of rural health in ensuring these communities thrive”.
Glenda Colburn
Director | Brisbane
Grad Cert Clinical Trials, EMBA
“I am dedicated to assisting and advocating for rural doctors and rural communities to ensure all in Australia have the same health equity.”
Dr Sue Harrison, OAM
Director | Echuca
MBBS, DA, FACRRM, Masters of Sports Medicine
“I’m passionate about providing high quality training and support for our rural doctors; and rural communities having local access to services they need, provided by people who understand what it is to live in rural Australia.”
Dr Matt Masel
RDAQ Nominnee | Goondiwindi
MBBS FRACGP
“Rural doctors are a part of their community, providing care across time and in every setting. Every rural community has a right to equitable care and access to rural doctors.”
Professor Tarun Sen Gupta
director | Townsville
MBBS FRACGP FACRRM PhD
“I value the strength of rural communities, and how they embrace and support rural doctors and their families.”
Our Executive team
Fran Avon
Chief Executive Officer | Queensland
BA Information Science, Graduate Diploma in Management, Diploma in Social Media
“Having travelled extensively across Australia including living two years in the Northern Territory, I have witnessed the resilience, strength and optimism of people who live in our rural and remote communities.”
Janelle McCarron
Executive Assistant | Queensland
“Everyone regardless of loation, deserves the opportunity to lead a health life.”
Dr Margaret Kay, AM
Medical Director | Queensland
MBBS(Hons), PhD, FRACGP, DipRACOG, GAICD
“I am passionate about enabling rural and remote health practitioners, including rural doctors, to have better access to general practice care.”
Coral Fuata
Program Manager | NSW
“Influenced by my health journey, I have deep respect for all who work in the healthcare sector. Inspired by the dedication of rural practitioners, I believe all Australians should have access to the same care I was fortunate to receive.”
Olga Korobko
Relationship Manager | NSW
”I believe everyone deserves to have equal access to healthcare. I’m passionate about advocating for rural doctors, nurses and communities who do it tough, to ensure they have access to the healthcare they need.”
Justin Hogg
Chief Financial Officer | Queensland
“My passion, and the driving force in my career is people. I am privileged to provide support to many charities and I have a heart for those doing it tough in the bush.“