MBChB, FRACGP, FRNZCGP, MMedSci(Hons)

Chairwoman

Dr. Changwai is of Samoan-Chinese heritage and is fluent in the Samoan language. 

She completed her medical degree at Otago University in Dunedin. Her post graduate Fellowship and General Practice Training was completed in Australia and she is a Fellow of both the Australian and New Zealand Royal Colleges of General Practitioners.

In addition, she completed her Masters in Medical Science with Honours at Auckland University.

She has 21 years of working experience in Primary Health Care both in New Zealand and Australia.

Dr. Changwai has served in a number of senior leadership roles throughout her career.

She currently works as a General Practitioner for Healius Health care in Beenleigh and remains a Supervisor for the GPTQ in Brisbane.

MBChB, DCH, MPH, FRACP

Deputy Chair

Dr. Raicebe is an iTaukei born and raised in Fiji. She completed her medical degree In New Zealand and returned to Fiji to work in the early 2000s. She then returned to New Zealand and eventually Australia where she completed her fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians specialising in Paediatrics and a Masters in Public Health.

Dr. Raicebe currently works on the Gold Coast as a Paediatrician in the hospital and also in the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clinic. Her professional interests are in neurobiology and epigenetic effects on developing brains. 

Dr. Raicebe continues to have a keen interest in all matters of Pacific health and well being and is passionate in improving health from the early years. She is a mother of two, enjoys gardening, bush walking, travelling and learning about the history of different places.

BSocWk, GradDipPsych

Board Secretary

Valami Waqaliva is an Australian-born, iTaukei Indigenous Fijian. She is currently working in a Mental Health Clinician role with a background in Social Work having completed her degree at James Cook University, North Queensland.

Valami is deeply passionate about supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Pacific communities and focuses on using culturally informed and evidence-based practices to meet the unique needs of Pacific peoples.

With extensive experience across community and clinical healthcare, rural and Indigenous Australian communities, Pacific communities, and work in Nauru, she is committed to fostering cultural understanding and addressing emotional and psychological barriers. Valami has decades of experience working in and amongst Pasifika communities and has has actively contributed to the Pacific and Fijian community of Queensland, participating in initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing.

BBus(Acc)

Board Treasurer

Iree Chow Radclyffe is a proud Chuukese (Federated States of Micronesia) and Chinese-Solomon Islander. With a background in business, she has had the opportunity to utilise her skills across a variety of roles and projects in the community sector. This work has been centred upon empowering women and youth by equipping them with the language and skills to make informed decisions, addressing the challenges and strengths at a local, state, and federal level and co-designing innovative and culturally appropriate initiatives to address issues.

Previously, she worked at True Relationships & Reproductive Health as the Queensland Coordinator of the Health in My Language Project – a national health education program providing accessible and multilingual information to multicultural communities. Passionate about improving outcomes for Pacific peoples, Iree has served on various boards and advisory groups advocating for Pacific communities in Australia and New Zealand.

MBBS & DRANZCOG

Tema is a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist with special interests in endoscopic & minimally invasive surgery, Urogynaecology & repro med.

Her role as a Consultant Obstetrician harnesses her comprehensive training in obstetrics and gynecology from The University of the South Pacific, University of Otago & Royal Australian & NZ college of obstetricians gynaecologists focusing on endoscopic procedures and minimally invasive techniques.

Her proficiency extends to basic and advanced laparoscopic procedures, urogynecology, enhancing patient outcomes and advancing the field. The work she is involved in integrates best international practices with individualized care, ensuring every intervention is aligned with our patients' choice and safety, and contributing to the evolution of accessible women's health services.

MBBS MPH&TM, ACEM (Advanced Trainee)

Matt is a Rotuman-Australian emergency registrar hailing from the districts of Itu'ti'u and Pepjei. He is a member of the Fatiaki kainaga with additional ancestry from Futuna and Italy.

Graduating from Monash University in 2013, Matt has worked as a doctor in various critical care roles in Victoria, NSW and the ACT, but counts as a career highlight his period volunteering in Rotuma as the acting subdivisional medical officer and assisting the roll-out of a filariasis campaign, serving his people in his native tongue and working alongside family.

Now a Senior Registrar in Emergency Medicine at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Matt also works as a medical adviser to the Department of Veterans Affairs. He's proud to join the board of OPHA representing Victoria and keen to mentor up and coming Pacific doctors and utilise his public health training to advocate for the Pasifika community in Australia.

Dip Management

Mr. Chan has an extensive history of working in senior executive management roles in New Zealand as well as the information and Security Management sector. He is a proven leader with over 20 years of experience in managing and delivering health and social services.

In addition, he also possesses a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit, combined with a deep passion in utilising technology to support businesses.

Mr. Chan has served in a number of roles in Advisory Committees in health services in New Zealand.

BHSc (Nrsg), PG Dip HSc (Adv Nrsg), MN (Hons)

He uri tenei nō Ngāi Tūhoe, Hineuru, Ngāti Manawa, Ngāti Whare, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Raukawa ki te Tonga, me Hamoa - Fasito’otai, Iva, Nofoali’i, Solosolo. Ko Katarina Roa toku ingoa.

Kata is currently employed as a Clinical Nurse Consultant Primary Health Care at an urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care provider, QLD Health.

Having worked in primary health care and community nursing for over 25 years in Aotearoa and Australia, she has developed a strong foundation in various areas, including primary health, chronic disease management, rural health, research, adolescent health, education, public health, corrections and Māori, Pacific Island, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.

Kata enjoys whānau time, building herself spiritually, appreciating nature and creation, reading, singing and learning. She is [assionate about social justice and improving Indigenous wellbeing.