OUR TEAM

John is an executive leader with a distinguished career using data insights to develop policy, and deliver effective communication and campaign strategies. John is the Co-Founder and Director of data and analytics firm The Red Fox Group where he advises some of the country’s most successful companies on data-driven strategies. John also has experience at the highest levels of government, including four years as the Chief of Staff to Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.
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Natalie is a qualified Business Broker with an extensive background in the pharmacy industry. She has Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Melbourne which included majors in Actuarial Studies, Finance, Mathematics and Statistics. Natalie’s work experience includes several roles managing various aspects such as valuations for pharmacies, research & statistics management. She is a member of the Australian Institute of Business Brokers (AIBB).

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Erica is an executive leader with more than 20 years’ experience in human resources and organisational effectiveness across large and mid-sized financial, professional services, mining and public policy industries.  Her previous experience includes executive roles with GMHBA, Guild Group, BHP Billiton, Grattan Institute and ANZ Bank, encompassing human resources, generalist operations, project and planning portfolios. Erica holds a Bachelor of Behavioural Science from La Trobe University, a Graduate Diploma in Business from Victoria University and several professional accreditations, including the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
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Director Emeritus

Peter is an orthopaedic surgeon, Director of Orthopaedics at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Sir Hugh Devine Professor of Surgery and Head of Department of Surgery at The University of Melbourne. In addition, he is the Chair of the Bone and Soft Tissue Tumour Service at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Peter is also is a clinical academic with substantial involvement in teaching, training and research.  He has held many national and international leadership positions including President of the Australian Orthopaedic Association, Chair of the Board in Orthopaedic Surgery at the RACS, and Chair of the Musculoskeletal Clinical Leadership Group at the Department of Health and Human Services, Victoria.
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Chair

Angela is a Wailwan/Ngemba woman. She has had rheumatoid disease since 2013, osteoarthritis, and a few other chronic illnesses. Angela thinks that musculoskeletal conditions can be a daunting diagnosis. Angela feels very privileged to have joined the MSK Consumer Advisory Committee and be given the opportunity to be a more vocal and supportive advocate for musculoskeletal conditions. Angela wants to be a change agent for awareness of the high impact musculoskeletal diseases have on people’s lives. Through community awareness and support, Angela believes we can contribute to people’s wellbeing, both physical and mentally.

Melissa has extensive lived experience of invisible disability, having been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (in 2008), fibromyalgia, and chronic pain. Wanting her lived experience to have a meaningful impact, she has been actively involved in various committees, boards, and consumer-focused health organisations, receiving the Arthritis Victoria (now MSK) Margaret Strang Award in 2012. She feels honoured to join the MSK Consumer Advisory Committee and work with the other MSK consumer representatives. Melissa is particularly passionate about reducing discrimination when accessing healthcare and supports. Melissa is a mum to two bright and gorgeous daughters, as well as being an academic researcher with interests in autism, women’s health, wellbeing, employment, and intersectionality in these areas.

Kate is a registered health promotion practitioner and communications specialist from Melbourne. Alongside her work in the health sector, she has spent most of her adult life managing complex chronic conditions and widespread pain. Like many people who go through the diagnosis and management of pain and musculoskeletal conditions, she found it challenging to find the right support. Kate always sees the strengths in her lived experience and enjoys applying her personal and professional insights to create a positive impact. She hopes her voice will support others who also live with chronic pain.

Mikayla lives in regional Victoria and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at the age 0f 12. Having RA has affected Mikayla’s quality of life, as there are a lot of everyday tasks that are difficult for her and the ongoing treatment for RA is extensive. Despite all this, Mikayla’s outlook for the future is positive and she hopes that, in time, she can be pain free and be able to live somewhat of a normal lifestyle. She also has an Instagram page dedicated to her journey with RA and shares her life with people to show them the good and bad days dealing with RA.

Robyn was initially diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2014. In 2017, the diagnosis was changed to psoriatic arthritis. She also has other conditions, including osteoarthritis. Robyn has had a total knee replacement and bi-lateral foot surgery. A retired Certified Practising Accountant and IT professional, Robyn believes the voice of patients is extremely important, particularly with life-long chronic illnesses impacting so much of patients’ lives, including employability. With particular interest in cognitive impairment (commonly referred to as “brain fog”) and fatigue symptoms, Robyn hopes to use her experience to help fellow patients navigate the challenging pathways of chronic illness. 

Rob is a father of three and was diagnosed with Palindromic Rheumatism in 2017 (and had previously been diagnosed with Paget’s Disease, Scheuermann’s Disease, and lumbar prolapsed discs). Rob’s working life has included state and national management roles with a focus on improving and implementing employment standards and processes that support and empower employees to progress successfully. He also worked as an Australian badge basketball referee which provided opportunities to mentor and train others. Rob feels that being on the CAC is a privilege, and combining his lived experience and a background with a focus on people, he looks forward to assisting those with similar conditions, and being an active advocate on their behalf.