Speakers
Join leaders, practitioners, researchers, and changemakers at our OPHA Conference 2026 as we come together to exchange ideas, build stronger networks, and shape the future of Pacific health. Learn more about our speakers below and register today to be part of the conversations driving what's next!
Anasina Gray-Barberio MP
Anasina Gray-Barberio MP is the first Pasefika woman elected to the Victorian Parliament, representing the Greens in the Northern Metropolitan Region in the Legislative Council. Proud of her Samoan heritage, Anasina is a passionate advocate for multicultural communities, women, children and families.
Anasina is passionate about ensuring Pacific and multicultural voices are represented in decision-making spaces and is committed to advancing policies that create healthier, safer and more equitable outcomes for all communities. Before entering Parliament, Anasina worked on the frontline with communities experiencing homelessness, family violence and systemic disadvantage, giving her deep insight into the social determinants that impact health and wellbeing across culturally diverse communities.
As the Greens spokesperson for multiculturalism, anti-racism, women, and child protection she brings lived experience, cultural leadership and strong community advocacy into Parliament.
Victoria Greens MLC for Northern Metropolitan Region
Dr Silina Motofaga
Dr Silina Motofaga is a highly respected medical professional with over 20 years of experience dedicated to improving health outcomes across the Pacific. As the Team Leader for the Clinical Services Programme at The Pacific Community (SPC), Silina works closely with SPC’s member countries to design and implement sustainable health programs that address key challenges, including maternal and child health, infectious disease control, and equitable access to quality care. Her role leads initiatives that ensure clinical services in the Pacific are aligned with global health standards while meeting the unique needs of island communities.
Silina’s leadership is demonstrated through her ability to drive strategic initiatives, enhance program delivery, and foster collaboration between healthcare providers and policymakers. Previous roles with the World Health Organization and UNFPA have further strengthened her influence in advancing public health across the region. With a deep commitment to improving health outcomes for Pacific Island populations, Silina continues to champion programs that expand healthcare access, fortify local health systems, and elevate the overall well-being of communities throughout the Pacific.
The Pacific Community, SPC
Dr Michael Burling
Dr Michael Burling is a surgeon at St George Public Hospital, St George Private Hospital, and Liverpool Hospital. He specialises in the assessment, management and treatment of all gynaecological conditions. This includes pre-cancers and cancers of the ovary, uterus, cervix, vulva, and vagina. He is a highly skilled minimally invasive surgeon, specialising in laparoscopy and robotic surgery.
He is a qualified Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). Michael is also a Certified Gynaecological Oncologist (CGO). He is the chair of the Western Pacific Gynaecological Oncology Liaison Group (WPGOLG) which works to provide specialised medical care and services to Pacific Island Nations.
Gynaecological Oncologist
Dr Benedict Kakala
Dr Benedict Kakala completed his General surgical training through the Western Sydney training network in 2022. He completed two years of Surgical Oncology fellowship at Westmead hospital in 2023 and Prince of Wales hospital in 2025 (NSW). He also completed an ANZES Endocrine surgery fellowship at the Royal Brisbane and Women's hospital in 2024 (QLD).
He is currently employed as a Staff Specialist consultant at RBWH / STARS hospitals (QLD).
He has an invested interest in health care in the South Pacific region including working closely with the Kingdom of Tonga.
General and Endocrine Surgeon
Tieri Heritage
Tieri Heritage is an Australian-born Rotuman/Fijian registered nurse at St George Hospital, New South Wales. With clinical experience spanning acute hospital care, rural and remote Australia, public health, and community engagement, Tieri is passionate about advancing health outcomes for Pacific peoples through culturally safe and holistic care.
Grounded in the Pacific values of service, connection, and collective wellbeing, Tieri recognises the profound influence of her Rotuman and Fijian heritage on her practice. She has also witnessed firsthand how acknowledging identity, culture and history can fundamentally change the way patients engage in their own health journey. Tieri is committed to advocating for culturally responsive healthcare that honours the strengths, knowledge, and diversity of Pacific communities.
Registered Nurse
Jane Sinclair
Jane Sinclair has worked in public health for the past 25 years, specialising in surgical nursing. For the last 15 years, she has been the Upper GI Specialist Nurse at Westmead Hospital, where she works with patients and multidisciplinary teams to support people through complex upper gastrointestinal surgery.
Jane is also the co-founder of Norma's Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that supports healthcare in the South Pacific. The Foundation works alongside local healthcare professionals to provide education, offer scholarships, and support initiatives that strengthen local health services. Jane has a particular interest in education and mentoring and enjoys sharing knowledge with colleagues and healthcare teams. She remains committed to improving patient care and supporting healthcare professionals both in Australia and across the South Pacific through her ongoing clinical and volunteer work.
Upper Gastro-Intestinal Nurse
Dr Colin Brook
Dr Colin Brook completed his General Surgery training in Fiji in 2012 before moving to Melbourne to undertake fellowships in Paediatric Surgery and Paediatric Urology. Since then, Melbourne has become home for him and his family.
Dr Brook has worked at Victoria's two major paediatric tertiary hospitals—Monash Children's Hospital and The Royal Children's Hospital. He currently practises as a Paediatric Urology Career Medical Officer at The Royal Children's Hospital, where he is dedicated to providing specialised urological care for children.
Paediatric Urologist
Vunirewa Uluilakeba
Vunirewa Uluilakeba is a nurse leader, educator, and advocate committed to advancing nursing leadership, professional development, and health equity. Holding postgraduate qualifications in Nursing and a Master of Professional Practice (Leadership), brings extensive experience in clinical practice, education, and community leadership. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Fiji Nurses & Healthcare Workers Association Australia (FNHWAA), he champions initiatives that empower nurses and strengthen healthcare communities. He also serves as Secretary of the Fijian Association of North Queensland Inc. Passionate about equity, inclusion, and culturally safe healthcare, Vunirewa inspires positive change by empowering nurses to lead, advocate, and transform communities.
Registered Nurse & Educator
Shane Senituli
Shane Senituli is an Australian Pasifika psychologist who has experience working across high performance and community sport, forensic, clinical, and community mental health settings. Shane is currently one of the club-based psychologists at the Redcliffe Dolphins and the Gold Coast Titans with League Ahead. A passion area for Shane is providing support to Pasifika communities across high performance and grassroots sport, schools, and organisations, where he provides a culturally sensitive service collaborating Western and Pasifika evidenced based practice.
Principal Psychologist