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
Victoria Greens MLC for Northern Metropolitan Region
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.
Dr Silina Motofaga
The Pacific Community, SPC
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.
Dr Matt Bray
Senior Emergency Medicine Registrar
Dr Matt Bray is an emergency medicine doctor and Rotuman-Australian Pacific health leader with deep ties to the region, committed to strengthening health systems, supporting Pacific leadership and building sustainable partnerships.
His work spans emergency medicine, public health, regional development and not-for-profit governance. Dr Matt has worked clinically and as an educator in Australia, Fiji and Solomon Islands, alongside governance, advisory and community leadership roles across Pacific health, multicultural health and diaspora organisations. Through board and committee appointments, he is particularly interested in how strong governance, community expertise and effective institutions can translate into better health and social outcomes.
His Masters training in global health and tropical medicine complements practical experience working alongside Pacific health services, communities and regional partners. In 2023, he was selected by the US State Department for an International Visitor Leadership Program with public health leaders from ASEAN and Quad nations, exploring regional cooperation and health security.
Dr Matt is particularly interested in how Australia can engage more meaningfully and reciprocally with its Pacific neighbours: recognising Pacific expertise, strengthening regional networks, and creating genuine opportunities for two-way exchange and skills sharing. He also believes emergency physicians have much to contribute beyond the resuscitation bay as educators, advocates, systems thinkers and public health leaders, and he is interested in applying those skills across health systems, governance, policy and regional collaboration.
Johnson Raela
The Pacific, ABC Australia
Johnson Raela is a journalist and television presenter, currently co-hosting The Pacific for ABC Australia. With nearly two decades of experience in broadcasting, he has built a dynamic career across news, sport and entertainment. Hailing from Aitutaki in the Cook Islands and raised in Aotearoa, Johnson is driven by a deep passion for telling powerful Pacific stories.
His on-screen career spans roles with What Now, Tagata Pasifika, FLAVA radio, Sky Sport News, Polyfest, Operation Hero, Small Blacks TV and Pasifika TV. Since relocating to Melbourne in 2023, he has become a familiar face across ABC programs, including News Breakfast and The World.
Behind the cameras, Johnson has directed and produced a variety of content for The Coconet, FRESH and TP+. A passionate sports fan, he has contributed to major campaigns around the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.
Success Stories from Pacific Health Networks
Dr Moni Kami
Dr. Moni Kami brings a diverse and accomplished background to his current role at MyLocalDoc Caloundra. After training in General Practice through the University of London, he worked as a doctor in the UK for 12 years. Dr. Kami later moved to Australia with his family, earning his Fellowship with the RACGP.
Dr. Kami has a unique passion for weightlifting and serves as a Medical Officer with the International Weightlifting Federation. He travels globally to provide medical supervision at weightlifting competitions, including the Beijing, Rio, and Athens Olympics, as well as five Commonwealth Games. In addition to his medical career, Dr. Kami competed internationally in weightlifting, representing both PNG and Tonga.
In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Kami is very active in the philanthropic space, dedicated to changing people's perspectives on their lives through various initiatives. His wealth of experience and dedication to comprehensive care make him an invaluable addition to our team. Whether you're seeking routine care or have specific health concerns, Dr. Kami is here to support you with personalized and expert care.
General Practitioner
Dr Benedict Kakala
General and Endocrine Surgeon
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.
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.
Clinical Nurse Specialist
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
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
Vunirewa Uluilakeba
Registered Nurse & Educator
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.
Abstract Presenters & Guest Speakers
Dr Levi Fox
Dr Levi Fox (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Porou) is a Lecturer in Social Work at Griffith University. His research focuses on Indigenous knowledge systems, spirituality, culturally responsive mental health practice, and wellbeing. With more than a decade of experience across Queensland and NSW Health, he bridges frontline practice, research, and theory. He serves as BSW Program Advisor, Acting BSW Program Director, and course convenor, while supporting Māori and Pasifika initiatives. An Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and co-convenor of the Creative Wellbeing Lab, he advances Indigenous-led, community-engaged wellbeing research and partnerships.
Lecturer, Griffith University
Soalaupule Sam Pilisi
Health Researcher | PhD Candidate
Soalaupule Sam Pilisi is an emerging Niuean/Samoan health researcher from the University of Auckland. Sam is in his final year of his doctoral studies exploring burnout and self-care among NZ born Pacific communities. He also works at the University of Auckland overseeing Pacific health workforce initiatives in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific region.
Asiata Professor Satupaitea Viali
Vice Chancellor and President of the Oceania University of Medicine
Professor Asiata Dr. Satupaitea Viali is Vice Chancellor and President of OUM Samoa, a position he has held since 2024. A cardiologist and specialist physician, he has extensive experience in rheumatic heart disease, cardiovascular health, public health, and medical education. Professor Viali has conducted more than 30,000 echocardiographic screenings in Samoan schools and published widely on rheumatic heart disease, non-communicable diseases, diabetes, and metabolic health. He holds medical and public health qualifications from the Universities of Auckland and New South Wales and is a Fellow of several international professional colleges. He also leads and contributes to collaborative research across Samoa and internationally.
Dr Linda Palavi
Dr Linda Palavi is a New Zealand-born Tongan public health researcher (Kolofo’ou and Kolomotu’a, Tongatapu) currently working as a postdoctoral research fellow within the Pacific health department at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, at the University of Auckland. Her research expertise spans health systems, health service delivery and patient-centred care within tobacco, alcohol and other drug addictions, child development, audiology and hearing healthcare. She is a member of the Paediatric society of New Zealand and The Eisdell Moore Centre for hearing and balance research where she is passionate about improving Pacific health equity.
Public Health Researcher | Postdoc Research Fellow
Robati Harrison
Senior Multicultural Coordinator, Pacifikai
Robati Harrison is a proud I-Kiribati Australian and Senior Multicultural Coordinator with Pacifikai, Children's Health Queensland. Working at the intersection of health, culture and community, he leads initiatives that strengthen outcomes for Pacific children, young people and families through culturally safe and community-informed approaches. Robati has more than 15 years of experience in Pacific community leadership, health promotion and advocacy, including work supporting climate resilience and community wellbeing. He is particularly passionate about community-led co-design and the meaningful inclusion of Pacific voices in health service design, innovation and systems change to advance equity and improve health outcomes.
Charyse Mansell
Charyse (CK) Mansell is a proud wahine Māori hailing from Ngāpuhi and currently serving as the Team Lead with Pacifikai, Children's Health Queensland. In her role, she supports the development and delivery of culturally grounded, community-informed initiatives that uplift Pacific children, young people, and families to thrive. Working alongside tamariki, whānau, and community leaders, CK helps strengthen the connections and partnerships that enable culturally safe care and meaningful collaboration. She is committed to amplifying Pacific voices, building capability across teams, and fostering environments where culture, connection, and innovation drive health equity and improved wellbeing outcomes for communities across Queensland.
Team Lead, Pacifikai
Jahkita Kilcoyne
Learning & Development Officer, Gold Coast Health
Jahkita Kilcoyne is a First Nations Learning and Development Advisor within Organisational Capability at Gold Coast Health. A proud Torres Strait Islander woman, Jahkita supports the development, coordination and delivery of culturally responsive learning initiatives across the health service. Her work focuses on strengthening First Nations cultural capability, cultural safety, health equity and workforce development through education, engagement and meaningful collaboration. With a background in communications, marketing and learning and development, Jahkita is passionate about creating engaging learning experiences that strengthen staff knowledge, confidence and capability to better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
William Pawa-Oui
Educator | Cultural Capability Facilitator, Gold Coast Health
William Pawa-Oui is a Torres Strait Islander educator and First Nations cultural capability facilitator within Organisational Capability at Gold Coast Health. He has extensive experience delivering cultural education and supporting staff to strengthen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and perspectives. William has played a key role in the development and delivery of cultural capability and anti-racism education, including creating culturally safe spaces for meaningful conversations about racism, cultural safety and health equity. He is passionate about sharing cultural knowledge, building staff confidence and supporting meaningful change that contributes to culturally responsive and respectful healthcare for First Nations peoples.
Dr Sherry Salter
General & Transplant Surgeon
Dr Sherry Salter is a Consultant Renal and Pancreas Transplant and General Surgeon. She is a New Zealand-born Samoan now living in Melbourne with her husband and three young sons. As well as performing surgery, she mentors surgical trainees and publishes articles relating to her work. In balancing her life, Sherry enjoys spending time with her family, watching tennis and dining out. Sherry studied medicine at The University of Otago, graduating in 2003. She subsequently trained in General Surgery and became a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2013.
She was awarded a Fellowship in Renal and Pancreas Transplantation Surgery after two years of post-fellowship training in transplantation at Westmead Hospital, Sydney and Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne. She has also completed a Trauma Fellowship at Auckland City Hospital. She is the first Pacific Island female General and Transplant Surgeon in Australasia
Sherry has worked in a number of both urban and rural settings throughout her career. She currently has a public hospital appointment at Monash Health, Melbourne as well as private hospital appointments at Cabrini Malvern and Brighton Hospital, St John of God Berwick Hospital and Jessie McPherson Private Hospital in Melbourne, Australia.
Dr Leanne Rodwell
Advanced Respiratory Scientist
Dr Leanne Rodwell PhD, CRFS, is an Advanced Respiratory Scientist at the Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, and a Visiting Fellow at Queensland University of Technology. Alongside her clinical testing role at QCH, she is part of the team delivering respiratory care through the Indigenous Respiratory Outreach Care (IROC) clinics to regional and remote Queensland. Leanne has been involved in developing Australia's first culturally responsive spirometry training and mentoring program with guidance from our First Nations health workers.
Jessica Ng Wun
Principal Medical Education Officer
Jessica Ng Wun is a Principal Medical Education Officer embedded in Emergency at Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH), home to Australia's busiest Emergency Department. A trained primary school teacher and recent Master of Education graduate from QUT, she combines expertise in foundational pedagogy with frontline healthcare training. As a Samoan New Zealander, Jessica is passionate about embedding cultural safety into medical curricula. She has pioneered cultural safety education for hospital interns, co-leads the Queensland Emergency Department Cultural Safety Collective, and co-chairs GCUH's Transforming Emergency to Cultural Safety Group. Inspired by the OPHA Conference, Jessica founded the Gold Coast Health Oceania Employee Network under the Gold Coast Health Multicultural Network, promoting Pacific cultures, community connections, and staff engagement.
Fonoti Fred Fata
Fonoti Fred Fata is a Senior Social Worker with Queensland Health at Gold Coast University Hospital, bringing over 20 years of experience across Child Care & Protection, Youth Justice and adult mental health. A first-generation New Zealand-born Sāmoan, Fred’s family is from Fusi, Sāfotulafai and Tafitoala, Sāfata, Sāmoa. He spent much of his career practising adult mental health with Auckland and Waitākere District Health Boards in Aotearoa New Zealand. Since relocating to Australia, Fred has held pioneering roles within Gold Coast Health, becoming the inaugural Social Worker for Gold Coast Health’s first Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit when it opened and, more recently, the inaugural Social Worker within the Mental Health Hospital in the Home clinical team.
Senior Social Worker
Dr Eta Raicebe
Paediatrician
Dr. Eta 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.
Valami Waqaliva
Senior Mental Health Clinician
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.
Dr Vasitia Cati
Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
Dr Vasitia Talatoka Cati is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Head of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at Aspen Medical Lautoka Hospital, Fiji. She is a senior clinician with a strong commitment to improving maternal and women's health, clinical governance, professional education and specialist service development. Dr Cati has contributed to national reproductive health policies and guidelines and is actively involved in maternal and perinatal mortality review, critical obstetric care and clinical training.
She has also played an important leadership role in developing minimally invasive gynaecological surgery services in Fiji, working collaboratively with local and international colleagues to build sustainable laparoscopic capability and expand access to advanced gynaecological care for women in Fiji.
Dr Temalesi Windust
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.
Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
Auroiana Glenda Etelei
Genetic Counsellor
Auroiana Etelei is a second‑year Master of Genetic Counselling student at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), on track to become the first Pacific and Samoan Genetic Counsellor in Aotearoa New Zealand. Her research examines Pacific perspectives on genetic testing for inherited cardiac conditions, with a focus on improving outcomes and experiences for Pacific communities. Auroiana recently presented her work at the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) Conference. Through her clinical training she is developing expertise in genetic risk assessment, pedigree‑taking, genetic testing and results communication. She is deeply committed to culturally responsive genetic counselling and advancing equitable, accessible healthcare for Pacific peoples.
Dr Heena Akbar
Senior Lecturer, University of Queensland
Dr Heena Akbar is a proud Pacific Fijian academic, researcher and community leader providing senior leadership in community‑engaged research and teaching across Australian and international higher education. Her work sits at the intersection of Indigenous knowledge systems, health equity and public policy, driving system‑level change through culturally grounded scholarship.
Dr Heena has lead and shape programs that embed Indigenous methodologies, community participatory action research and social justice principles into policy‑relevant research, professional education and practice. Through long‑term, co‑designed partnerships, she advances culturally safe solutions that address the social, cultural, environmental and political determinants of health affecting Māori and Pasifika, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and First Nations communities nationally and internationally.
Dr Heena’s strength‑based research program focuses on health equity and the burden of chronic conditions, with a strong emphasis on research translation, policy development and advocacy impact. Her work informs health systems, service design and decision‑making at local, national and international levels, contributing to improved and more equitable health outcomes—particularly for First Nations including Māori and Pasifika and CALD communities in Australia and globally.
