Our Management Committee 2024
Chairperson | Simon Everett
I have been Chair at Equal Health for a number of years now and it has been a privilege to be involved with some of the most generous and giving people.
As for me l am a Chartered Accountant and Adviser in Perth, are married to Jodie and have two daughters Olivia and Zoe. I love music, and have played in bands with guitar and saxophone being my instruments of choice. I am also passionate about my industry and work which is helping people get the best retirement outcomes possible. Helping people is a big part of what I am about thus my interest and support of Equal Health.
Vice Chairperson & India Camp Coordinator | Kristy Tomlinson
I have been involved with Equal Health since 2008, as both a volunteer and team leader. My original degree was speech pathology, and I have very much enjoyed volunteering as a speech pathologist at both of Equal Health's northern and southern partner organisations in India over the past 15 years.
In 2014, I completed a Masters of International Health to further hone my skills in this area. I am deeply passionate about designing community-based health programs that are sustainable, accessible, and meet local needs. I do not believe that a person's geographic location, culture, gender, socio-economic status or personal beliefs should restrict their access to healthcare. In an ideal world, everyone should have the right to "equal" health outcomes as the foundation to leading productive and fulfilling lives. In whatever small way possible, this is the reason I am passionate about the work we do with Equal Health and the reason I am so excited about what the future holds for our organisation.
Treasurer | Jingyi Chen
My name is Jingyi and I am an optometrist, academic and researcher. I am excited to work with the amazing team towards our goal of equal access to health care for all, and contribute to the huge impact that Equal Health has made since 1999. Follow us to receive updates on how you can contribute to this important cause.
Together we can make a life-changing difference!
Secretariat & Head of Allied Health | Gillian Hurley
I've been involved with Equal Health for many years, both as a volunteer Occupational Therapist since February 2004 when I went to Anandaniketan-Society for Mental Health Care in Katwa, West Bengal for the first time, and as a Management Committee member since July 2004.
I have returned to India almost every year since that first trip, in the role of 'leader' of the West Bengal Team. My last trip was in February 2019 when the team of allied health professionals volunteered for 2 weeks at Anandaniketan and 1 week at Shishur Sevay in Kolkata. India is now in my blood, Anandaniketan has become my second home and the residents and staff at Anandaniketan are now like family. If it's not already obvious, my commitment to Equal Health is immense and my love for the work we do in India runs deep.
Equal Health is now back in full swing with a new and dynamic Management Committee and we are excitedly planning the next India Camp for February 2025. We welcome and encourage you to join this Camp, which I trust will be a deeply satisfying and life changing experience for you, like it has been for me.
Minute Secretary & Head of Allied Health | Isabella Shephard
My name is Isa, and I am a criminology student at UWA. Being half Bangladeshi, half Australian, and having a childhood spent in Saudi Arabia, I hope my lived experience of multiculturalism, and fluency in the Bangla language is an asset to the team.
My first volunteering trip was to Bangladesh when I was 12 years old, and my second was to Shishur Sevay in Kolkata at 15. My childhood was defined by an awareness of privilege and a moral duty to give back. Equal Health embodies these values and I look forward to playing even a minuscule part in continuing its legacy.
Head of Allied Health | Nicki Hurwitz
My first trip to India with Equal Health as a Speech Pathologist on the Allied Health Team was enthralling and life changing. I was then delighted to be coopted onto the Management Committee and have returned many times as volunteer and leader of the Allied Health Team.
I became a volunteer "junkie", working in a number of sites, including my favourites Anandaniketan and Shishur Sevay and also Institute of Mother and Child (IIMC) and SEVAl in Tiruchirappalli. On the back of my involvement with Equal Health I was later employed by Curtin University to work in its GO GLOBAL student program in rural Vietnam. It was an extraordinary privilege to be welcomed into the lives of people in these environments and exposure to rural India from a unique perspective. These experiences enriched my life and inspired wonderful paintings, enabling me to express my passion.
Head of Optical | Khyber Alam
Associate Professor Khyber Alam is a university educator, researcher, and clinician. He has worked across Australia and currently holds the role of Course Director for the Doctor of Optometry program at The University of Western Australia. Alam has been on Equal Health trips to India in 2017 and 2020. He is passionate about equal access to quality health care and will be working with the Equal Health Management Committee on improving access to eye care services in regional communities of India and other places.
Coordinator of Fundraising & Marketing – Madison Lamb
As a passionate and dedicated optometry student, I am delighted to be part of the team at Equal Health and to have the chance to make a positive impact within the global community. Equal Health has the potential to transform the lives of individuals who have limited access to healthcare services.
As the Fundraising and Events Coordinator, I can't wait to share our upcoming plans with you. Stay tuned for exciting events that will pave the way for positive change!
Coordinator of Media & Marketing – Olivia Stewart
I am currently an optometry student and have recently become a member of the Equal Health Committee. I aspire to build a fulfilling career as an optometrist and I am passionate about advocating for equitable healthcare access for all. I've had the privilege of serving as a leader in various capacities, which has given me invaluable experience in fostering positive change and advocating for important causes. I've dedicated some of my time as a volunteer in Australia, working with individuals who have limited access to essential healthcare. As the Media Officer, I aim to be the voice that raises awareness and ignites change. Through volunteer's incredible experiences and stories, I want to shed light on what Equal Health promotes, achieves, experiences and how you can get involved.
It takes a community to create meaningful change, so please click follow to join us on this journey as we work towards a world where healthcare is truly equal for all.
Head of Dental – Vacant
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Head of Medical – Vacant
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