Melanoma Patients Australia, Australia’s leading national organisation providing specialist supportive care services for people affected by melanoma, is pleased to announce a strategic refresh of its Board, with the appointment of four new Directors. They are:
Recently appointed Chair of the Board, John Lee welcomed the new appointments, stating:
“These exceptional leaders bring a wealth of professional and lived experience to Melanoma Patients Australia. Their diverse expertise will be invaluable as we work together with the Australian Government, industry groups, the broader health sector and our committed staff and volunteers to ensure that every melanoma patient in Australia in every community has access to specialist melanoma supportive care services.”
Melanoma Patients Australia looks forward to the contributions of our new Directors and is excited about the future direction of the organisation under their guidance. We sincerely thank our departing Directors for their dedicated service and valued contributions over many years.
The new appointees join existing Directors; John Lee (Chair); Professor Mark Smithers, Karen van Gorp, Ruth Power and Clayton Ford and together bring a diverse range of skills and experiences, positioning Melanoma Patients Australia for continued growth, innovation, and excellence in the delivery of specialist supportive care services.
Margie Austin
Margie is an accomplished Commercial Director, Board and Committee Member with over a decade of board-level and senior leadership experience in the global healthcare sector and is currently a Board Director at SAMSN (Survivors and Mates Support Network). Margie has held senior executive roles at global healthcare companies Organon and MSD where she contributed to the launch of several lifesaving medicines. A standout career highlight was leading the Australian pre-launch planning for one of the earliest immunotherapy treatments for melanoma. Margie combines strong governance expertise with a personal commitment to melanoma advocacy, having lost a close relative to the disease.
Nicole Cikarela
Nicole is a commercial leader with a diverse background in health sector strategy, management and marketing. Nicole currently serves as General Manager at HBF Health, Perth-based private health insurer, leading transformations in service delivery, digital technology and customer engagement. Nicole has held non-executive director positions at disability service provider Interchange WA, Curtin University’s Management & Marketing Advisory Board, and start-up Tiller Rides. Nicole brings advanced knowledge of governance, funding, and communications within the health sector, having led large teams in highly regulated environments. A stage 4 melanoma survivor and clinical trial participant, Nicole brings both personal insight and professional expertise to improving outcomes for patients.
Dr Marguerite Evans-Galea AM
Dr Marguerite Evans-Galea AM is a renowned scientist, executive leader and advocate, currently Director of Australia’s Cell and Gene Catalyst a national industry venture of AusBiotech and Medicines Australia. Her career spans international research in advanced therapies and national STEMM policy leadership with expertise in strategy, governance, alliances and transformation. Co-founder of Women in STEMM Australia, Marguerite is a dedicated champion for equity, inclusion and innovation, and has established an influential network internationally. Raised in North Queensland, she has a personal connection to melanoma and brings a strong commitment to patient advocacy, having worked closely with affected communities and in research and board roles including the Australian Sickle Cell Advocacy Inc. Marguerite has received awards for her research and leadership and is an inductee of the Victorian Honour Roll of Women and a Member of the Order of Australia.
Annie Miller
With more than 17 years’ experience in supportive cancer care and health sector leadership, Annie brings a passionate, purpose-driven approach to system change, equity, and consumer representation. She has held senior roles across public health, and the not-for-profit sector and is actively involved in national oncology survivorship research. Annie is a breast cancer survivor and long-time carer, experiences which fuel her dedication to improving cancer care outcomes. Annie currently contributes her expertise in a range of consumer and advisory roles. She is a member of the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Plan – Strategic Support Services Working Group, the Community Advisory Group for the Psycho-Oncology Co-operative Research Group (PoCoG), and the Health Consumers NSW Leaders Taskforce. She also serves on the COSA Survivorship Policy and Implementation Working Group, and is an active member of Cancer Voices NSW.
Melanoma Patients Australia recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Australia, and we acknowledge, respect and embrace their continued connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging.
We recognise, value and celebrate diversity and act in the spirit of inclusion.
