Our Board

Ann Maree is currently Chief Executive Officer of CheckUP and has 17 years’ experience as a Chief Executive Officer within the not-for-profit sector.

For over 35 years she has worked across the health and community sectors in Queensland and has an extensive understanding of the complexities, challenges and opportunities confronting the health sector and is experienced in leading and driving change. She has a proven track record in the planning, development and execution of a broad range of health programs and initiatives.

Ann Maree’s leadership, communication and engagement skills have also contributed to a proven track record in the development of effective collaborations and partnerships at both a State and National level, including effective working relationships with a broad range of both State and Federal Government officials and elected representatives.

During the past six years, she has provided strategic leadership through a significant organisational and business transformation.

She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and as a CEO, has significant experience working with Boards and serving as a member of Board committee and advisory groups.

Why am I here?

My special interests include health system improvement and change, organisational development and performance, and socially inclusive healthcare.

I am passionate about creating an equitable health system in which every person, regardless of who they are or where they live has access to safe, quality health care. Consumer-centred approaches and strong, respectful partnerships between providers of health services and the communities and consumers they serve are central to this vision.

Tracey is Chief Executive Officer and Non Executive director (ex-officio) of Karuna Hospice Services.

Tracey’s professional background is in corporate communications, IT and strategic marketing. Having worked in executive level roles within the healthcare, life sciences and innovation sectors for many years, Tracey has developed a strong professional network in Australia and the SE Asia region.

As an advocate for caring communities and supporting the not-for-profit sector as a whole, Tracey is also a Non-executive Director of Mangrove Housing. Her professional memberships include professional member of the Fundraising Institute of Australia,nd also a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Ainsley is an experienced Non Executive Director having served on for-purpose and socially minded Boards and their Committees since 2002. A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, she is presently on the Board of the Australian Network on Disability and prior to this served with Brisbane Women’s Club, the Australian Association of Graduate Employers, Enterprise Network for Young Australians and The Global Society Foundation.

In her executive career in Human Resources, she has led people and culture strategy and initiatives across Australia and APAC for progressive government agencies as well as blue chip companies such as Woolworths Ltd and Coca-Cola Amatil. Ainsley holds a Master of Coaching Psychology amongst other study including with Harvard and Cambridge universities.

Why am I here?

I am humbled to help consumers find a voice in the Queensland health system so that our services and outcomes can be accessible, inclusive and impactful for all. I am passionate that vulnerable Australians – by way of their background or economic standing – can shape their health experiences. I have seen in sectors outside health how instrumental human-centred co-design can be and my aim is to support the HCQ team further their unique models of engagement and advice.

Hariet Brummelhuis is a purpose driven professional with over 15 years’ experience in executive roles across operations, corporate services and finance in the not-for-profit sector. She is a chief executive in the social services sector with varied experience in social and affordable housing across QLD, NSW and VIC, and roles in organisations providing aged care, disability support, child safety and family support services.

Hariet is a fellow member of the Governance Institute of Australia, with strengths in corporate governance, risk and compliance, human resources, finance, strategy, leadership, business development and transformation.

Hariet is values driven and committed to providing outcomes that meet the needs of the community.

Why am I here?

I have joined the organisation as I am interested in contributing to its Mission of enabling and empowering consumers to influence, lead and drive better health outcomes. For over 15 years I have worked in the social services sector and seen the difficulty many people have in accessing health services that meet their needs.

Alisa is currently Director of Practice and Engagement with the National Centre for Child Sexual Abuse, an organisation established to privilege the voice and experiences of victims and survivors to inform, influence and create change.

For 30 years Alisa has worked across the health and community services sectors in Queensland. After starting her career as a social worker in hospital and community settings both in Australia and the United Kingdom, Alisa has spent the last fifteen years in senior and executive level roles in organisations such as Blue Care, SANDBAG Inc. and the Health and Community Services Workforce Council. She is experienced in working with and alongside Boards and Senior Executives in organisations and as a principal consultant, leading a range of health, community and workforce change programs and initiatives.

Previous experience leading organisational development programs with Not for Profits across England, Alisa has a particular interest in building the capacity and capability of workforces and organisations that are critical in ensuring people get the services they need when and where they need them. Alisa has sat on a range of boards, committees and advisory mechanisms previously, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and holds qualifications in Social Work and Public Health.

Why am I here?

I am motivated by the belief that people should be able to access the health, care and support they need, when and where they need it, so they can live full and active lives.

I have a keen interest in the power of partnerships and collaborations between organisations and systems so people and communities can access joined up, connected and tailored supports that meet their changing needs across their lifespan. I am delighted to work alongside the Health Consumer Queensland Board, staff team and importantly consumers to influence how health and care is delivered to meet the needs of Queenslanders.

Danielle is based in Townsville, and she is a recognised allied health leader and innovator with more than 20 years’ executive and non-executive experience in health, human and social services across regional Queensland. She currently works in roles which give her governance and leadership exposure to hospital and health services, disability sector, child safety and aged care services.

Danielle is currently Board Chair for selectability Ltd, one of Queensland’s largest not-for-profit providers in regional Queensland, Director with the Townsville Chamber of Commerce, Board Director with the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia, and Executive Director Allied Health with Townsville Hospital and Health Service.

She is a long-standing champion of consumer-driven health and community services, working through local communities, advocacy groups and individuals to integrate consumer perspectives into design, development and evaluation of health care services.

Why am I here?

With a background as an allied health professional (Speech Pathologist), Danielle is passionate about amplifying the voice of the consumer in healthcare. It is for this reason Danielle has chosen to serve on the board of Health Consumers Queensland.

Karla is a passionate advocate for inclusion, driven by her lived experiences as a proud Truwulway/Trawlwoolway First Nations woman navigating life with both apparent and non-apparent disabilities.

With over a decade of expertise in strategic People, Culture, and Advocacy within the Talent and Inclusion space, Karla is dedicated to fostering environments where diverse perspectives thrive and meaningful change takes root.

As the founder of Rrala, a First Nations consultancy, Karla combines storytelling and lived experience to deepen understanding and strengthen allyship for First Nations communities. Through consulting, speaking engagements, and tailored workshops, Karla empowers organisations to embrace inclusivity and champion positive social impact with authenticity and respect. Grounded in humility and driven by purpose, Karla’s work exemplifies her unwavering commitment to building a more equitable future.

Rhonda is a seasoned executive and board member with more than 20 years’ experience across healthcare, tertiary education, and the private sector. She specialises in developing and implementing strategies that address complex challenges within large organisations, focusing on measurable results, building high-performing teams, fostering innovative partnerships, and delivering efficient services.

As the founder of New Evolution Consulting, Rhonda offers consulting, coaching, and leadership development services to clients throughout Australia, predominantly in the healthcare sector. She also provides strategic advisory services to the Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine at Bond University and guest lectures to Master’s-level students on healthcare leadership and governance. Additionally, Rhonda collaborates with Streamliners NZ to enhance strategic partnerships for Australian HealthPathways Programs, aiming to improve healthcare integration and implement evidence-based, consumer-centred practice at scale.

In 2024, Rhonda established the Healthcare Leaders Haven, a global community designed to support healthcare leaders in navigating modern challenges and co-designing improvements. The forum is set to officially launch in early 2025.

Rhonda holds a Master of Business Administration and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is also a Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Management.

Why am I here?

I am committed to empowering health consumers and ensuring their voices are central to healthcare decision-making. By leveraging my experience in strategy development and organisational transformation, I aim to contribute to Health Consumers Queensland’s mission of enhancing health outcomes through meaningful consumer engagement.