Sharon Starick

Sharon holds an Honours degree in Agricultural Science. Since 1993, Sharon and her husband have been producing grain and pork in the Mallee region of South Australia. Her extensive knowledge of sustainable primary production was developed through her own on-farm practices and past participation in Mallee Sustainable Farming and the South Australian No-Till Farmers Association.

Through Sharon’s strong interest in policy development and collaboration within Australian agriculture, she currently holds the positions of:

• Director of Animal Health Australia
• Chair of the Australian Pork Industry Quality Assurance Program Panel
• Director of the Grains Research and Development Corporation
• Director of the Regional Investment Corporation

She also has a passion for natural resource management and conservation that is reflected in her past involvement as Chair of the South Australian Murray–Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board and as a member of South Australia’s Natural Resources Management Council, the Australian Landcare Council and the Community Advisory Committee for the Murray–Darling Basin Ministerial Council. As a past director of Land & Water Australia, Sharon has experience in strategic planning for research and extension.

Renata Paliskis

Ms Paliskis has extensive knowledge and experience, with 30 years’ experience in the livestock industry, serving across a variety of sectors as a chief executive and company director, on finance and audit committees, and as a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She currently serves as Deputy Chair of the Cattle Industry Funding Scheme Management Committee, and as the Director, Rangelands and Board Support, at the WA Department of Planning Lands and Heritage. She brings to the AHA Board a range of relevant skills and experience, strong knowledge of the livestock sector and valuable connections across Western Australia. Her analytical thinking, passion and commitment have her well-placed to provide strategic direction to AHA into the future.

Malcolm Letts

Malcolm Letts has an extensive background in senior executive government roles and Chairing and participating on high level national committees. He believes technology including social research can be better used to optimise the benefits of investment in biosecurity.

Malcolm has worked with the Queensland Government for 27 years, with the last 20 years in senior executive roles including as Deputy Director-General, Agriculture. He has extensive experience in agricultural policy and industry development and for five years he was also responsible for the trade and investment area in the department.

He has previously been on the Board of Safe Food Production Queensland and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He holds undergraduate qualifications in environmental science and post graduate qualifications in extension.

Lucinda Corrigan

Lucinda is an experienced non-executive director, and owner and director of a well-known family angus genetics business. She has an extensive background in animal welfare, genetics, international markets and innovation and adoption of technology in agriculture, including startups. She brings a range of government and non-government connections through her roles as Chairs of CRCs, academic institutions, advocacy groups and government committees.

Stuart Crockett

Stuart is an experienced executive director and leader. He is currently Managing Director of Ag-tech company Alosca Technologies, as well as CEO and Founder of two way International Trade and Investment execution services company, International Channel Partners (ICP).  Stuart brings exceptional regional networks to the role, and more than 30 years of public and private sector experience, and has been employed as a senior executive in one of WA’s largest protein producers and exporters, Craig Mostyn Group.

Ed Storey

Ed is a sheep and wool producer from Yass, NSW and an experienced director with a key role being the past President of WoolProducers Australia – an AHA livestock member. As such, he has a deep understanding of AHA’s programs and biosecurity more broadly.

Roseanne Healy

Roseanne is an experienced director, with an extensive career spanning strategic advisory and investment banking. Roseanne has board experience with ASX listed, private, statutory and not-for-profit organisations. She has corporate finance qualifications and a strong connection to the resource and agriculture sectors.

Dr Samantha Allan

Samantha is a senior veterinarian and leader with extensive experience in managing complex biosecurity programs, and leading animal disease emergency preparedness and response activities. She has worked in government veterinary roles as well as rural clinical practice in New South Wales, and South Yorkshire, England.

Samantha has expertise in strategic thinking, policy development, stakeholder engagement and problem solving; underpinned by her strong clinical and technical background in veterinary science. She strives to model great leadership and inspire teams to achieve beyond expectation.

Dr Mark Cozens

Dr Mark Cozens is a veterinarian with experience in both the government and private sectors and has worked overseas on responses to chronic wasting disease, foot and mouth disease and anthrax, and in Australia on responses to Newcastle disease, equine influenza, Hendra virus and white spot disease.

He works closely with government and industry representatives to enhance emergency response readiness for both government and industry members.

Jackie Poyser

Jackie is a highly experienced business administrator and communications specialist with over 20 years’ experience in delivering organisational change and operational strategies for member organisations.

Jackie is skilled in stakeholder relations, communication solutions and corporate management and is well-known for presenting business visions and solutions.

Jackie has a Master of Business Administration from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Canberra.

Michael Sykes

Dr Rob Barwell

Rob is a veterinarian who worked in mixed and small animal practice in Australia, England and Hong Kong and as a government veterinarian in NSW before joining Animal Health Australia in 2012. Rob manages livestock biosecurity and animal health projects with a focus on endemic diseases. He is passionate about working with AHA’s members to make positive changes in animal health and welfare on farm which will benefit Australia’s livestock industries. 

Rob has completed a Master of Veterinary Public Health Management, a Diploma of Leadership and Management and is a Member of the Australian & New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. 

Ben Byrne

Ben is a training and development professional with experience across biosecurity emergency preparedness, training and aquaculture who has led and managed diverse teams to deliver on complex projects both domestically and internationally. Ben’s management and leadership experience combined with his operational background enables him to approach training with a strategic mindset whilst still being outcomes focussed. Ben has a strong belief in the value of collaborating with stakeholders as part of leading an AHA training team that develops relevant, engaging and fit for purpose training and education products and services for members.

Ben was deployed to the citrus canker response in Darwin in 2018 as a planning officer and holds a range of emergency management competencies. Ben holds a Bachelor of Science (Aquaculture and Seafood Science), a Diploma of Vocational Education and Training, a Diploma of Project Management, and is a qualified Lead Environmental Management System auditor.

Dr Bronwyn Hendry

Bronwyn is a veterinarian with experience in large and small animal private practice, government veterinary field work in western NSW, and animal biosecurity policy and legislation. She has held key operational roles in emergency animal disease outbreaks including Equine Influenza, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis.

Bronwyn is motivated to work cooperatively with Animal Health Australia’s members to help to find opportunities and create solutions to animal health surveillance challenges. Bronwyn holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons 1) and a Master of Veterinary Public Health. 

Angela Oplantzakis

Ashley Turner

Ashley is an experienced financial professional with extensive corporate and not-for-profit experience. He has initiated and led financial system and framework reforms with an eye for detail. He is passionate about supporting organisational change and creating a positive, dynamic culture that encourages learning and development.

Ashley has been Company Secretary at Animal Health Australia (AHA), Cattle Disease Contingency Fund (CDCF) and Sheep Industry Health Welfare (SIHW) since March 2020 and Head of Finance since April 2017 and is responsible for AHA’s company health, including our finances, governance arrangements, audit and risk.

Ashley has over 25 years extensive experience in the finance industry across large ASX-listed construction and engineering companies, agribusiness and manufacturing.

Ashley is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia, a CPA member and holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting and Banking and Finance) for the Queensland University of Technology.

Dr Therese Wright

Therese is a veterinarian with experience in both the government and private sectors before joining AHA in 2022. She has worked in animal biosecurity policy, legislation, and response. She has focused particularly on preparedness and response to emergency animal diseases. Therese has worked in a range of responses (including equine influenza, avian influenza, Hendra virus, swine influenza, aquatic diseases, and Salmonella Enteriditis) and more recently on exercises to test and build preparedness for high-risk outbreaks.  

Therese manages the program for the unique Deed between Australia’s governments and industry groups that supports a rapid and effective response to an emergency disease outbreak in animals. Therese is keen to work with government and industry representatives to enhance the operation of the Deed so that Australia is well prepared for significant animal disease threats. 

Bronte Clifford

Bronte is a Training Officer at Animal Health Australia and works across several projects that support the development of biosecurity training programs and activities. Bronte comes from a background in agriculture, growing up on her family’s farm in rural NSW, and having several years of experience in the industry. She is eager to contribute to AHA and strengthen Australia’s biosecurity and agricultural industry through her work in the Training Team.

Bronte holds a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability from the Australian National University, double majoring in Agriculture Innovation and Environment and Resource Management.

Carolyn Dunn (currently on maternity leave)

Carolyn works within the Project Management Team and works across multiple projects within the organisation to support core business needs. Carolyn has experience working with private and public sectors.

She is currently on maternity leave due back in July 2025.

Abdul-Rahman Faisal

Abdul-Rahman provides organisational-wide support in coordinating, implementing, and delivering internal and external projects. He is responsible for developing and implementing project tools and templates, and providing education and awareness to AHA personnel in the effective planning, managing, and execution of projects. 

Abdul-Rahman holds a Bachelor of Architecture, and a Master of Project Management from the Australian National University. He has experience working on multidisciplinary projects with governments, corporates, and non-governmental agencies.

Melissa French (currently on maternity leave)

Melissa recently joined AHA as the Office Manager and Executive Assistant.

With over 10 years’ experience in the finance sector, and more recently in the Commonwealth Government as an Executive Assistant to Senior Executives, Melissa has extensive experience in both management and administrative roles.

Melissa has a passion for helping people and was drawn to AHA for its purpose and values.

Dr Rodrigo Guerrero

Rodrigo is a veterinarian with extensive experience in the government sector across Chile, Europe, and Australia. He holds a Master of Animal Studies from the University of Queensland.

He is driven by the belief that well-designed biosecurity strategies and an industry-centred approach create healthier and safer environments for livestock and people.

He has worked on developing, implementing, and enforcing regulations related to animal health, animal welfare, public health, and livestock product exports.

Daniel Hadiwibawa

Daniel holds a Bachelor in Graphic Design as well as an Advance Diploma in Graphic Design. Daniel has worked as a graphic designer and pre-press operator, specialising in many areas including logo/corporate identity design, advertising, publications, signage and social media. 

Narelle Jones

Narelle has a Bachelor of Animal Science (Hons) and experience working in animal health, welfare and biosecurity. Narelle enjoys working with stakeholders to help improve preparedness for biosecurity emergencies and looks forward to working with AHA members to further strengthen Australia’s biosecurity capabilities.

Carley Lewis

Carley comes from a background in livestock nutrition and enjoys applying her technical skills to achieve the best possible outcomes for animal health and welfare. She looks forward to working alongside AHA to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity capabilities.

Carley holds a Bachelor of Agriculture and a Master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, majoring in Animal Science.

Rose McCrossen

Rose holds a Bachelor of Science (Neuroscience) from the University of New England and has several years of experience in the animal industry. She is eager to contribute to Australian biosecurity through her work in the training team, supporting the development of biosecurity training programs and activities.

Rose is driven by her love for animals and biological science, and she looks forward to strengthening the resilience of Australian agriculture through training and education.

Ursula Morley

Ursula has extensive experience in assisting the Senior Executive team and Company Directors,  working in Governance, Compliance, Management and Administration roles.

Ursula is passionate about creating positive workplace culture and practices.

Prior to joining AHA, Ursula has over 10 years’ experience in the Superannuation sector.

Mikhaila Nye

Mikhaila is the Animal Health Surveillance and Monitoring Coordinator at Animal Health Australia and works across a number of surveillance projects that are important for early detection of exotic diseases entering Australia, and supporting market access.

Mikhaila holds a Bachelor of Animal Science and a Diploma of Project Management, and is passionate about strengthening and future proofing Australia’s animal health system. 

Afifa Qureshi

Afifa has completed a Master of Marketing Management from the ANU and is a Certified Marketing Specialist. She is creative and is fluent in key social media platforms. Afifa enjoys designing and executing engaging marketing and communication campaigns that not only best align with the organisation’s vision and objectives but also inspire user engagement and drive traffic. She is a self-starter who goes above and beyond to self–learn and improve her knowledge and ways of working.

Sheaaz Sakur

Sheaaz holds a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Animal and Veterinary Bioscience) from the University of Sydney (majoring in Animal Health, Disease and Welfare). She has prior experience working in a poultry-based quality assurance lab and is excited to use the skills she acquired there as well as her passion for animals at AHA.

She will be working within the surveillance team as the coordinator and is eager to contribute to the safeguarding of Australia’s animal health and biosecurity.

Emily Sears

Emily is a passionate animal scientist, working within the animal health surveillance and monitoring team at AHA. Emily is experienced in leading national animal health surveillance and laboratory projects, with a focus on increasing early disease detection and supporting trade and market access. She enjoys working with AHA’s stakeholders to improve animal health and disease outcomes.

Emily holds a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience (Hons 1) and a Master of Science in Agriculture. 

Kristina Vidovic

Kristina holds a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience (Honours I) majoring in Animal Health, Disease and Welfare from the University of Sydney and has practical experience in the dairy and beef livestock industries.

She is passionate about being a part of change that works to strengthen Australia’s livestock industries through positive and practical contributions to the animal health and welfare sector.

Kelly Wall

Kelly currently leads and manages a variety of complex and diverse animal health, welfare and biosecurity projects. Kelly demonstrates high level management experience by providing leadership, problem solving and issues management for internal and external stakeholders. Kelly holds a variety of formal qualifications in her related field. 

Andrew Wasswa

Andrew holds a Master’s in Professional Accounting and is soon to be a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA). Andrew has worked in finance, advising project managers on financial matters, preparing and filing tax documents, creating financial reports, and performing regular audits to ensure accuracy in financial documents, expenditures, and investments. 

Geraldine Wickham

Geraldine has previously owned and ran Canberra’s biggest privately owned dog training facility for over a decade. Geraldine has worked in the animal health industry since the late 1990s, where she has worked passionately across the vet and pet industry in the Canberra community. She has a variety of formal qualifications in the science & animal fields.

Ellie Zhou

Ellie is an experienced Finance officer with CPA qualifications. She joined AHA 2019 and accumulated great experience in the Finance area. She works within the Finance team and provides accounting and payroll support across teams and AHA members. She is also keen to develop information technology and data analysis skills, providing insights needed for project teams and broader support to members.