Our staff

Director

  • Dr James Debenham

    PhD, MSc (MT), BSc (Physio; Hons)

    Director
    Email: james.debenham@nd.edu.au
    Phone: 0449 946 669

    Role at Majarlin
    James is responsible for the strategic and operational direction of Majarlin as it pursues its mission. This includes supporting the entire Majarlin team and integrating Majarlin’s activities with those of the University more broadly. James oversees the co-ordination of Majarlin’s three teams: 1) Allied Health, 2) Nursing and Midwifery, and 3) Research.

    Biography
    A Physiotherapist by background, James has clinical and academic expertise in Physiotherapy, in health workforce leadership, and with various research methodologies. James completed his PhD at Curtin University, publishing his thesis "Spring Theory" in 2017, describing a new model to conceptualise the development and management of lower limb tendinopathy. Prior to joining Majarlin in 2022, James was a Senior Lecturer in the School of Physiotherapy at the University of Notre Dame Australia's Fremantle Campus from 2010. James has an interest in the professional issues facing allied health practitioners in Australia. He has published work in this space and has served the profession via senior leadership roles within the 'Australian Physiotherapy Association' and 'Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Australia'.

Program Manager

  • Ms Kristan Heidel

    Program Manager, Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT)
    Email: kristan.heidel@nd.edu.au
    Phone: 0457 217 414

    Role at Majarlin
    Kristan has operational oversight of the National RHMT program for the University of Notre Dame which is a Commonwealth funded program consisting of several Medicine, Allied Health & Nursing departments across 3 states and 7 locations. Majarlin is one of those departments.

    Biography
    Kristan possesses 2 postgraduate qualifications; Business Analytics and Family Law Mediation and is currently undertaking the Master of Business Administration program at Macquarie University (MGSM). She is a highly experienced senior manager with over 20 years operations experience including a work history with five Australian universities.

Administration Staff

  • Serena Craddock

    BAppSc(Hons) Interior Architecture & Graphic Design

    Administration Coordinator
    Email: serena.craddock@nd.edu.au
    Phone: (08) 9192 0605

    Role at Majarlin
    As the Administration Coordinator, Serena looks after the office and supports the program manager in the management and operation of Majarlin. She also provides administrative assistance to the Allied Health team at all levels of operation.

    Biography
    Serena studied Interior Architecture and completed her honours at Curtin University. After a few years of working in the Perth design industry, she moved to Broome and began working at Majarlin in early 2023.

  • Brianna Cunningham

    BSc Paramedicine

    Senior Administration Officer
    Email: brianna.cunningham@nd.edu.au
    Phone: (08) 9192 0605

    Role at Majarlin
    As the Senior Administration Officer, Brianna looks after the office and supports the Administration Coordinator and Program Manager in the management and operation of Majarlin. She also provides administrative assistance to the Allied Health team and Nursing team at all levels of operation.

    Biography
    Brianna relocated to Broome in early 2025, making the move with her partner from Perth. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Paramedicine, which she completed in 2020 while working at St John of God Murdoch. Following her degree, Brianna continued to pursue her passion for helping others by enrolling in a Certificate II in Auslan (Australian Sign Language), further expanding her skill set and commitment to inclusive communication.

  • Aimee Wone

    Student Support Officer – Kununurra
    Email: aimee.wone@nd.edu.au
    Phone: 0460 024 673

    Role at Majarlin 
    Aimee’s role at Majarlin is to support students while on placement in Kununurra through organising and managing Majarlin resources and offering assistance and guidance to ensure a positive experience.

    Biography
    Originally from Queensland, Aimee obtained her bachelor’s degree in business before spending several years living abroad and working in a variety of roles that include event management, business support and in the tourism sector. She returned to Australia to complete her Diploma in Remedial Massage and her certification in yoga instructing. She relocated to Kununurra only a year ago but loves the vibrant community and the breathtaking country of the East Kimberley.

Nursing Staff

  • Kate Willis

    RN(BN) PGDip (Midwifery)

    Clinical Facilitator – Midwifery
    Email: kate.willis@nd.edu.au
    Phone: (08) 9192 0626

    Role at Majarlin
    Kate works as a Clinical Nursing and Midwifery Facilitator in Broome providing support, mentorship, and guidance to the nursing and midwifery students in the Kimberley.

    Biography
    Kate trained as a Registered Nurse straight out of high school, completing her Bachelor of Nursing degree through Edith Cowan University in 2003. From there Kate worked in several tertiary hospitals in Perth and commenced her midwifery training whilst working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at King Edward Memorial Hospital.

    Kate qualified with a Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery through Curtin University in 2008. Kate’s Nursing and Midwifery career has allowed her to travel and work all throughout Australia, the UK, and even to Tanzania where she worked as a Midwifery Educator. Kate also has qualifications as a Childbirth Educator through Hypnobirthing Australia and implemented the Positive Birth Program into Broome Hospital in 2021. Kate loves the diversity and autonomy that rural nursing and midwifery offers and hopes to inspire many students to experience rural and remote nursing for themselves.

  • Jane Livissianos

    RN(BN), GDip(Mid)

    Clinical Educator – Nursing & Midwifery
    Email: jane.livissianos@nd.edu.au
    Phone: (08) 9192 0665

    Role at Majarlin
    Jane teaches into skills-based courses for the Bachelor of Nursing program and assists in and coordinates programs which encourage student nurses to choose a career in rural or remote health.

    Biography
    After completing a Bachelor of Nursing at Southern Cross University in NSW (2001), Jane worked in rural NSW before specialising in Emergency Nursing in a large tertiary hospital in Sydney. She then spent several years based in the UK, working as a nurse in both London and Edinburgh before returning to Australia to pursue further study.

    Jane obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery through Charles Darwin University in NT (2010) and found a passion in working with Indigenous women and their babies and continued to work as a Midwife in the Northern Territory in both Alice Springs and in the remote town of Nhulunbuy in East Arnhem land. Wishing to combine her experience in emergency, midwifery and remote health, Jane pursued a career with the Royal Flying Doctor Service and moved to Western Australia in 2014 to work as a Flight Nurse. Initially based in Port Hedland, then transferring to the Derby base she got her first taste of the Kimberley. After flying for a further 4 years for the RFDS out of Jandakot in Perth, she returned to the Kimberley to live Broome in 2019 and is now sharing her knowledge and skills in the tertiary education sector.

  • Tamara Fairweather

    Student Co-Ordinator – Nursing
    Email: tamara.fairweather@nd.edu.au
    Phone: (08) 9192 0619

    Role at Majarlin
    Tam commenced working with Notre Dame in August 2021 working as VET Admin Assistant and is now responsible for coordinating student placements for the Enrolled and Bachelor of Nursing students throughout the Kimberley region.

    Biography
    Tam and family moved to Broome for a six-month secondment with her husband’s work and 21 years later she is still here, raised her family and loving the lifestyle.

  • Justine Golding

    RN(BN)

    Clinical Facilitator – Nursing
    Email: justine.golding@nd.edu.au
    Phone: (08) 9192 0610

    Role at Majarlin
    Justine’s role at Majarlin is to perform as a student mentor, tutor, and clinical facilitator. Importantly, Justine acts as a professional role model for students at Notre Dame. She is responsible for sourcing and maintaining professional relationships with health care providers and professionals to enhance positive student experiences and outcomes.

    Biography
    Justine commenced her Bachelor of Nursing degree at Notre Dame University Broome Campus in 2003. Her passion for Nursing has always laid in a Rural and Remote setting. Justine takes pride in her career being orientated around nursing students and graduate nurses in the hospital setting. She was the proud recipient of the Innovative Supervisor Award, Presented at the Recognition Awards Ceremony in 2021. Whilst Justine has joined the Majarlin Team to continue her passion of work with student nurses she also continues to care for and maintain her relationships with her colleagues and patients in the hospital setting.

  • Abbie Pittard

    RN (BN)

    Clinical Facilitator - Nursing
    Email: abbie.pittard@nd.edu.au
    Phone: 0417 432 781

    Role at Majarlin
    Abbie’s role at Majarlin is to provide support and guidance and act as a role model to Nursing students. Clinical facilitation is something at the forefront of Abbie’s responsibilities at Majarlin and is passionate about giving nursing students an excellent experience in rural and remote health care.

    Biography
    Abbie studied her Bachelor of Nursing at Edith Cowan University Bunbury Campus which she completed in 2014.

    From there, she completed her graduate nursing programme at Bunbury Hospital. She then worked various departments throughout her nursing career, showing a special interest in mental health/drug and alcohol and palliative care.

    Abbie is keen to facilitate nursing students throughout the Kimberley health care system whilst also progressing her nursing career.

  • Robbie Notman

    BSc (Maths, Physics), GDipEd(Secondary)

    Laboratory Coordinator
    Email: robert.notman@nd.edu.au
    Phone: (08) 9192 0649

    Role at Majarlin
    Robbie works to support the Laboratory Coordinator and liaises with the facilitators to ensure the laboratory runs smoothly.

    Biography
    Born and raised in Perth, Robbie studied Mathematics and Physics before becoming a teacher. He occupied teaching positions in Perth and Carnarvon for several years before travelling to Broome for a holiday, naturally, he then decided to stay. Robbie hopes to use his experience and training to provide Majarlin students with an excellent experience in Broome by offering support to both students and facilitators in the laboratory.

  • Caroline Goodey

    RN(BN) PGDip (Perioperative)

    Rural and Remote Lead for Nursing and Midwifery
    Email: caroline.goodey@nd.edu.au
    Phone: 0417 211 230

    Role at Majarlin
    Caroline is responsible for supporting and coordinating the team that prepares and facilitates nursing and midwifery students for their clinical placements, with the aim of helping the team to provide a high-quality experience in rural/remote health.

    Biography
    Caroline commenced her nursing career over 20 years ago, starting in aged care and surgical wards before discovering her passion for perioperative nursing, where after graduating from Notre Dame in Fremantle, completed the Post Graduate Diploma in Perioperative Nursing, also through Notre Dame.

    She relocated her young family to Kununurra for a year, and 5 years later moved to Broome, where she continued working in the perioperative specialty at Broome Hospital. In the role of Staff Development Nurse Perioperative, she was able to indulge her passion for education with both colleagues, students and junior staff and commence her Master of Nursing Perioperative. Caroline brings her experience and drive for education for rural/remote nurses to her role at Majarlin.

  • Danica Butler

    RN (BN)

    Sessional Clinical Educator, Nursing
    Email: danica.butler@nd.edu.au
    Phone: 0457 630 313

    Role at Majarlin
    Danica’s role at Majarlin is as a clinical nurse facilitator, student mentor, and teacher. She is committed to fostering clinical excellence and providing high-quality education to all nursing students. Danica’s goal is to continuously build strong, supportive relationships with both students and healthcare organizations, ensuring each student has a positive and enriching experience in the rural and remote setting.

    Biography
    Danica completed a Bachelor of Nursing Degree at Edith Cowan University, Joondalup Campus, before embarking on a graduate nursing program at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, where she gained valuable experience in the Operating Theatres and Post Anaesthetic Care Unit. While her foundation in perioperative nursing was solid, her growing interest in Critical Care nursing led her to transition to the Emergency Department, where she has remained, continuously enhancing her critical care skills.

    Building on her background in operating theatres and her passion for critical care, Danica has pursued a Master of Nursing (Research), focusing on the recovery of cardiothoracic patients in the Intensive Care Unit. Danica has worked across diverse clinical settings, including a Metropolitan Emergency Department, Operating Theatre, and the Emergency and Trauma Department in Darwin. She now works in the Broome Emergency Department and High Dependency Unit. With a strong passion for teaching, Danica joined Majarlin as a Clinical Nurse Facilitator to share her clinical experience with undergraduate nurses, particularly in rural and remote healthcare settings, and support their development into confident and skilled professionals.

  • Mia Ballard

    RN (BN)

    Clinical Facilitator, Nursing
    Email: mia.ballard@nd.edu.au
    Phone: 0428 504 248

    Role at Majarlin
    Mia's role at Majarlin is to facilitate and deliver positive learning experiences through supporting, tutoring and mentoring undergraduate nurses. Mia’s role is to provide professional guidance and effective clinical support during their clinical practicum. Mia facilitates a comfortable environment for reflective practice, addressing clinical performance, and providing clinical education that enhances students’ knowledge and skills.

    Biography
    Mia studied her Bachelor of Nursing Degree at the University of Notre Dame at Fremantle Campus. From there, she completed her graduate nursing program at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. Mia showed interest in Critical Care and advanced her nursing career in the cardiac intensive care unit (coronary care unit). She began clinical facilitating Undergraduate Registered Nurses in this area. Mia found passion in creating positive and high-quality learning opportunities that enhance undergraduate nurses' clinical knowledge and skills.

    After working in the Coronary Care Unit for 4 years, Mia relocated to Broome and began working in the Emergency Department and High Dependency Unit at Broome Hospital. Mia is now working with Majarlin as a Clinical Facilitator whilst also working at Broome Hospital. Mia hopes to use her experience and passion to teach to offer an excellent and memorable experience for Majarlin undergraduate nurses.

Allied Health Staff

  • Kylie Hopkins

    PhD Candidate, MPHTM, M Nutr&Dietet, BSc (Health Promotion), BSc (Nutrition), APD

    Clinical Educator - Dietetics
    Email: kylie.hopkins@nd.edu.au
    Phone: 0402 021 937

    Role at Majarlin  
    Kylie works as a Clinical Educator (Dietetics) providing professional support and guidance to dietetic and nutrition students undertaking coursework study and clinical placements throughout the Kimberley.

    Biography
    Kylie is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian with 16 years' experience, living and working throughout remote Northern Australia, though calling Kununurra home since 2010. Prior to this role Kylie held senior clinical and management positions gaining experience in primary health, private practice, tertiary and rural/remote settings. Her career has been strongly focused on improving nutritional access and nutrition educational opportunities for regional communities. With a passion for mentoring, teaching and research, Kylie transitioned into academia lecturing in nutrition, public health, rural/remote health care and health promotion at Charles Darwin University in 2020. With a keen interest in research, Kylie began Doctoral studies in 2022. Her research aims to contribute to the development of culturally safe care practices for First Nations people with T2DM and obesity.

  • Negin Loh

    Bsc Physiotherapy

    Clinical Educator – Physiotherapy
    Email: negin.loh@nd.edu.au
    Phone: 08 9192 0622

    Role at Majarlin
    Provides the Physiotherapy component of the Service-Learning Program and supervision to students completing clinical placements.

    Biography
    Negin completed her training at Curtin University and has worked predominantly within the public hospital sector both in the tertiary and rural setting. Since arriving to Northern WA, she has worked across the Pilbara and the Kimberley, including outreach to remote communities in the Fitzroy Valley.

    Negin has a keen interest in a range of clinical areas, in particular rural and remote health, paediatrics, inpatient acute care and rehabilitation. She is passionate about the role of physiotherapy in the areas of patient advocacy, patient education and promotion of self-efficacy to improve function and well-being. Negin strives to share her clinical experience and passion of rural and remote health with her students.

  • Nikki Hulse

    BSc Occupational Therapy, GradCert HPE

    Clinical Educator - Occupational Therapy
    Email: nikki.hulse@nd.edu.au
    Phone: 08 9192 0621

    Role at Majarlin
    Nikki provides the occupational therapy component of the work readiness program, supervising students accessing placements within schools and aged care.

    Biography
    Nikki graduated as an occupational therapist in 1996 and has extensive experience in generalist roles both in the UK and Australia. Nikki has a keen interest working within the adolescent and youth sector providing holistic OT services. Aside from client-based services, Nikki’s interests also include clinical supervision processes particularly relating to health professional students and graduate clinicians. Previous clinical roles focused heavily on supporting graduates, devising, and implementing preceptorship roles. She currently provides clinical support and mentoring to early career OTs across the Kimberley and Pilbara. Nikki is head of committee for Majarlin Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp that sees high school and allied health students provide respite services for children with disabilities. Nikki also implements a workplace learning program with high school for students considering a career pathway in allied health.

  • Sarah Mtandwa

    MSpPath (CPSP), BBus (Tourism & Marketing)

    Academic Sessional / Student Coordinator
    Email: sarah.mtandwa@nd.edu.au
    Phone: 0436 932 575

    Role at Majarlin
    Sarah joined the Majarlin team in 2024 as a part time support to the current Student Coordinator, working closely with Majarlin Clinical Educators, Allied Health professionals and organisations throughout the Kimberley and Universities Australia wide, to coordinate and facilitate quality placements for Allied Health students.

    Biography
    Originally from Melbourne, Sarah completed a Bachelor of Business (Tourism & Marketing) at La Trobe University in 2013, which led to her working in hotels and resorts in Far North Queensland. Sarah eventually decided on a career change, where she returned to Melbourne to complete her Masters in Speech Pathology. Sarah was one of the first 4th year speech students to be involved in Majarlin’s pilot program as part of a 6-week placement in 2019.   Sarah enjoyed living and working in the Kimberley so much, that when she returned to Melbourne, she applied for and secured a position in Broome as a remote Speech Pathologist.   Sarah has practiced in Broome for the past 5 years working in various clinical settings, with much of her work life dedicated to travelling via FIFO and DIDO to remote Aboriginal Communities in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions.  Sarah recently welcomed a daughter and has since commenced part time work with Majarlin as an academic sessional.

Research and Support Staff

  • Maria Morgan

    Cultural Security Officer
    Email: maria.morgan@nd.edu.au
    Phone: 0429 928 088

    Role at Majarlin
    Provide cultural support to Majarlin students.

    Biography
    Maria was born in Broome and is from a well-known family with traditional links. Maria is of Yawuru and Karajarri heritage. In her early years, Maria was appointed Liaison Officer for St Joseph’s Catholic School. Maria has worked as administrator at Wyndham’s local resource centre then took on role of Women’s CDEP Co-ordinator. Maria then commenced work for the WA Department of Training for 10 years working with trainees and apprentices in Wyndham and Broome. Maria and her family set up one of the longest running Indigenous Tourism businesses which has led to their children having their own businesses in Tourism. She helped Key Assets establish an office in Kununurra in May 2014 before moving to Broome to commence work as the Cultural Security Officer.

  • Pablo Lange

    Student Support Officer
    Email: pablo.lane@nd.edu.au
    Phone: (08) 9192 0662

    Role at Majarlin
    Provide cultural support to Majarlin and KCRMT students.

    Biography
    Pablo was born and raised in Broome, with Gooniyandi and Jaru heritage from the Fitzroy Valley Region. Pablo is a Deisel Mechanic by trade with a mining background. After working on the Argyle mine in Kununurra, Pablo worked as a trade lecturer at Kimberley Training Institute. After many years in the training and employment sectors working with the Kimberley community, engaging and encouraging empowerment through meaningful social and economic contributions to mainstream Australia, Pablo transitioned to Parliament. Here he spent 3 years in the Office of Senator Pat Dodson, working within the Australian Parliament to bring about opportunities and social change for Australians.

  • Robyn Doney 

    Academic Fellow – Allied Health
    Email: robyn.doney@nd.edu.au

    Role at Majarlin
    Robyn joined the Majarlin team in 2023. She supports ongoing and new research initiatives, as well as working alongside clinical educators to support allied health students completing their placements in Broome.

    Biography 
    Robyn is an Occupational Therapist and has professional and research interests in population and public health in remote regions. Originally from Perth, Robyn moved to the Kimberley in 2009 and has lived in Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, and Broome. As an OT, she has worked in tertiary and remote hospitals, schools, aged care facilities, and community settings delivering services to people of all ages.

    Robyn was the Occupational Therapist on the Lililwan Project, Australia’s first population-based study of the prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. She evaluated the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on motor skills of children in the Fitzroy Valley. Robyn has a Doctor of Public Health, Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy), Bachelor of Business Administration, and a Graduate Certificate in OHS Management from Curtin University.

  • Dr Alice Munro

    PhD, BSW (Hons) / BA (Psych)

    Acting Senior Research Fellow – Allied Health
    Email: alice.munro@nd.edu.au
    Phone: 0427 231 056

    Role at Majarlin
    In this new role, Alice is responsible for overseeing all health research strategic endeavours at Majarlin. This includes the development, consultation and operationalisation of the Majarlin Health Research Strategy, research capacity building for health staff located across the Majarlin footprint, undertaking meaningful local health research projects, and research mentoring and support for students and staff.

    Biography
    Dr Alice Munro is a rural health academic driven to improve health outcomes for rural populations by building a strong culture of meaningful, place-based health research across Australia. Dr Munro has 15 years of rural and remote clinical, health service management and academic experience, including over 20 peer-reviewed publications. After graduating as a Social Worker in 2009, Dr Munro worked to establish and deliver vital Aboriginal drug and alcohol services across the remote Murdi Paaki region of NSW, while also working in private practice as an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. In 2018, Alice completed her Doctorate with the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW. Dr Munro's research evaluated community-led drug and alcohol programs and Aboriginal residential rehabilitation services in remote NSW.