Our staff

Academic staff

  • Dr James Debenham – Acting Director

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

    Role at Majarlin
    In his role as Acting Director, 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 overseas the co-ordination of Majarlin’s three teams: 1) Allied Health, 2) Nursing and Midwifery, and 3) Research. In his role as Academic Lead Allied Health, James pursues this further by taking specific responsibility for the projects and activities undertaken by the Allied Health team and aligns them within the broader Majarlin program.


    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 Health Sciences 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'.

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

  • Kristan Heidel - Program Manager

    Ms Kristan Heidel
    Program Manager, Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT)

    Kristan manages 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.

    Kristan possesses 2 postgraduate qualifications; Business Analytics and Family Law Mediation and is currently undertaking the Global 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.

    Email: kristan.heidel@nd.edu.au
    Phone: 0457217414

Cultural Security

  • Maria Morgan - Cultural Security Officer

    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 recently helped Key Assets establish an office in Kununurra in May 2014 before moving to Broome to commence work as CSO.

    maria.morgan@nd.edu.au
    Phone: 08 9192 0631

Campus ministry and pastoral support

  • Tom Gannon

    Originally from Richland, Washington, USA, Tom possesses a BA in History from St. Meinrad College, Indiana, a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from the University Of Portland and Gonzaga University, a Master of Arts in Leadership from University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle and a Graduate Certificate in Counselling Skills. After several years based at the Fremantle Campus, Tom moved to Broome in 2018 as the Coordinator of Campus Ministry.

    “I started coming with students to the Kimberley in 2004.  It is a compelling part of the world with regard to the landscapes and seasons but also the people and the lives that they create and seek to sustain. It’s a privilege to be here and be part of this important work.”

    Email: tom.gannon@nd.edu.au
    Phone: 08 9192 0669

Allied Health

  • Serena Craddock - Administrative Officer, Allied Health

    BSc Interior Architecture, Graphic Design

    Role at Majarlin

    As an Administrative Officer, 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.

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

  • Kylie Hopkins – Clinical Educator (Dietetics)

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

    Kylie works as a clinical educator providing professional support and guidance to dietetic and nutrition students undertaking coursework study and clinical placements throughout the Kimberley.

    Kylie has been an Accredited Practicing Dietitian for over 15 years, living and working throughout remote Northern Australia, though calling Kununurra home since 2010. Prior to this role Kylie has held senior clinical and management positions gaining experience in primary health, 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 and remote health care and health promotion at Charles Darwin University in 2020.

    Kylie has completed an undergraduate double degree BSc (Nutrition)/BSc (Health Promotion), a Masters (Nutrition and Dietetics) and a Masters (Public Health and Tropical Medicine).

    With a keen interest in research, she begun Doctoral studies in 2022. Her research aims to contribute to the development of culturally safe and resonant care for First Nations people with T2DM and obesity.

    Email: kylie.hopkins@nd.edu.au
    Mobile: 0402 021 937

  • Allison Angell - Student Coordinator

    Role at Majarlin
    Allison is responsible for coordinating student placements for all Allied Health students throughout the Kimberley region.

    Biography
    Prior to commencing with Notre Dame in 2019 Allison worked in the Disability sector In Melbourne, Bendigo and Broome. During her career within the Disability sector Allison became an Accredited Therapeutic Crises Intervention trainer. Allison now delivers this training to all Allied Health students when they commence placement in the Kimberley and is passionate about sharing her professional experiences and knowledge of working with individuals from trauma background.

    Over the past two years Allison was vice head of committee for Majarlin Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp that saw high school and allied health students provide respite services for children with disabilities. Allison completed her Post Certificate Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher education in 2022, allison is looking at continuing her education by undertaking a Masters in counselling in the near future.

    Email: allison.angell@nd.edu.au
    Phone: 08 9192 0617

  • Negin Loh - Clinical Educator, Physiotherapy

    Role at Majarlin

    Provides the Physiotherapy component of the Work Readiness 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.

    Email: negin.loh@nd.edu.au
    Phone: (08) 9192 0622

  • Nikki Hulse - Clinical Educator, Occupational Therapy

    BSc Occupational Therapy, GradCert HPE

    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  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 OT’s 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.

    Email: nikki.hulse@nd.edu.au
    Phone: 08 9192 0621

  • Robyn Doney - Academic Fellow, Allied Health

    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.

    Email: robyn.doney@nd.edu.au

Nursing staff

  • Fiona Hilderbrand - Rural and Remote Lead, Nursing & Midwifery

    RN BN GradCertRemoteHealth GradCertSocialMarketingforHealth MPH PhD Candidate

    Role at Majarlin

    Fiona leads the nursing, midwifery and lab team at Majarlin, and is contributing to strategic workforce planning, placements and research in the rural and remote health space.

    Biography

    Fiona is passionate about working towards ensuring the care provided for people in remote Australia is of an equitable standard across the board and is an advocate for the primary healthcare model.  Fiona has spent the majority of her working life in rural and remote locations in a variety of health environments including Indigenous, industrial, resort, and immigration detention settings.  In previous roles, Fiona was responsible for developing e-learning modules to prepare health professionals to work in remote Indigenous Australia and taught Indigenous health to Bachelor of Nursing students.

    She enjoys supporting nursing students to develop their skills and confidence in rural and remote health, and is excited about the direction our future generation of nurses is leading us in.

    Email: fiona.hilderbrand@nd.edu.au
    Phone: (08) 9192 0637

  • Scott Stokes - Project Coordinator

    RN(BN) MHP(NP) MCN(ChHlth) PGDip(Paed) DipHEd(PICU) GCert(AeroMedRet)

    Role at Majarlin
    Scott is an academic sessional teaching into the EN>BN program in Broome, specifically the courses related to Paediatric & Adolescent Health, Perioperative Nursing, Critical Care and Health Assessment.  Scott also works clinically as a Paediatric Nurse Practitioner (Acute Care) and Retrieval Nurse Practitioner within WA Country Health Service.

    Biography
    Prior to returning to the Kimberley in 2011, Scott worked predominantly in Paediatric ICU, Neonatal ICU and paediatric leadership roles within health services nationally and abroad. He has developed clinical and research interests in paediatric sepsis, rapid response to acute deterioration (RRAD) systems and rural and remote health. Commencing in 2022, these will extend in Doctoral studies through Majarlin Kimberley Centre for Remote Health.
    Scott is looking forward to seeing further growth with Majarlin and the Nursing and Midwifery programs in the Kimberley, growing the rural workforce and developing leaders of the future.

    Email: scott.stokes@nd.edu.au
    Phone: (08) 9192 0659

  • Kate Willis - Clinical Facilitator, Midwifery

    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. Kates 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.

    Email: kate.willis@nd.edu.au
    Phone: (08) 9192 0626

  • Tristan May - Clinical Nurse Facilitator

    Role at Majarlin

    The Clinical Nurse Facilitator acts as a student mentor, tutor, clinical facilitator and professional role model for students from all the university consortium partners.  They also support the nursing staff/preceptors in the Kimberley health care settings delivering guidance and education support to maintain positive student outcomes.

    Biography

    Tristan Graduated nursing from Curtin University in 2005 and went on to complete a graduate program at Sir Charles Gardiner hospital in Perth, with a focus on cardiology and respiratory medicine. After some time in CCU, and ED he moved out of the city, and worked in a variety of rural and remote locations, based in emergency departments.

    Working in Broome from 2011 Tristan has developed a keen interest in teaching, having worked as a SIM lab educator for junior medical staff, and as an advanced life support instructor, for Kimberley based nurses. Having also previously been elected as an OSH representative for the Broome Emergency department and held the MIMMS disaster preparedness portfolios he has a keen interest in supporting and retaining rural nurses, with a focus on the junior workforce.

    Coming to Majarlin in 2021 Tristan has been able to foster his love of teaching with students, as well as enjoying giving support for nurses to help become better preceptors.

    Email: tristan.may@nd.edu.au
    Phone: 0428 504 248

  • Kristina Paterson - Senior Administrative Officer, Nursing & Midwifery

    BEd Primary, Grad Cert Aboriginal Studies

    Role at Majarlin

    Kristina works as a Senior Administration Officer for the Nursing and Midwifery team. Kristina looks after admission and enrolment enquiries and gives support to students within the EN-BN program in Broome and around the state. She Also supports the general administration for Majarlin staff.

    Biography

    Kristina has resided in beautiful Broome for the last 9 years. She is originally from Perth and moved up with her family as her husband got a job transfer with St John Ambulance. Kristina completed her teaching degree at ECU and recently completed a Post Graduate Certificate of Aboriginal Studies at the Notre Dame campus. She worked as a teacher for the last 15 years and ran a successful wedding business in Broome for the last 7 years.

    Email: kristina.paterson@nd.edu.au
    Phone: 0427 773 925

  • Fiona Black - Clinical Nurse Facilitator

    BSc Nursing

    Role at Majarlin

    The Clinical Nurse Facilitator acts as a student mentor, tutor, clinical facilitator and professional role model for students from all the university consortium partners.  They also support the nursing staff/preceptors in the Kimberley health care settings delivering guidance and education support to maintain positive student outcomes.

    Biography

    As a Registered Nurse, Fiona trained at Napier University in Edinburgh, UK.  Qualifying in 2001 with a Bachelor in Science, Nursing degree.  Fiona started her career overseas working for 2 years in the Falkland Islands in a rural and remote setting then returning to the UK for a year before she immigrated to Australia.

    Fiona’s area of clinical experience is Emergency and critical care, and she has worked in Emergency departments in Perth, Rockingham, Broome and Cairns over the past 20 years.  Fiona also worked for hospital in home for 2 years whilst living in Cairns, gaining a different aspect of nursing knowledge and experience related to the community setting.

    Nursing for Fiona has enhanced her passion for travel and the experiences have been invaluable.  Rural and remote is definitely the aspect of nursing which she has gravitated to and continues to immerse herself in to date.

    Email: fiona.black@nd.edu.au
    Phone: (08) 9192 0610

  • Liesl Baxter - Clinical Nurse Facilitator, Kununurra

    Role at Majarlin

    The Clinical Nurse Facilitator acts as a student mentor, tutor, clinical facilitator and professional role model for students from all the university consortium partners.  They also support the nursing staff/preceptors in the Kimberley health care settings delivering guidance and education support to maintain positive student outcomes.

    Biography

    I am excited to be a part of the team from its most remote location. I have worked in primary and tertiary health care settings, in clinical executive, and middle management roles. I have facilitated community led and person-centred clinical care in labour wards, GP, and health clinics for 15 years, lectured at universities and been a Maternity Unit Clinical Manager in the Kimberley. Whilst working in management in the Kimberley, I have experienced the challenges, barriers and costs associated with recruitment and retention of health professionals in rural and remote areas. I am inspired by the vision of Majarlin to contribute innovative workforce solutions, including provision of remote learning opportunities and study for health professionals. I also author children’s books. With IT progression, I am constantly inspired that education is accessible from rural and remote regions.

    Email: liesl.baxter1@nd.edu.au
    Phone: 0407261114

  • Jane Livissianos - Clinical Educator, Nursing & Midwifery

    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 a number of 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 Arnhemland.

    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.

    Email: jane.livissianos@nd.edu.au
    Phone: (08) 9192 0665

  • Tamara Fairweather - Student Co-Ordinator, Nursing

    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.

    Email: tamara.fairweather@nd.edu.au
    Phone: (08) 9192 0619

  • Justine Golding, Clinical Nurse Facilitator

    RN(BN)

    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.

    Email: justine.golding@nd.edu.au
    Phone: (08) 9192 0610

  • Louise Cox - Senior Student support Officer, Kununurra

    Louise Cox works as a Senior student placement office with extensive knowledge and experience with Administration and data entry.

    Louise has over 6 years’ experience in an administration field. Previously having worked for Allied Health administration, I have knowledge of student placements on the health side based at the local Hospital in Kununurra. Academically I have completion of year 10 at Clarkson Community High School.

    Louise has been living rural and remotely in Kununurra for over 15 years with her husband and children and her main focus is learning new skills and excelling herself on a more academic level.

    Louise has a keen interest for fishing and playing netball. She also has great interest in coaching junior netball and providing umpiring when required. Louise likes to contribute to the community by being on numerous committees in the small remote town, the new major role being Junior Coordinator of the Kununurra Netball Association

    Mobile: 0460 024 673

  • Robbie Notman - Laboratory Assistant

    BSc (Maths, Physics), GDipEd(Secondary)

    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.

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

Research

  • Jean Roberts - Research Officer

    Med, Bed, BASc, Dip Teaching

    Role at Majarlin

    Undertakes research and participates in forums related to the Kimberly Health Workforce, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Through this role Jean will work with other Majarlin staff to increase and retain the number of people employed in the local health workforce especially in the Nursing and Allied Health sectors.

    Biography

    Jean is a Nyikina-Mangala woman from the West Kimberley region of WA and has worked in community development, adult education and the health arena in rural and remote areas of WA and Victoria.  She also worked for a decade as a lecturer and research officer at the Centre for Aboriginal Studies at Curtin University. Jean is delighted to have the opportunity to work with others who too, are passionate about addressing health and related issues faced by rural and remote people living and working in the Kimberley region.

    Email: jean.elizabeth.roberts@nd.edu.au
    Phone: 0409570599