Chairman

Dr Neil Bartels

I am the Chairman of Royal Queensland Bush Children’s Health Scheme (aka BUSHkids). I’ve been on the committee for 20 years and have been chairman for the last 4 years.

I am a medical practitioner and with a keen interest in children’s health issues. Also I hold a masters degree in Law which has given me a further interest in equity of access to health services to more remote or disadvantaged children, particularly those with behavioral, learning or social disadvantage.

Vice-Chairman

Mr Ian Robinson

Treasurer

Ms Allison McLean 

I have a Bachelor of Business from QUT; Post Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting; and, a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia.

I’ve worked predominately with SME’s for many years in the areas of business advisory, accounting and taxation.

I had involvement with RQBCHS at the Redcliffe Centre on its original site at Scarborough though community groups organising games nights and activities and outings for children who had been brought from remote areas for treatment.

I was very pleased and honoured to accept an invitation from the then treasurer David Tanner in 2004 to consider joining the Council and then to subsequently accept the role as Treasurer.  I grew up on a farm which was worked by my father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather so I feel some affinity for families in rural and remote areas.  It is very rewarding to be part of an organisation which assists in the very foundations of a child’s life.

Councillor

Mr Julian Martin 

I have over 20 years of experience in the Information Systems industry and a background of providing business enabling solutions to organisations. Currently I’m the General Manager Information Systems at Gallagher Bassett (one of the largest multi-line Third Party Claims Administrators in the world.)  Previously I’ve held senior roles at WorkCover Qld, Kinetica, Computer Associates, and Platinum Technology. I am a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

I joined the BUSHkids Council because - growing up in the bush I have a high regard for what Bush Kids are contributing to the children of rural and regional Qld.  It was a chance to contribute...so I jumped at it.

Councillor

Ms Gloria Ryan

When I was asked to join the Council, I had no real knowledge of what the organisation did, how it did it, nor how it was funded.  To my surprise, I discovered that funding was self-raised, the organisation directly employed specialist health workers and the work they provided was designed specifically for remotely located children.  As I am legally trained, I thought I would be able to contribute to this wonderful work and accepted the invitation to join the Council with enthusiasm.

My time on the Council has seen me develop my knowledge of the organisation and its work and appreciate the efforts made by its specialist employees, who work in regional/remote parts of Queensland with resources that are sometimes less than plentiful.  I hope to continue to learn from my involvement with the organisation and to give whatever I can as Council member to further its work and assist its dedicated employees.

Councillor

Ms Karolyn Harcourt 

While now retired, I practiced as a Speech Pathologist for many years, working primarily with children. I have worked in both Education Queensland and Queensland Health and in my own private speech pathology practice.

I accepted a position on the Bush Kids council, as I am always keen to have a volunteering aspect to my life and in this case feel that my professional background will add to the mix of the council.