This is a list of the people who have served on the board of Little Haven Palliative Care Inc. We thank them for their time, commitment and service. The current committee and their Bios can be found on the Meet our Board Page
Sharon O’Brien 2017-2022
Committee Positions Held
Consumer Rep: 2017 to 2022
Sharon O’Brien has lived in the Gympie area most of her life and is a fifth generation Gympie family.
Little Haven occupies a very special place in Sharon’s family, with the service having provided palliative care for her father, and for her husband’s parents. It was through these experiences and the exceptional level of in-home care that Little Haven extends through its unique model that motivated Sharon to join the committee.
Having worked for three Queensland Members of Parliament and supporting the work of her husband (Llew O’Brien MP Wide Bay) as a volunteer, Sharon has extensive experience in the public sector in both State and Federal jurisdictions to assist Little Haven achieve its sustainability objectives.
Bronwyn McFarlane 2013-2021
Committee Positions Held
Nursing Representative: 2013 to 2021
Replaced by: Carolyn Mandersloot (08/2021 to Current) upon retirement.
I completed nursing training in 1970. Had 4 children.
I returned to nursing in 1989, gaining a lot of experience in many areas with the main focus on cancer care and palliative care.
I moved from Sydney to Tin Can Bay in 1997 and worked at Gympie Private Hospital until the perfect job came along.
Hallelujah. Little Haven Palliative Care required nurses to work in the community providing palliative care in peoples’ homes in 1999 and I commenced as a casual RN. 2000 I became the Senior clinical RN (Coordinator). Little Haven is my family, my passion and my pride is seeing it grow and mature. Joined the committee as the clinical representative in 2013.
Ray Currie PSM 2016-2021
Committee Positions Held
Treasurer / Carers Advocate: 2019 – 2021
Previous Treasurer: Michelle Griffin
Succeeded by: Tania Hubbard (08/2021 to Current)
Carers Advocate: 2016 – 2021
Ray worked in Local Government for over 40 years, with the last 22 years as a Chief Executive Officer and then 18 months as a Regional Director with the Dept of Infrastructure & Planning and held the role as a Divisional Councillor on the Qld Division of Local Government Managers Australia, and held the position of State President, and a Federal Councillor. Ray was a representative and also served as Chairperson of the Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation, completed two four year terms as a Government Appointed Director on the South Burnett District Health Council, and held the position as Chairperson for the second term.
Ray hold’s a Diploma of Local Government Administration and a Queensland Local Government Clerk’s Certificate. A Qld Justice of the Peace (Qualified) for over 45 years, Ray is a Fellow of Local Government Managers Australia, and is a life member.
In 2005 Ray received a Public Service Medal (PSM) for outstanding service to Local Government, and a Meritorious Service Medal in 2006 for service to the Qld State Emergency Service.
A committed community advocate, Ray is Patron of the Kilkivan Swimming Club; a life member of the Kilkivan & District Historical Society Inc and the Kilkivan Country Club Inc and holds executive positions on many organisations in his local area.
Ray’s wife of 42 years, Sue, was inflicted with “Motor Neurone Disease”, and for the last years of her life cared for her on a full time basis, until her passing in 2014. It was in caring for Sue that Ray began his involvement with Little Haven Palliative Care and was invited to join the Committee as a Carer Advocate in 2016.
Ray’s perspective as an end user of our service, a carer and his vast knowledge of local government, meeting protocols and organisational governance is a great asset to the committee.
Michelle Griffin 2017-2019
Committee Positions Held
Treasurer: 2017 to 2019
Replaced: Craig Lena 20/2017
Succeeded by: Ray Currie PSM 07/2019
I have been employed for over 21 years in various roles in accounting. I completed my studies whilst having a family and working full-time. I made the move into Public Practice 14 years ago, after working in Company Accounting for various large and small businesses. As a qualified CPA with local accounting firm Brown McAulay and Warren Certified Accountants, my role varies and is not limited to Taxation and Management Accounting.
I became part of Little Haven Palliative Care’s committee in February 2017 as Treasurer. The role enables me to assist a service that has provided many families and their loved ones support at end-of-life, and is an integral part of our wonderful community.
