Our Board

Dr Hassall is the Clinical Lead of the CHQ HHS Neuro-Oncology and Retinoblastoma Services at CHQ HHS. He is also the Clinical Leader of the Children’s Brain Cancer Centre based at the Centre for Children’s Health Research (Queensland Children’s Hospital).

Martin Wood is a Brisbane-based Paediatric Neurosurgeon with a special interest in the management of brain tumours in children. He is one of the co-founders of the Brainchild Foundation and is the current Chairman of the Board of Directors.

One of our founding members, Vonnie had extensive experience as a nurse specialist in paediatric neuro-oncology, before her retirement in 2019. Since its inception, she has been the Secretary and Support Officer of Brainchild.

John is a corporate finance professional with vast experience in all facets of corporate treasury risk management. With exposure to a range of industries, including the airline, agribusiness, funds management, mining and banking sectors, John was appointed to the Board in May 2014.

Jon is the founder and Managing Director of National Surgical and a Director of LMT Surgical. Jon and National Surgical have always had great interest in the introduction of new technologies to aid surgeons and the patients they treat. Jon has been a Board member since 2010.

David joined the Board in 2011 and brings nearly 30 years experience in corporate management, sales and marketing to the Foundation. David also represents the ‘voice of the family’ having traversed the journey when his 12-year-old son was diagnosed and treated for a PNET brain tumour in 2005.

Ross is a Senior Partner at Clayton Utz with 40 years experience exclusively in the field of corporate and commercial litigation. He is recognized as one of Queensland’s pre-eminent practitioners, being voted one of Australia’s best Lawyers in litigation (2008-2018). Ross joined the Board in 2015.