Our 2024/2025 Committee
WAHPSA has an executive committee made up of volunteers. Our current committee includes:
President – Ross Mackenzie (Department of Health WA)
I have been President of WA Health Promoting Schools since early 2022. At the time, I was working at the Department of Health on the WA school’s portfolio for Relationships and Sexuality Education.
I started out as a primary school teacher in the late 90s before working in London with students at-risk / already permanently excluded from mainstream schooling. Following a brief stint volunteering in the West Bank, I commenced a Masters and a law degree, completing both eventually!
I have also taught pre-service teachers at Curtin University and OUA literacy, numeracy, ICT and assessment. Last year I enjoyed being back in schools where I requalified and taught secondary mathematics at Mount Barker Community College. Earlier this year, I returned to am now back in law working for the South Metro Health Service. I love being part of WAHPSA for the people, the commitment every member has to the health and wellbeing of young Western Australians, and because we enjoy a laugh along the way!
Vice President – Amanda Ferguson (WA School Canteen Association)
Amanda Ferguson is a Public Health Nutritionist at the Western Australian School Canteen Association Inc. (WASCA).
Amanda is passionate about the impact food environments can have on a child’s health and believes every child should have access to food that supports good health and particularly good learning outcomes.
She consistently highlights the importance of building partnerships with government departments and other NGO’s to ensure there is a continued focus on advocating for healthy food services in all settings.
She is the current Vice president of WAHPSA and Treasurer of the Federation of Canteens in Schools.
Treasurer – Noelene Swain (Fresh Finesse)
Growing up on a farm in WA, Noelene has a strong connection with stepping up and being part of the community. Her country life instilled an interested in the food we eat, how it’s produced and how to enjoy it at it’s best which lead to her specialist food marketing business
Noelene extensive experience working with the horticulture industry provides an unique understanding of local fresh produce and it’s link to community health. Her training in food and Home Economics has been complemented with expertise in marketing and she has lectured in this area at university in this area. Her commitment to the marketing of fresh produce lead to her being awarded the Australian United Fresh award for Outstanding Personal Contribution to the industry.
Secretary – Jordina Quain (Department of Health WA)
Jordina Quain is an advocate and educator of accessible comprehensive sexuality and relationships education. She has worked in the youth and disability sector for over 10 years, specialising in the development of sexuality resources and education for people with disability, multicultural populations and alternative education settings.
Raised regionally and identifying as a queer, disabled individual, Jordina is passionate about all forms of inclusion, intersectionality, and co-design. Jordina is currently the Senior Policy Officer for Schools Sexual Health at the WA Department of Health.
Committee Members –
Reearna Morgan (Mentally Healthy WA)
Reearna coordinates the Mentally Healthy Schools Program and supports schools to implement mentally healthy strategies in their school environment. Reearna is experiences in health promotion, mental health and nutrition, previously leading Foodbank WA’s Food Sensations for Schools Program.
Reearna’s passion is working with schools, which led her to begin studying a Master of Teaching (Primary) at Edith Cowan university. When Reearna isn’t working or studying, she Act Belong Commit’s by going to the beach with her dog, reading, cooking and spending time with friends and family.
Olivia Christmas (Kidsafe WA)
Olivia Christmas is a Project Officer at Kidsafe WA, an independent not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting safety and preventing childhood injuries and accidents in Western Australia. Since commencing at Kidsafe WA in 2021, Olivia has been involved in working within the home safety program and the schools program, which takes her travelling all across Western Australia, teaching parents, carers, professionals and students how to keep children safe from injury.
When she isn’t working, Olivia enjoys coaching a netball team and spending time by the beach.
Laura Bryce (Foodbank WA)
Laura has been at Foodbank WA for 4 years, and is the nom! Schools program lead. As a public health nutritionist in this role, she has travelled across Western Australia delivering nutrition education and hands-on cooking to WA kids and youth in school settings.
She is passionate about empowerment through education, food access for all, and is a firm believer that food is the best way to connect ourselves to other people, and to our happiest and healthiest selves.
In her spare time, she loves to play netball, start renovation projects at home, and – of course – contribute to the wonderful work of WAHPSA by putting together the eNewsletter and connecting with other people who want to support the wellbeing of young people.
Himani Jog (Cancer Council WA)
Himani is the Schools Nutrition Project Officer at Cancer Council Western Australia, and this is her first year on the WAHPSA Committee. She has a Master of Public Health degree, specialising in Applied Public Health from the University of Western Australia.
Himani is passionate about improving health outcomes at a population level through evidence-based practice and is working towards better health outcomes for primary school-aged children across Western Australia.
