The Association is an incorporated body under the overall management of a Non-Executive Board, The prime duty of the Board is to act as trustee for the membership of the Association and to be accountable to the membership for the overall operation of the Association.
Board members act in an advisory capacity, and as a source of visible influence and knowledge. They actively promote the services the Association provides, and provide support to the Chief Executive Officer in negotiations with the appropriate authorities, corporate bodies and individuals to ensure sufficient funds and resources are acquired to maintain adequate levels of service.
The Board is responsible to review and ratify operations, plans, policies and budgets which are submitted by the Chief Executive Officer on behalf of the organisation, and to monitor these activities, plans and budgets. It is the role of the Board, through the Chief Executive Officer, to ensure that all constitutional, legal and ethical requirements associated with the delivery of services by SHQ are complied with.
Meet our current Board members
Maria Quaggan
Chairperson
“Being part of the organisation’s future means I am making a real difference.”
SHQ is a well-established and respected organisation in Western Australia, providing community members access to services relating to sensitive and private health matters in a safe environment, free from prejudice or judgement. This inclusive approach provides a freedom of choice and empowerment regarding people’s sexual health and wellbeing.
I find volunteering my time and experience as a member of the SHQ Board to be enormously rewarding. Working holistically, we provide strategy and oversight that will guide the organisation and ensure the continual delivery of vital services. Utilising my strengths in business acumen, strategy, and risk I’m able to support strong governance, which is the cornerstone to success for any organisation.
Natalia Gemmell
Vice Chairperson
“I am excited to be contributing as a Board member to an organisation that has given so much to the Perth community for over 50 years and has inspired me personally.”
After completing my Law Degree in the 1990s, my first job was as the Policy Officer at SHQ (then Family Planning WA). The focus of my role was securing grant funding, and I was instrumental in establishing Phoenix, now the Magenta Sex Worker Project, and advocating for changes to Western Australia’s abortion laws. During this time, I also served on the Board as the staff representative in 1996.
In 2010, while working at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, I became aware of the number of serious sex offences being prosecuted in Western Australia. This was a catalyst for me to undertake a Post Graduate Diploma in Sexology from Curtin University. I went on to work as a sex and relationship coach before returning to work in State Government.
My work in Government has received awards for innovation and collaboration. With 25 years of experience as a Company Director in Australia and the United Kingdom, I am well-placed to be a passionate supporter of SHQ’s strategic directions and to provide strong governance and oversight of organisational risk.
Luke Austin
Vice Chairperson
“My passion, for Aboriginal health across our communities, brings tangible meaning to everything I do.”
I’m a proud Noongar man and have been actively involved in the health sector, specifically Aboriginal health for many years. The health and wellbeing of communities, particularly those in rural and remote settings is a passion of mine that gives the role I do even more meaning.
As a Clinical Practice Support Officer with AHCWA I’m part of a team providing sexual health training to Aboriginal peer educators. Together, and in partnership with SHQ I believe that we can educate and support our WA community to achieve better sexual health and wellbeing.
Hayden Thomas
Board Member
“I want to support the WA community improve their sexual health in a lower carbon future.”
My role in the energy industry gives me the opportunity to support Western Australia to overcome the practical challenges of the transition to a sustainable, lower carbon future. I also want to support the WA community in choosing SHQ to improve their sexual health and wellbeing.
The team at SHQ are specialists in sexual and reproductive health, and deliver clinical and counselling services in an open, non-judgemental way to a diverse client base, which includes providing services to disadvantaged groups within our community.
As a member of the Board I want to offer fresh perspectives and ensure commercially sound decisions are made that will ensure we build on our evidence-based learning and deliver fundamental clinical and counselling services to a wider community for the benefit of all Western Australians.
Henrietta Podgorska
Board Member
“Joining the team at SHQ, I bring with me a profound admiration for the organisation’s mission and vision that have deeply resonated with me.”
My aspiration is to contribute my extensive experience, and equally, to learn and grow through the collaborative ethos that SHQ embodies. I am here to support, to expand my knowledge, and to ensure that diverse voices are not only shared but heard.
Driven by SHQ’s dedication to putting clients and underrepresented groups at the forefront, I am inspired to lend my expertise from over 11 years in the community sector. My track record of serving Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) communities, participating in national and state advisory groups, and leading local community initiatives, aligns with SHQ’s commitment to meaningful and impactful service.
At the helm of Multilingual Australia, I have advocated for the significance of multilingualism within our societal fabric, believing firmly that our collective cultural identity is strengthened by our linguistic diversity. This belief in the power of community and communication enriches my approach to the work at SHQ.
David Owen
Board Member
“We need to ensure the equitable availability of our services, without compromising our quality or our ideals.”
I am deeply honoured to support an organisation I have long admired and now serve as a Board member. SHQ’s culture, shaped by friendly, dedicated, and caring individuals, is truly inspiring. My background as an obstetrician-gynaecologist and former psychiatrist has given me a profound appreciation for the intersection of physical and psychosocial health, aligning perfectly with SHQ’s holistic approach to care.
In my role on the board, I bring clinical governance expertise and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality and safety in healthcare. These areas are critical to ensuring SHQ’s services remain not only effective but also trusted by those we serve. Contributing this perspective to the board strengthens our collective ability to guide SHQ’s strategic direction, maintain operational excellence, and respond effectively to the evolving needs of our community.
SHQ stands as a shining light for sexual and reproductive health in Perth, offering far more than traditional family planning services like contraception. We provide an expansive range of sexual and reproductive health care, psychological support, and education. As a pro-choice organisation, SHQ passionately advocates for individual rights, empowering those in our community to make informed decisions, especially those who are less privileged. Moving forward, we must work to expand our services equitably to meet the growing need while preserving the exceptional quality, culture, and our heart. By leveraging the collective expertise of the board, we can ensure SHQ continues to lead with integrity and vision, delivering meaningful outcomes for the people we serve.
Gill Walker
Board Member
I bring over 30 years of senior leadership experience across the public, private and not-for-profit health sectors. With a background in nursing, a Master of Public Health and a Professional Doctorate in Health and Social Sciences, I am passionate about equitable, person-centred care and evidence-informed practice.
Throughout my career, I have focused on creating empowering environments that foster innovation, inclusion and measurable impact. As a Board Member of SHQ, I draw on my strategic insight and governance experience to support the organisation’s mission of promoting sexual wellbeing and respectful relationships. I am particularly committed to accountability, quality improvement and ensuring SHQ’s services remain responsive to evolving community needs and grounded in best practice.
Rita McIlduff
Board Member
I am proud to have previously served on the South Coastal Health and Community Services and Babbingur Mia Board, prior to their merger with SHQ, where I had the privilege of contributing to their important work in supporting the health and wellbeing of the Rockingham community. With the recent merger, I am enthusiastic to support the integration of these two respected organisations. This merger represents a significant step forward in strengthening service delivery and expanding access to care for individuals and families across Western Australia.
With nearly three decades of experience as a registered nurse, I bring a deep understanding of clinical practice and a strong commitment to person-centred care. My professional journey has spanned a wide range of healthcare settings, including acute tertiary hospitals, community health services, and aged care. Throughout this time, I have held senior leadership roles in Clinical Governance, where I have been responsible for driving quality improvement, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering a culture of safety and accountability.
In addition to my clinical background, I have completed postgraduate studies in healthcare leadership and management. I am passionate about building systems that support clinicians to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care. It’s an honour to be part of the SQH Board, and I look forward to contributing to an organisation that has proudly served the Western Australian community for over five decades.