Established in 2000, The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Community Advisory Committee is a statutorily required advisory committee to the RCH Board.

The Community Advisory Committee advises the RCH Board in relation to two critical areas:

     1.    establishing and maintaining effective systems to facilitate and monitor consumer, carer and community perspectives.

     2.    the integration of consumer, carer and community perspectives into all levels of the RCH's decision making. This includes but is not limited to operations, planning, policy  development, quality activities and major initiatives to improve outcomes patients and the community in accord with the RCH strategic directions.

Representing the consumer, carer and community voice and advising on key areas of improvement and growth is at the core of being an RCH Community Advisory Committee member. Members are a voice that represent the diverse community we serve - a voice for patients, families, guardians and carers.

Community Advisory Committee members are appointed in an advisory capacity to the RCH Board, as a legislated advisory committee (although with no executive authority).  

Community Members of the Community Advisory Committee: 

Andrew Chan

RCH Board Director

(CAC member since Dec 2022)                                 

I have over 15 years’ experience as a corporate lawyer and partner at Mills Oakley in Melbourne. My work includes regularly advising companies and individuals on significant corporate events including corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, restructures, and technology solutions. 

As the parent of a regular patient and recently appointed member of the RCH Board, I am particularly interested in improving the consumer and patient experience at the RCH and would like to contribute to the conversation and improve healthcare for our children.  

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Andrew Symes

Community Member

Co-Chair

(CAC member since Dec 2022)

I live in regional Victoria with my wife and four children. The RCH has been a part of my parenting journey from the second day of my eldest daughter’s life. I have had a consistent connection to the RCH for the past 11 years, centred on the care for my daughter. I am willing to share my learnings with other families, and seek to enhance connection to the RCH. I strive to improve the hospital experience for other families navigating challenging times with their children’s health whilst balancing the needs of all family members.  

Professionally, I am a physiotherapist who has worked primarily in public health services including metropolitan Melbourne and Perth, as well as my current role in regional Victoria. 

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Barbara Carter

Community Member

(CAC member since pre-Dec 2022)

Prior to 1992 I worked in education, first teaching Social Studies in junior technical schools and then teaching Political Science and Philosophy at Melbourne and Monash Universities. In 1992 I joined the Office of the Public Advocate, holding a variety of positions including Manager of Advocacy and Guardianship and Acting Public Advocate. 

Since retiring from my full-time position, I have been working in a senior policy and research manager role and have assisted the Public Advocate in areas such as law reform and projects involving children and parents with disabilities. In this role I authored several policy statements, including one on shared decision making and another on removal of children from parents with a disability. 

In all areas of my life, I am committed to the principles of human rights, social justice and human dignity.  

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Elleni Bereded-Samuel AM

Co-Chair

RCH Board Director

(CAC member since pre-Dec 2022)

I am an experienced senior executive, board member, and community engagement practitioner. My work with migrants and refugee communities has been recognised with many awards, including an AM for services to the community in 2019 and being recognised as one of 100 Women of Influence in Australia.  

I am very committed to ensuring that Australians from a culturally and linguistically diverse background experience inclusion and access through education, training and employment. Currently, I am the Executive Manager of Diversity and Capability Development with Australian Unity and through my leadership and subject matter expertise on diversity and inclusion-related issues, I will be able to represent and voice the needs of our diverse consumer community at the RCH.

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Evelyn Makris

Community Member

(CAC member since Dec 2022)

In my former role as a RCH ward and emergency department volunteer for five years and I've heard many stories and suggestions from patients and their families over the years, and I aim to advocate for these patients in our CAC meetings 

I am passionate and excited about improving healthcare and collaborating with others who share the same vision.  I may be the youngest member of the committee, but I am committed to learn from the lived experiences of patients and their families and to advocate for marginalised or disadvantaged groups by listening to their stories and using their suggestions to develop new policies and projects, positively contributing to the wider RCH community and am passionate about youth having a voice.

After finishing my studies I now work in the IVF industry where I am able to help patients in another way.

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Kerrie Franc

Community Member

(CAC member since Dec 2022)

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As the mother of two children, both diverse in their needs, I have had many experiences with the RCH. I am a passionate advocate for my children's needs which has led me to volunteering in numerous capacities, including many subcommittees such as policy, social engagement and being a voice for other parents in times of need or uncertainty. 

I understand the difficulties parents face when accessing support through the RCH including extended wait times, financial influences and logistical issues. 

As a Community Champion for The Association of Childhood Disability, I have been able to represent and advocate for the needs of children and their families with various state government departments and MP’s and private sector organisations. 

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Rebecca Prideaux

Community Member

(CAC member since February 2025)

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I am a parent of 3 with recent experience attending the RCH.  As a hard of hearing woman and an active member of the Victorian Deaf community for over a decade, I believe I offer a unique perspective and deep personal understanding of the RCH.  I am a NAATI registered Auslan-English Interpreter with a background in healthcare and feel I am well equipped to approach advocacy and communication with empathy and insight. Professionally, I am a Senior Digital Media Adviser for Homes Victoria (Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing). I hold a deep passion for advocating for accessibility for Deaf consumers at the RCH. 

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Renae Caddy

Community Member

(CAC member since Dec 2022)

I am a mum of two gorgeous boys. Our eldest lives with Dravet Syndrome, a rare genetic Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy that changed our lives when he had his first seizure and subsequent ICU admission at 6 months of age.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the exceptional care our family has received from the RCH, and it is a privilege to share our living experience in the hope that all families may have a relationship with the hospital that is as positive as our own. 

I have a Bachelor of Health Science (Nutritional Medicine) but have since left work to care for our son full-time. When I do get a little free time, you might find me making a mess outside on my pottery wheel.

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Rohan Wastell

Community Member

(CAC member since pre-Dec 2022)

My daughter is a graduate of the RCH Transition Service after two long term admissions to the RCH.  During her second admission, a genetic condition was diagnosed which was followed by four months of 24-hour care and negotiating with ICU, doctors, surgeons, nurses, cardiac ward, rehab, OT, psychology, social work and school. The relief and laughter of LiveWire was fabulous.   

This experience helped me to understand the consumers’ needs and the importance of connecting with any needed support services and led to me leaving my job of 38 years to become my daughter’s full-time carer.  

After so much time spent ‘living’ at the RCH and using so many services I feel in a position to give back, from a parent's perspective, to help the hospital improve communication and provide a voice for all consumers utilising the RCH.  

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Samer Kawrma

Community Member

(CAC member since February 2025)

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I am a parent of 2, my son being a long-term RCH patient. Having arrived as a refugee from Syria in 2016, I have lived experienced accessing the RCH as a migrant and person with a disability. I am employed as a Community Capacity Building Coordinator with a local community health service and have a well-founded understanding of Australian healthcare systems, including the NDIS, and hold deep experience in project management, service delivery, policy and research. 

Further information

If you have any questions or you are interested in becoming involved with the Community Advisory Committee, please email consumer.partnerships@rch.org.au .

Community Advisory Committee - Terms of Reference