Zak is a registered physiotherapist currently also completing his final year in a Masters of Clinical Practice. He has ten years of experience in private practice physiotherapy and is currently a clinic manager and lead physiotherapist based in Emerald, Central Queensland, where he has been for the last four years. Zak is passionate about the delivery of modern health services in regional areas, and collaborative approaches amongst health professionals and the wider community to improve health outcomes. Zak is involved in the local community, most notably through involvement with local rugby union.

Dr Ewen McPhee has been a Rural GP since completing his Intern Year in 1986 and has been a long-term resident of Emerald Queensland since establishing his own Practice in 1992.
Ewen is a long-standing board member on CQRDGP/CQRH board with over 13 years’ experience. But his experience is not limited to just CQRDGP board. Ewen is also an academic title holder as an Associate Professor with the University of Queensland Rural Clinical School (Honorary), a Senior Fellow with James Cook University GP Training and past President of both the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine and the Rural Doctors Association of Australia.

Ewen was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) with a mention in the COVID-19 Sub-Register on the Queen’s Birthdays honours list in 2022.

Ewen continues to work timelessly at increasing quality health services in rural areas through his interest in sustainable rural health services and the population health of rural and regional communities.

Jessica is a registered Pharmacist and Community Pharmacy owner with over 15 years in the industry. With a Bachelor of Pharmacy and Graduate Certificate in Business, Jessica is an experienced business operator and industry leader in the delivery of innovative pharmacy services, community engagement and pharmacy business operations. Committed to the improvement of rural health outcomes, collaborative health services and the education and empowerment of health professionals, Jessica is a member of the CQ Clinical Council for the Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay and Central Qld PHN and member of the CQ PHN Mental Health and Other Drugs Strategic Collaborative.

Karin Barron is an experienced health executive with more than 20 years’ experience across primary care, regional health systems, and community health sectors in rural and regional Queensland. She brings extensive expertise in governance, strategic planning, commissioning, workforce sustainability, and health system integration within complex and regulated environments.

Karin has held senior executive leadership roles with Northern Queensland Primary Health Network, leading regional reform initiatives, cross-sector partnerships, and place-based service models that improve access, equity, and outcomes for underserved communities. She is recognised for her collaborative leadership style, strong stakeholder engagement capability, and commitment to sustainable workforce and service solutions.

Karin holds a Master of Health Service Management from Griffith University, a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy from University of Canberra, and a Bachelor of Health Science (Health Promotion) from CQ University. She has also completed the Company Directors Course through the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is committed to values-based leadership, governance excellence, and improving outcomes for regional, rural and remote communities.

Adjunct Professor James William Jenkins has many years of experience as a nurse practitioner in emergency, paediatrics, and acute medicine. He trained at St George’s University Hospital Medical School and King’s College in London. He also helped set up an innovative community nursing service at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital.

James moved to Australia in 2017 and has held nursing leadership roles in Central Queensland, including Rockhampton and Yeppoon. He also spent a year working on practice innovation as Director of Nursing in the Office of the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer. His most recent role was Acting Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services at Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service.