World Council for Health Australia
Steering Committee
Former Steering Committee Members
Lucinda van Buuren
Lucinda has been a Registered Nurse for twenty six years, with the majority of those years as an Instrument / Circulating Nurse in the operating theatre. Mediating, empowering and advocating for peers and patient’s alike comes naturally to Lucinda.
Professor Ian Brighthope
Professor Ian Brighthope holds qualifications in Agricultural Science and Medicine and is a recognised pioneer of nutritional, environmental, and integrative medicine in Australia. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he has played a leading role in advancing the understanding of nutrition and environmental influences on health through clinical practice, research, education, and advocacy. A founding president of the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (ACNEM) and a key contributor to the development of integrative medicine in Australia, Professor Brighthope has lectured internationally, published extensively, and received numerous awards recognising his contributions to health care and medical education.
Dr David Rabbolini
Dr David Rabbolini (BSc, MBBCh, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA) is a haematologist specialising in bleeding and blood clotting disorders. He has trained and practised in leading tertiary centres in Australia and the United Kingdom, including Oxford, as well as in rural and regional settings in South Africa and Australia. Holding a PhD focused on rare bleeding disorders, Dr Rabbolini remains actively involved in clinical and translational research. He advocates for a holistic and individualised approach to health, integrating evidence-based medicine with lifestyle, natural, and traditional therapies while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical, patient-centred care.
Dr Melissa McCann
Dr Melissa McCann (MBBS, FRACGP, Grad Cert Allergic Disease) is a general practitioner based in the Whitsundays with a background in both pharmacy and medicine. After beginning her career as a pharmacist in South Australia, she completed her medical training in Western Australia and has worked across hospital, regional, and remote healthcare settings in WA and Queensland. Dr McCann completed her General Practice fellowship training in Queensland and has established a reputation for compassionate, patient-centred care. She has a particular interest in COVID-19 vaccine injuries and has been an advocate for affected individuals and their families.
Katie Ashby-Koppens
Katie Ashby-Koppens is a civil litigator and human rights lawyer with more than 20 years of legal experience in New Zealand and Australia. Her career has spanned employment law, medico-legal matters, regulatory disputes, class actions, and other complex litigation. Since 2021, Katie has focused on legal and human rights issues arising from public health policies, providing legal support and advocacy across Australia and New Zealand. She has been involved in a number of significant legal cases and initiatives concerning individual rights, government policy, and informed consent, and is committed to promoting accountability, fairness, and the protection of fundamental legal principles.
Ian Bell
Ian Bell is a qualified herbalist and business owner who has operated health food stores for more than 25 years. He is passionate about supporting individuals and communities to take an active role in their health and wellbeing through education, natural health approaches, and informed choice. Ian advocates for a healthcare system that values both conventional and complementary approaches, supports patient-centred care, and enables health professionals to provide balanced information that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health.