Board of Directors

Healthy Hips Australia has a small, enthusiastic volunteer board of directors.

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Sarah Twomey (Chairperson)

Founder of Healthy Hips Australia, Mrs Sarah Twomey is an occupational therapist. Sarah completed a business administration degree in conjunction with her occupational therapy degree in 2006, and now works in a voluntary capacity as the CEO and Chairperson of Healthy Hips Australia. Sarah worked across numerous acute, inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient rehabilitation settings in the West Australian Department of Health. Sarah sat on the committee of management for the WA Occupational Therapy Association in a marketing role for three years. A mother of two children with hip dysplasia, Sarah was inspired to use her professional skills to establish and run Healthy Hips Australia.

Dr Bruce Matthews (Secretary & Public Officer)

Dr Bruce Matthews studied chemistry at the University of Western Australia, ultimately leading to the award of a doctorate of philosophy in chemistry. He also achieved a bachelor of education degree from the same university. Bruce served in numerous leadership roles in both public and private schools, culminating in being headmaster of Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School from 1998 to 2011. Bruce had 21 years of governance experience working with the board of governors of two independent schools. Since 2012, he has been on the board of the WA School Curriculum and Standards Authority. Bruce has two granddaughters affected by hip dysplasia. He brings extensive experience in education and governance to the board of directors of Healthy Hips Australia.

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Dr Nicole Williams

Dr Nicole Williams is a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon  specialising in the management of infants, children and adolescents with orthopaedic conditions. She has a particular interest in the treatment of infant hip dysplasia. Nicole has a public appointment at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and is also a Senior Research Associate with the University of Adelaide, where she is involved in several projects aimed at improving understanding and treatment of orthopaedic conditions in children. She regularly conducts educational sessions for GPs, doctors-in-training and allied health practitioners. Nicole is the current President of the Australian Paediatric Orthopaedic Society.

Ruby Johnston

Ms Ruby Johnston works in the WA Health system as a Strategic Human Resource Programs Consultant and has over 12 years experience in the public sector as a Human Resources Specialist. She has experience sitting on the board of a WA based parenting education not for profit organisation.  Ruby is a mother of one daughter, whom was treated with hip dysplasia as an infant. As a result of this experience Ruby has developed a keen interest in increasing awareness and support for hip dysplasia. 

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Chris Pearce

Mr Chris Pearce is a lawyer working across a diverse range of practice areas, with experience across all aspects of commercial and corporate law. Chris has acted for major accounting firms, several banks and other financiers, one of the world’s largest oil producers, the world’s oldest litigation funder, and many LSE- and ASX- listed companies. He sits on the Law Council of Australia’s Insolvency and Reconstruction Committee and has lectured in commercial and corporate practice for the Leo Cussen Institute’s Articles Training Programme. He has experience working for, and sitting on committees and boards of, a number of non-profit organisations.

Jeremy Nipps 

Mr Jeremy Nipps is a chartered accountant with over 14 years’ experience in all forms of formal corporate insolvency appointments, advisory and restructuring assignments. His particular focus is on assisting businesses undergoing operational and trading concerns with a view to maximising stakeholder returns through formal or informal restructuring initiatives. Jeremy has held managerial positions within the risk and credit management departments of major Australian banks, managing distressed loans and identifying and implementing appropriate strategies to minimise exposure. He has experience working for, and sitting on committees and boards of, a number of non-profit organisations. Jeremy is father to a daughter, who required surgical intervention for the treatment of her hip dysplasia. 

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We also have advisors contributing to the direction of the organisation. We thank them all for volunteering their time and expertise.