Monash Partners recently welcomed new members to the consumer advisory panels
- Juliana Banken, Monash Partners Child Health Consumer Advisory Panel
Juliana brings a wealth of experience to the hospital and homeschool system and is interested in research that will improve health services for children. She is a proud parent of two rescued fur babies and a carer who homeschools her three young children.
She and her children are very community-minded and volunteer at many community events supporting people and families in need.
They are a close family unit and heavily involved in school, sporting, cultural and community activities. The children are very accomplished both in sports and their academic rigour.
She was honoured with Two Awards at the 2021 Social Housing Volunteer Awards, and is an Ambassador for “FareShare” which provides meals to those in need.
She is also involved as a Consumer Liaison, for CCI Priority Populations Project and Lived Experience Adviser for the Homes for 100 Women project.
- Dr Harpreet Singh Kandra, Monash Partners Consumer Advisory Panel focusing on improving consumer involvement in research
Dr Harpreet Singh Kandra is a community leader and volunteer passionate about social justice, multiculturalism, health and the environment.
Harpreet is a strong advocate for multiculturalism. He has run language and culture e-learning for school children; and hoisted the Sikh, Australian and Aboriginal flags on the Foundation Day of the Sikh Temple, Siri Guru Nanak Darbar, in Officer, Victoria.
Harpreet has contributed to numerous initiatives to improve health and wellbeing, especially during the pandemic. Harpreet has engaged volunteers and community groups with environmental work. He has a strong connection with young people and regularly mentors youth. He has been recently covered widely by media for his water safety program in Cardinia.
He has been recognised with the 2019 Australian of the Year Award by the Cardinia Shire Council; Federation University Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Contributions to Student Learning in 2020; and recognised on the inaugural Victorian Multicultural Commission Honour Roll in 2022. He has secured AUD$2 million funding for various projects. He has been the Community Ambassador for Sustainability Victoria, Department of Transport and Planning and on the consultative committee of Environment Protection Authority Victoria.
- Tess Marotta, Monash Partners Consumer Advisory Panel
Tess is an experience consumer advisor and consultant, who brings lived experience of living with chronic health conditions. She has gained valuable insights into the healthcare system, and is passionate about improving healthcare outcomes through the integration of consumer insights. Tess actively engages with diverse communities, and has experience in shaping research, and influencing healthcare policy and delivery.
