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Our Committee and Staff

Hi everyone, my name is Cheryl Ellis and I have been a HFWA committee member since 2005. I am a carrier of the haemophilia A gene and have two sons with severe haemophilia A. I am a theatre-trained registered nurse and my husband Darren and I run our own swimming pool construction and renovation business. I believe it is important to keep up to date with information relevant to our community, whether it is to do with advances in treatments, products and services available to us to make our lives easier, or the rights of our members to live full and happy lives.

Hi, I’m Gavin Finkelstein, I have severe haemophilia A and hepatitis C. I joined the HFWA Committee in 1995 and since then have become more and more involved in haemophilia issues in WA and around Australia. I have found joining HFWA to be a worthwhile experience, meeting some inspirational people and having the opportunity to discuss and share the many issues that haemophilia brings to our lives. It is up to us as a community to ensure that kids today and in the future receive the latest and best treatment that is available to enable them to achieve the best quality of life without haemophilia being an issue.

Hi, my name is Michelle Dinsdale. I’m married to Mark and we have three sons, Sam, and fraternal twins John and Michael. Sam and John are affected by severe haemophilia A.

Quite a few years ago, I was the HFWA Office and Committee Secretary while the kids were young and still needed me around for school drop-offs, pick-ups and sporting commitments. It was a wonderful way to be involved with the HFWA community during that time.

After a long break, I decided to rejoin the Committee to help out wherever I can, and I’m pleased to be back as the Committee Secretary. I look forward to catching up with familiar faces and meeting new members of our community at upcoming events.

My name is Neil Venn. The Haemophilia Community must maintain a strong profile with Government Agencies to protect and improve access to treatment products. Supporting our Foundation—through surveys, committee involvement, attending functions, or general inquiries—helps ensure its ongoing success.

I joined the committee because I’ve seen how far treatment has come and want to help secure the Foundation’s future while encouraging younger members to get involved.

Born and raised in Melbourne, I experienced many bleeding episodes and missed school, but still enjoyed swimming, including Interstate water polo. I worked in agricultural science until retirement, later drove a bus at Perth Airports, and now spend my time wrangling grandchildren, fixing family repairs, and keeping the medical profession busy.

Hi, I’m Darren Tull.

My name is Misha and I live with Type 3 Von Willebrand Disease. As a professional interior designer, I have worked internationally, including many years in France, where I led the Von Willebrand Committee within the French Haemophilia Association. I also served as a patient advisor to the World Federation of Hemophilia’s VWD and Rare Bleeding Disorder Committee.

Living with VWD has given me a deep understanding of the challenges people face. I am passionate about supporting newly diagnosed individuals and their families by sharing knowledge and helping them make informed decisions.

My name is Dominic and I have 3 children (2 boys, 1 girl) with my wonderful wife Robin. The boys have Hemophilia A, the eldest severe & the youngest mild.
We have been part of the HFWA community for 8 years and have looked forward to making and growing connections to those with or are close to family with a bleeding disorder, sharing common stories & experiences through the men’s breakfasts & family events that are organised by HFWA.

Hi. I’m Julie Perkins and I would like to provide my support, in raising awareness of bleeding disorders to government agencies and the wider community.

My daughter Emma has von Willibrands type 2b, and it is comforting that we can share, discuss experiences and seek invaluable advice with the members of the HFWA and associate’s.
Emma has two children and her passion is Irish dancing.

Hi, I’m Ann-Maree. Some of you may know me from previous peer events.
I’m passionate about giving back to the community. My two nephews live with severe haemophilia, which has inspired me to dedicate my time and energy to supporting this incredible community. I truly believe in the difference we can make together.
I’m excited to be part of commitee now and look forward to connecting with you all at future events!

Hi, I’m Fiona. I have been part of the CWLH community for six years and joined HFWA in March 2026 to assist with organising events and finance. In April, I attended the World Haemophilia Congress in Kuala Lumpur, where I had the opportunity to listen, learn and deepen my understanding of bleeding disorders. I also met many people, including Australian representatives at the conference, which gave me a greater appreciation of the haemophilia community and the important work of HFWA.

Hi, I’m Sam. I support HFWA with communications, digital systems, and day-to-day operations. I’m passionate about helping organisations connect with their communities and making information and resources more accessible. I enjoy finding practical ways to improve communication and support the Foundation’s work, and I look forward to working with the Committee to strengthen and engage the HFWA community.