National Asthma Council welcomes new Chair and Board members
15 Jan 2026
CEO Rhonda Cleveland said the new appointees bring extensive experience and fresh ideas to support the NAC’s mission of improving asthma care and respiratory health.
“They will join a committed board supported by expert committees, networks and staff, all working together to drive the NAC’s strategic goals,” Ms Cleveland said.
New Board appointments:
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Ms Janelle Reid, BComm (Finance), BLaws(Hons), GAICD – Chair, Independent Director
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Dr Amanda Cross, BPharm(Hons), GradCert (PharmPrac), PhD, GAICD – Nominee Director, representing the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA)
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Ms Mia Dhillon, BScN, GradCertComm, MPA – Nominee Director, representing the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA)
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Mr Zion Shane Abatayo, FGIA, FRM, CPRM, MAICD, PGDip Mgmt – Independent Director
About the Chair – Ms Janelle Reid
Janelle brings more than 15 years’ experience in governance, law and health sectors. A former General Counsel for a $1.2 billion Commonwealth statutory corporation and a decade at Clayton Utz, she has held board roles with Palliative Care Australia, Youturn (Headspace), Meals on Wheels, and Little Athletics Australia. She holds executive certifications from Harvard University and Oxford and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
About Ms Mia Dhillon
Mia has over 20 years’ experience in health across Australia, the UK and Canada, with a focus on primary care and health systems transformation. Her background includes executive roles in not-for-profits and professional associations, guiding multi-million-dollar initiatives and shaping health policy.
About Dr Amanda Cross
Amanda is a clinical pharmacist and senior research fellow at Monash University’s Centre for Medicine Use and Safety. She has experience in community pharmacy, medication reviews and aged care, and is a current national board director for the PSA.
About Mr Zion Shane Abatayo
Zion is a risk and investments advisor with expertise in financial, compliance, and operational risk across industries including financial services, energy, entertainment and non-profits. He holds multiple professional qualifications, including FGIA, FRM and CPRM, and is a member of the Finance, Risk and Investment Committee for Western Chances.
Ms Cleveland expressed gratitude to outgoing Board members, particularly Dr Joanna Wriedt, who served 12 years including as Chair, and other long-serving directors Julianne Badenoch, Rob Farrier, and Ben Gargett, recognising their dedication and contributions to the NAC.
The NAC Board consists of representatives from its four member organisations—APNA, RACGP, PSA, and the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy—alongside independent directors, working together to advance asthma care across Australia.
https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/
Source: National Asthma Council Australia
