Governance and Structure

Michael Bernardo
QLD

President

Michael is a Certified Medical Physics Specialist (Diagnostic Radiology) with Queensland Health's Biomedical Technology Services. Michael has been Treasurer since 2020. Michael was previously Chair of the ACPSEM QLD Branch.

Andy Cousins
NZ

RIsk, Audit and Finance Committee (RAFCo) Member

Andy Cousins is a Radiation Oncology Physics Team Leader at Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand, with varied experience across various radiation and safety regulatory regimes. Andy has been a Director of the Board since 2021. Andy was Vice Chair and Chair of the NZ branch (2016-18), and formed part of the branch review working group as the NZ representative.

Kevin Hickson
SA

Director / Immediate Past President

Kevin is the Head of Medical Physics and Radiation Safety for South Australia Medical Imaging. He joined the ACPSEM Board of Directors in 2018. Kevin has been President of the Board since January 2023. He was ACPSEM Treasurer in 2019, Head of Specialties in 2020, and Vice President from 2021-2022.

Ben Cooper

VIC

Director / Head of Specialties

Ben Cooper is the Chief Medical Physics Specialist at Canberra Health Services, leading a team responsible for delivering advanced medical physics services across various departments, including Medical Imaging, Radiation Oncology, Cardiology, BreastScreen, and Oral Health Services. His role encompasses providing expert advice on the safe and effective use of ionising and non-ionising radiation, overseeing equipment lifecycle processes such as procurement, shielding, commissioning, and performance testing.

Kym Rykers

VIC

Treasurer

Kym Rykers is currently the Medical Physics Manager (Austin Health). 

Kym Rykers is a highly skilled medical physicist based in Melbourne, Australia, with a wealth of experience in radiation oncology physics. She is currently the Medical Physics Manager at Austin Health's Radiation Oncology Centre, where she ensures the safe and precise operation of specialized equipment used in radiation therapy. Beyond her role at Austin Health, Kym has been an active member of the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine (ACPSEM), serving as its President, Vice President, Head of Specialties and Treasurer—a testament to her leadership and dedication to advancing medical physics in the region.

Throughout her career, Kym has contributed to numerous research publications covering key areas like radiation safety, dosimetry, the role of women in STEM, and emerging technologies in medical physics. Her expertise and commitment have made her a well-respected figure in the field, both in Australia and internationally.

Rosemary Peavey
VIC/TAS

Independent Director; RIsk, Audit and Finance Committee (RAFCo) Member

Rosemary is a legal and governance professional who has worked across a number of sectors and jurisdictions. She was attracted to the board because of ACPSEM’s focus on helping science professionals improve patient outcomes and safety. She brings to the board core skills in the areas of law, governance and risk management. She is a current member of the Finance Committee.

Ivan Williams
VIC/TAS

Director &
Represents the ACPSEM Board on the ACPSEM Foundation Board

Ivan is the Head of the Medical Radiation Service Branch and Chief Medical Radiation Scientist within ARPANSA. At the start of 2020 he joined the ACPSEM Board of Directors, and from the offset of starting his appointment he was fielding calls from ACPSEM Members regarding the College’s direction.

Mohammad Haskali

VIC

Director

Mohammad (Mo) Haskali

Dr. Mohammad B. Haskali, Chief Radiopharmaceutical Scientist at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, brings extensive expertise in radiopharmaceutical science, clinical operations, and strategic leadership to the ACPSEM Board. With a Ph.D. from the University of Melbourne and international experience, including at the NIH, he has played a key role in advancing theranostic clinical production.

Advocating for increased funding, Mo is expanding radiopharmaceutical capabilities across Australia and New Zealand while engaging with key stakeholders to secure ongoing support. Committed to attracting and retaining top talent, Mo leverages his leadership in global radiopharmaceutical production and research to drive ACPSEM’s mission and elevate its role in clinical radiopharmaceutical science.

Ben Hug
WA

Vice-President / RIsk, Audit and Finance Committee (RAFCo) Member

Ben is a Principal Physicist at 5D Clinics, WA, with an interest in the current review of potential AHPRA registration. Ben is motivated to give his time and expertise back to the College with the aim of assisting in shaping future frameworks. Ben was also previously the WA branch secretary for 2 years.