Noel Hickey:  Chairperson

Noel is a Civil Engineer (MIE Aust) and Rita & Noel’s family consists of two daughters, one son, two grandsons and one granddaughter.Noel has been involved in Uniting Church activities as a Youth Leader, Elder and Councilor all his life as well as being an assistant Scout Leader and Community worker. Noel had cranial surgery in 1986 for complete removal of a large pituitary tumour including the pituitary gland and subsequently has panhypopituitarism. He is a long standing member of the APF and has assisted Sue Kozij at seminars & functions.

Eric Kozij:  Secretary

Eric is a self-employed builder and has been involved in the local community in Brisbane for 28 years. He is a life member of Apex, and a community kindergarten in Brisbane’s western suburbs.In the past Eric has been involved with various committees that assist youth, and at one time served as a Scout Leader.

Eric, being partner to Sue, has gained a wide knowledge of pituitary illness and has been actively involved with the Qld Branch of the APF since its initiation.

Sue Kozij: Treasurer and Queensland Representative

Sue is a book-keeper and is married with two children.  She has been involved in a wide range of community organisations including Apex, Pony Riding for The Disabled and establishing a community kindergarten in Brisbane’s western suburbs.

At the age of 37 Sue was diagnosed with an ATCH producing tumour after many years of illness. In 1996 she underwent transphenoidal surgery and has enjoyed a complete recovery.

Since then she has been heavily involved with the Australian Pituitary Foundation, and feels that she has grown personally from her activities with patient members and health professionals.

Russell Fairweather: Director

Russ moved to Australia from the UK in 1982 with his wife Jan and children, Garry and Kay.

His background was in electrical engineering, but he now helps find work for people with disabilities. He also teaches at the local TAFE in the evenings. His pituitary problems were a major factor in his change of career, especially because the diagnosis was such a long time coming.

Russ was treated with transphenoidal surgery in 2000 and stereotactic radiotheraphy shortly afterwards.

He’s an enthusiastic traveller, plays squash, goes to the gym and enjoys bushwalking.

Maryann Paterson: Director

Maryann grew up on a farm in the Hunter Valley, before moving to Newcastle at the age of 16.  Six months later, she was diagnosed with a Craniopharyngioma and underwent surgery within the month.
Maryann pays tribute to the support of her family in helping her recovery. She puts her fearlessness about brain surgery down to the fact that everyone around her was so supportive at that time, and continue to be today.

Maryann tries not to let her medical condition slow her down. She studied Arts (Communication) and Law at university and since finishing in 2005 was admitted as a Solicitor in February 2009.  She has traveled through the UK, Europe, Canada and Japan (in between working, of course!). Maryann presently works in Melbourne, but is working outside of the legal profession for now.

Lisa Clancy: Director

Lisa is the owner/director of a child care centre in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire.  In 1996, she was diagnosed with Acromegaly caused by a pituitary tumour.  After two separate operations she was left with a permanent vision impairment so needed a career change.  Lisa obtained her Diploma in Community Services (Welfare) and is currently studying her Diploma in Children’s Services.

Lisa controls her Acromegaly with monthly Sandostatin LAR injections. She loves working with children, traveling, cooking, gardening, spending time with family, friends and her two long haired Chihuahuas.