There is a growing body of evidence which suggests that people from a CALD background experience an inequitable care across the cancer care continuum. 

Join WCMICS in our exploration of the need and value for in improving outcomes and experiences of CALD people affected by cancer by registering to attend the premiere of our broadcast. 

By carefully weaving patient and carer stories, expert insights, and statistical data throughout the piece, Beyond the Barriers is a compelling and informative narrative that will highlight the unique challenges and strengths of CALD individuals affected by cancer.

Sudhir Sakhuja

Colonel (Dr) Sudhir Sakhuja has been living in South-Eastern Melbourne since 2016 after spending the first 62 years of his life in his home country of India.

A veteran of the Indian Army’s Infantry, Sudhir has experience in public relations, teaching, journalism, acting, radio jockeying and volunteering for various social causes. Having experienced 3 primary cancer diagnosis' since arriving in Australia,

Sudhir is a valued WCMICS consumer voice for CALD populations and is an active member of Peter Mac's consumer representative group.

Juliana Emerick

Juliana is Brazilian and moved to Australia in 2022 at the age of 34 to

study and further her career.

She is a nutritionist, marketing specialist and currently works in the education sector for overseas students. She lives in Prahran Melbourne with her sister (Isabela) and their little dog (Rio).

In 2016, at the age of 27, Juliana was diagnosed with breast cancer and was treated in Brazil with private health support.

After years of working in a multinational company, she decided to change her life following her diagnosis. The personal experience of cancer has led her to share what she has learnt in her speeches, giving new meaning to her life with more empathy, self-esteem and self-care.

The first years of her treatment were in Brazil and when she decided to live abroad, she transferred her care to Australia. From day one, she has had a general practitioner who helps her monitor her medications and check her tests, just as Juliana did in Brazil.

Since her diagnosis, Juliana has started volunteering. In Brazil, she was a consumer representative for NGO Oncoguia, because is passionate about helping others on the same journey. When she moved to Australia, she contacted Cancer Council Victoria to volunteer and works in various programs.

Now, she is happy to share her experiences as a culturally and linguistically diverse person affected by cancer and help improve cancer services for foreign communities.

Learn more about Juliana and her journey by securing your virtual seat for the livestreamed premiere of Beyond the Barriers: Exploring cultural and linguistic diversity in the WCMICS region.

Dr Vijaya Joshi, Director Strategic Programs, VCCC Alliance

Dr Vijaya Joshi is an experienced board director, executive, and partnership manager in global health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, and gender and social inclusion. She has extensive experience in evaluation and reporting, program design and implementation, and research.

Vij has worked within government and clinical regulatory and compliance frameworks. She is highly experienced in working with diverse stakeholders and member-based organisations to prioritise and implement leadership, clinical and health research, and cultural change.

Dr Beverley Woon, Consultant Radiologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre/St Vincents Hospital Breastscreen

Dr Beverley Woon is a Consultant Radiologist with subspecialty expertise in breast and lung imaging. She believes that our health industry is a reflection of our broader social views as culture and governance are intertwined. It is her firm belief that positive, sustainable change will be reached when both culture and governance are addressed together.

Dr Woon has appointments at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, St. Vincent’s Hospital BreastScreen and Eastern Health. She is an Honorary Clinical Lecturer at the University of Melbourne and a RANZCR examiner.  Dr Woon was a member of the inaugural VCCC Equity Advisory Group and during 2023, undertook a sabbatical with the VCCC Health Equity Team, assisting in the development of the Cancer Equity Framework.  Dr Woon is passionate about her clinical work and teaching. She is a collaborative researcher, with recent projects in health equity with The University of Melbourne, VCCC and VACCHO.  Previous areas of research have included dual energy CT and radiomics.

Monita Mascitti-Meuter, Cultural Inclusion Lead, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne

Monita is the Cultural Inclusion Lead at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne.

A polyglot, twice migrated and Cross-Cultural consultant by profession with 30+ years’ experience in lecturing, teaching, training of health professionals, clients and students from diverse cultural backgrounds, her background includes both the practical and academic side of the cross-cultural experience.

Kerrie Dunn, Manager, Language Services, Spiritual & Cultural Diversity, The Royal Melbourne Hospital

Kerrie is currently Manager, Language Services, Spiritual & Cultural Diversity at The Royal Melbourne Hospital.

She has worked in public health delivering language services for over 15 years. She is committed to delivering communication services that create a safe and equitable platform for health care provision.