Meet our team

Lauren Hallett, CEO

MBA, BhS(OT), Accredited Partnership Broker

Lauren (she/her) joined FemiliPNG Australia in October 2022, drawn by the commitment and focus of the organisation towards our right to live a life free of family and sexual violence.

After beginning her career as an Occupational Therapist in New Zealand, Lauren made the move into international development in 2010, working alongside partners across the Pacific Region.

Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn or via email.

Fiona Brown, Finance Officer

Fiona has been working with FemiliPNG Australia and Femili PNG since March 2021, in Finance and Administration, supporting both organisation’s to meet their financial and governance obligations.

Fiona has a long work history in office management in the Private Sector and is enjoying the challenges of moving into her new role in the Development world.  Fiona is a big believer in the rights of women and children, and hopes that one day we can all live in a world free from violence. #stopviolence

Connect with Fiona on LinkedIn or by email.

Nerida Marcuse, Finance Manager

Nerida has recently joined FemiliPNG Australia as our Finance Manager. Nerida is very experienced financial professional within the international, non-profit and business sectors.

Connect with Nerida on LinkedIn or by email.

Kate Nyhan, Program Lead

Kate joined FemiliPNG Australia in August 2024. Kate has a background in international development, working for various Australian International Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), alongside partners in the Pacific, Asia and Africa. Kate has experience in governance, project cycle management, safeguarding, compliance, grant management and logistics.

Connect with Kate on Linkedin or by email.

Hannah Smith, Fundraising and Communications Officer

Master of International Relations, BA in International Communication

Hannah joined FemiliPNG Australia in February 2025. Passionate about international development, Hannah is committed to using strategic communication to drive positive change in the Pacific. With a background in international relations, Hannah has contributed to grassroots development work across Africa, supporting programs focused on women’s empowerment and children’s health. Hannah brings experience from the media, non-profit, and public health sectors.

Connect with Hannah on LinkedIn or by email.

Mathi Vathanan, IT Systems Officer

Mathi joined Femili PNG in 2025 and is responsible for the day-to-day management of IT infrastructure and data. Mathi has experience with implementing data integration across frontline departments and reporting dashboards to support service delivery and NDIS funding.

Mathi is a Tamil refugee from Sri Lanka and grew up in the regional town of Warrnambool. Mathi is profoundly shaped by his lived experience; he recognises robust social policy as one of the meaningful ways to empower communities long term. Mathi studies Master’s in Public Policy at the University of Melbourne.

Connect with Mathi on Linkedin.