Meet the board

Meet the friendly faces behind Rare Cancers Australia and find out why we're all determined to make an impact.

Kate Vines

Founder

Kate was born and educated in New Zealand and moved to Australia at age 17. After initial roles in sales and marketing, Kate spent 15 years with Sydney Automotive Paints, the last six of those as Marketing Manager. In 1991 Kate was diagnosed with a rare Medullary Thyroid Cancer and was forced to take an extended break from work.

In 2000, Kate established her own event company promoting motivational speakers in Australia. Kate successfully ran this business until 2006. In the following years, Kate worked at the Australian Retailers Association and also at Progressive Business. In 2012, Kate together with husband Richard Vines, formed Rare Cancers Australia.

As Founder and Head of Patient Care, Kate’s main role is to provide support, guidance and information for patients and their families. Kate works diligently with government, clinicians and industry to ensure that rare cancer patients voices are heard and advocates for change to ensure patient needs are met.

Richard Vines

Founder

Richard attended University of Melbourne where he studied Maths and Statistics. He then trained as an Actuary but was seduced by the fledgling IT industry before qualifying. After several years working in software development, Richard formed his own software company which he then sold in 1990 before embarking on a second software venture in Europe.

In 1996, Richard returned to Australia where he was retained by an American company to establish a sales channel in Australia. In 2001 Richard left the IT industry and has since worked in a number of not-for-profits associated with retail, politics and health.

In 2012 Richard and his wife Kate established Rare Cancers Australia, a patient advocacy group whose mission is to improve the lives and outcomes for rare cancer patients. Richard is now a highly sort after spokesperson for cancer patient advocacy issues and is a member of a number of committees. In September this year, Richard was named Co-Chair of the Cancer Drugs Alliance Committee, a stakeholder coalition tasked to promote timely access to drugs for cancer patients.

Bruce Goodwin

Chair

Bruce has more than 35 years of experience in the Global Biopharmaceutical industry having previously been employed by the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. His career with Janssen included more than a decade in General Management roles including Managing Director Janssen Australia & New Zealand, as well as President & Representative Director Janssen Japan.

Bruce is a respected Industry Leader and is currently a Selected Director and Board Member of Medicines Australia. Whilst in Japan he served as the Vice Chair of the Japan Based Executive Committee of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).

Bruce has a strong track record in advocating for policies that support timely and affordable access to innovative medicines and since 2018 has been a Director and Board member of the Australian Genomic Cancer Medicine Centre (Omico). In December 2020 he was appointed as Director and Board Member of Rare Cancers Australia.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Macquarie University, and is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Kate McQuestin

Director

Kate McQuestin is a public affairs professional with more than 20 years experience. She has worked and lived in the United States of America, United Kingdom, Europe, Japan and Australia.

Kate has worked for a variety of State and Federal Government Ministers as well as the Prime Minister of Australia, serving in a range of roles in Government including Media Adviser and Chief of Staff. She has also worked with a range of global companies, industry groups and organisations – collaborating with a wide variety of stakeholders on complex issues across diverse cultures and markets.

Born and educated in Tasmania, Kate was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at age 14 and subsequently a chronic immune condition. Now living in Sydney with her husband and teenage children, she is passionate about helping others through their cancer journey and improving outcomes by advocating for those with rare, lesser known and complex cancers across Australia and beyond.

Steve Baker

Director

With almost 30 years in IT and 12 years founding and growing a successful IT business, Steve has a proven track record in defining, building, and delivering technology and business outcomes for clients from small businesses to multinationals cohesively and effectively.

In his current role as CEO for Seventh Beam, Steve advises a range of businesses and start-ups across a spectrum of industries on current and emerging technologies, with an ability to clearly communicate complex business and technical concepts at the appropriate level for the audience.

Steve brings a pragmatic, solutions-focused mindset to every engagement, and his broad knowledge across a range of industries and technologies combined with an open and engaging communication style enables him to rapidly understand challenges and advise and align stakeholders to drive outcomes.

Steve has a long-standing connection with Rare Cancers Australia, participating in and supporting the annual Kosi Challenge since 2013, as well as working closely with RCA to scope, develop and launch the Can.Recall mobile app. Steve is currently volunteering his time to provide executive consulting and mentoring for RCA staff as they undergo a Digital Transformation project.

Ben Taylor

Director

Ben is a respected executive leader with over 25 years’ experience across the corporate and consulting sectors. As a Partner at government relations firm TSB Advisory, Ben is known for his expert advice to Australia’s leading corporate executives, helping them navigate political complexities.

Ben has provided strategic guidance to clients on high-profile public matters including Parliamentary Inquiries, Royal Commissions, major corporate transactions and crisis situations.

Previously General Manager of Corporate Affairs at Rabobank Australia & New Zealand, Ben has spent his career helping leaders manage risk and reputation, particularly across heavily-regulated environments.

Ben holds a Masters Degree in Communications from Charles Sturt University and has previously worked as a sessional academic.

Christine Cockburn

Director

Christine Cockburn is a bold and compassionate leader in Australia’s cancer care sector, known for her strategic vision, advocacy acumen, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of people affected by rare and less common cancers.

As Chief Executive Officer of Rare Cancers Australia (RCA), she is at the forefront of national efforts to transform the cancer care landscape, leading with empathy and strategy—ensuring no one faces cancer alone and that every individual has the chance to live well beyond their diagnosis.

Christine brings a unique blend of expertise in sociology, public health, and systems thinking to her leadership, backed by degrees from the University of New England and Monash University. Since joining RCA in 2018, she has shaped the organisation’s growth through senior roles in patient support and operations, championing person-centred care, equity, and innovation at every step.

She has been the driving force behind several national initiatives, including a groundbreaking telehealth navigation service and the Rare Cancer Support Guide. Now as CEO, she is steering RCA through a critical era of expansion in services, partnerships, and policy reform.

Christine’s influence extends nationally and globally, serving on numerous advisory groups focused on genomics, health equity, and system reform. She is also supervising a PhD exploring patient-centred information for those with rare cancers.

Grounded in evidence and driven by the need for change, Christine is reshaping how rare cancer care is delivered—and how it’s understood.