ICD Australasian Section VIII
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​                  Perpetual Fellowship Roll
​
                      June 2025 No. 62

SECTON VIII INDUCTION CEREMONY AND DINNER
PARMNELIA HILTON HOTEL, PERTH, WA
9 May 2025

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New Fellows with ICD Section VIII President Ian Meyers OAM
​Mario Alberghini (WA), Christopher Barker (QLD), Ashlee Bence (WA), Lisa Bowdin (WA), Malcolm Campbell (QLD), Frank Chang (WA), Unna Chidambaram (WA), Gwendlyn Chin (WA), Hadleigh Clark (NZ), Cathleen Dong (NSW), Mohammed El-Hakim (WA), Robert Fell (NSW), Vincenzo Figliomeni (WA), Roslyn Franklin (WA), Osea Gavidi (Fiji), Maria Guida (VIC), Tom Huang (WA), Lizzy Hui (NSW), Rodney Jennings (WA), Sushil Kaur (SA), Eden Lau (WA), Selina Leow (NSW), Fammy Liem (VIC), Jonathan Lo (WA), Claudia Lopez Silva (QLD), Zanab Malik (NSW), Helen Marchant (VIC), John Marsell (WA), Erna Melton (NT), Mark Morrin (NSW), Melinda Newnham (VIC), Olivia Nova (NSW), Mark Page (ACT), Stephen Pak (NSW), Renae Philp (QLD), Saia Piukala (Tonga), Susitina Piukala (Tonga), Manorika Ratnaweera (WA), William Reidy (WA), Patricia Rimmer (QLD), Jonathan Rooke (VIC), Lida Sayadelmi (WA), Akshee Shah (WA), Saloni Singh (SA), Gabrielle Smart (SA), Leroy Tatui (Niue), Adam Teo (QLD), Jonathan Teoh (VIC), Nishant Vaishnav (WA), Helen Vaughan (WA), Tracey Walmsley (WA), John Watson (WA), Keng Soon Yeoh (SA).
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​The 2025 ICD induction ceremony and dinner were held at the Parmelia Hilton Hotel in Perth, Western Australia on Friday May 9 at the time of the 35th Australian Dental Congress. The evening was attended by 150 ICD Fellows and their guests. 53 new Fellows from throughout Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific were inducted on the night. Unfortunately, two Fellows who had planned to attend for induction had to cancel at the last minute and were inducted in absentia - Drs Rodney Jennings and William Reidy. 

​Registrar Graeme Ting opened the evening’s formalities by welcoming Fellows and guests and delivering the Registrar’s report. A ceremonial changeover of Presidents was conducted with outgoing President Tom Tseng handing over the chain of office to incoming President Ian Myers OAM. Ian spoke of Tom’s outstanding service to Section VIII during his two year term as President. Ian then addressed the new Fellows on the meaning and honour of ICD Fellowship. ICD Global President Dr Ian Doyle sent a welcome address to the new Fellows.

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Section VII Registrar Dr Graeme Ting
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Section VIII President Prof Ian Meyers OAM
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​​Section VIII Fellow Jacinta Vu was the guest speaker for the evening. Jacinta is the Australian of the Year - WA 2025 Local Hero. She spoke about the journey of “Healing Smiles” an organisation that provides dental care to women escaping domestic violence. The program provides trauma informed care which recognises the importance of good dental health in restoring dignity, self-esteem and confidence as victims rebuild their lives. Fittingly, a number of Healing Smiles dental volunteers were inducted on the night.
Another highlight of the evening was the induction of four new Fellows from the South Pacific (pictured below). Dr Leroy Tatui is the first Fellow from Niue ever inducted into the International College of Dentists. The Hon Saia Piukala was inducted as an Honorary Fellow. He is a Member of Parliament and Minister of Health in Tonga. Since February 2024, he has held the position of WHO Regional Director (WPRO). Saia is the first South Pacific leader to hold this prestigious, high level position within WHO.
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Front row (L-R): President Ian Meyers OAM, Dr Saia Piukala (Tonga); Dr Susitina Piukala (Tonga);
Registrar Graeme Ting; Back row (L-R): Dr Leroy Tatui (Niue), Dr Osea Gavidi (Fiji)

​As always, the evening allowed Fellows and their guests time for collegiality which is a highlight of any ICD function. It was wonderful to see a contingent of guests who accompanied the new South Pacific Fellows to the dinner.
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The next ICD induction ceremonies will be held in Auckland in August 2026 at the time of the NZDA Conference and in Adelaide in 2027 at the time of the Australian Dental Conference. Invitations with details will be sent to all Section VIII Fellows in due course.
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SECTION VIII INDUCTION CEREMONY AND LUNCHEON
TE PAE CONVENTION CENTRE, CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND
23 AUGUST 2024

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​New Fellows inducted in Christchurch 2024 (pictured above)
Back Row: Graeme Ting (ICD Regent for NZ), Section VIII President Tom Tseng, Kirianu Nio (Cook Islands), Darryl Merceica (NSW), Andrew Cautley (NZ), Geoffrey Hunt (NZ), Haizal Hussaini (NZ), George Lazaridis (VIC), Melissa Warren (NSW), Ricky Kumar (VIC), Christopher Warren (NSW), David Crum (NZ).
Middle Row: Rouel Vergara (NSW), Steve Manning (NZ), Susan Cole (NZ), Hanlie Engelbrecht (VIC), Laura Ichim (NZ), Fleur Woolford (NZ), International President Argirios Pissiotis.
Front Row: Nelson Tanghwa (Vanuatu), Jenny Tangis (Vanuatu), Section VIII Registrar Petrina Bowden (QLD), Deborah Sykes (VIC), Reena Ohm (QLD), Angus Campbell (NZ), Anthony Pistolese (NSW), Anna Dawson (NZ), Leanne Teoh (VIC), Joshua Green (NSW).

On Friday 23 August 2024, as part of the NZDA Conference, Section VIII of the International College of Dentists (ICD) was delighted to hold an induction ceremony and luncheon at Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand. The ceremony saw a record number of 24 inductees attend a New Zealand induction ceremony, with a total of 85 guests. Twelve of the inductees had travelled from various parts of Australia and it was very significant that three inductees: Dr. Jenny Tangis and Dr. Nelson Tanghwa from Vanuatu, and Dr Kirianu Nio from the Cook Islands, had travelled to Christchurch as inaugural inductees to the ICD from their respective countries.
 
Registrar, Dr Petrina Bowden, opened the formalities with an acknowledgement of country and led the proceedings. Section VIII President, Dr Tom Tseng, warmly welcomed Fellows and guests and introduced and welcomed ICD International President Dr Argiros Pissiotis, who had travelled to Christchurch from Greece to attend the Section VIII induction ceremony and dinner.​

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Section VIII President, Dr Tom Tseng
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International ICD President, Dr Argirios Pissiotis

Dr Pissiotis highlighted the importance and value of ICD Fellowship, acknowledged the calibre of the new Fellows being inducted into Section VIII and warmly welcomed the new Fellows to the College. Dr Pissiotis showed great pleasure as he greeted and presented each new Fellow with  their ICD lapel pin as symbol of their ICD Fellowship.

A particular highlight of the ceremony was the presence of traditional drummers from the Cook Islands acknowledging the induction of the first new Fellows from the Cook Islands (Dr. Kirianu Nio) and from Vanuatu (Dr Nelson Tanghwa and Dr Jenny Tangis) to ever be inducted into the International College of Dentists. The drummers added special “island flair” to the ceremony, accentuating the new Fellows from Vanuatu and the Cook Islands as they crossed the stage to accept their Fellowship certificates. The drummers also added spontaneous humorous interludes at other points in the ceremony. This was musically and spiritually uplifting and confirmed that Section VIII is special in its representation of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific on the world ICD stage.
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​​Section VIII President Tseng closed the induction ceremony. Guests went on to have a very enjoyable luncheon celebrating the new Fellows and renewing old friendships.​

2024 YOUNG DENTISTS VOLUNTEER GRANTS AWARDED

The Section VIII Board introduced the Young Dentists Volunteer grant in 2019 in collaboration with the Australian Dental Association (ADA) and the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) which promote the grant through their young dentists’ channels. The grant is awarded annually to a dentist in the Section VIII region with less than 10 years’ experience in clinical practice since graduation from dental school.
The value of the grant is up to $3,500 AUD to cover airfares, accommodation and other expenses directly related to participating in a volunteer experience as approved by the ICD Board. The volunteer experience is arranged with leaders of projects supported by Section VIII.
 
The Section VIII Board is proud to announce that three ICD Young Dentists Volunteer grants have been awarded in 2024. Dr Amy Zhang of NSW will participate in the Solomon Islands Rural Outreach Program. Dr Tiffany Hung of NZ will participate in Project Yeti in Nepal. Dr Charlotte Kenny of NSW will participate in the Timor-Leste Dental Program. Congratulations to these deserving dentists.
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                                                Dr Amy Zhang, NSW
                            ​Dr Tiffany Hung, NZ
Dr Charlotte Kenny, NSW

About the ICD and Fellowship
Honoring the World’s Leading Dentists since 1920


The International College of Dentists is a leading honorary dental organisation dedicated to the recognition of outstanding professional achievement and meritorious service and the continued progress of dentistry for the benefit of all humankind.  All members of the College regardless of their native language or country of residence, adhere to one universal motto, Recognizing Service and the Opportunity to Serve.
 
Conceived in 1920, the College currently has over 12,000 members in 122 countries who have been awarded the prestigious title of Fellow in the ICD.  Fellowship in the College is extended by invitation only. A nominated dentist must pass a rigorous, peer review process leading to the recognition of the individual’s “outstanding professional achievement, meritorious service and dedication to the continued progress of dentistry for the benefit of humankind.”
 
All Fellows are encouraged to nominate dentists who are deserving of the recognition of ICD Fellowship.  Nomination forms can be downloaded from this website.  Enquires: [email protected].


Board of Regents 2025-2027, Section VIII (as of May 2025)

President

Prof Ian Meyers OAM (QLD)

President-Elect

Dr Petrina Bowden (QLD)

Registrar

Dr Graeme Ting (NZ)

Editor

Dr Jenny Ball (WA)

International Councillors

Dr Rick Sawers AM (SA)

 

Dr David Crum ONZM (NZ)

Regents

Dr Sabrina Manikam (NSW)

Dr Anu Polster (Vic)

Dr Jonathan Christo (SA)

Administrative Officer

Dr Kavita Lobo (NSW)

 

 

Section VIII Membership (as of May 2025)
Section of ICD (Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific) currently has 786 members comprised of:

TOTAL MEMBERSHIP 781

635 Active Members

13 Honorary Members

7 Honorary Life Members

124 Retired (Life) Members

2 Masters/Honorary Life Members

 

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

AUSTRALIA 678

Democratic Republic of Congo 2

ACT 15

Eritrea 1

NSW 202

Fiji 4

NT 6

Hong Kong 1

QLD 115

Kingdom of Tonga 3

SA 83

Niue 1

TAS 11

PNG 1

VIC 128

Solomon Islands 1

WA 118

South Africa 1

NEW ZEALAND 82

USA 1

Belgium 1

Vanuatu 2

Cook Islands 1

 

 

Local Committees, Section VIII (as of May 2025)

 

2025 - 2027

NSW & ACT

Sabrina Manickam (Chair)

 

Zanab Malik

 

Cathleen Dong

 

Mark Morrin

 

Jake Ball

 

Peter Duckmanton

QLD & NT

Ian Meyers OAM (Chair)

 

Julee Birch

 

Adrian Frick

 

Louise McLoughlin

 

Martin Webb

SA & TAS

Jono Christos (Chair)

 

Rick Sawers AM

 

Richard Logan

 

Chris Pazios

VIC

Anu Polster (Chair)

 

Rob Adams

 

John Rattray

 

Felicia Valianatos

 

Keith Watkins

 

Andrew Gikas

WA

Jenny Ball (Chair)

 

Nick Albatis

 

Andrew Heap

 

Kang Kim

 

John Owen AM

 

Lena Lejmanoski

NZ

Graeme Ting (Chair)

 

Katie Ayers

 

David Crum ONZM

 

Clive Ross CNZM

 

 

Section VIII Masters
Masters are Fellows in good standing who at the time of their nomination have rendered extraordinarily conspicuous and outstanding service to the College.  The awarding of the status of Master is considered a rare distinction.  The numbers admitted to this status are such as not to lessen the honour so conferred. Approval of the International Council or its Executive Committee must be obtained before Mastership is awarded having received prior nomination from the Section.  Drs Clive Ross CNZM and Jackie Robinson are currently the only Master Fellows in Section VIII.

Section VIII Honorary Life Members
Honorary Life Members are Active or Retired Fellows in good standing who have made an outstanding contribution to our Section of ICD and to the profession and community in our region.  Honorary Life Membership is only conferred after careful investigation has revealed a Fellow to be fully worthy of such a high honour.
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Our current Honorary Life Members are:
  • David Crum ONZM, New Zealand
  • Peter Noblet AM, SA
  • John Owen AM, WA
  • Jackie Robinson, NSW
  • Ron Robinson, NSW
  • Clive Ross CNZM, New Zealand
  • Jenny Smyth AM, QLD
  • David Thomson, QLD
  • Keith Watkins, VIC
 
Section VIII Honorary Fellows
Honorary Fellows are individuals, other than members of the College and not necessarily dentists, who have rendered conspicuous service to the cause of dental science, have contributed to the promotion of the dental profession or have otherwise significantly advanced the dental profession within the Section.
Honorary Fellowship is conferred after careful investigation has revealed said person fully worthy of such high honour.
 
Our current Honorary Fellows are:
  • Laynesh Gebrehiwot, Eritrea
  • Keith Mentiplay, NSW
  • Janette Owen AM, WA
  • Saia Mau Piukala, Kingdom of Tonga
  • Eric Reynolds AO, VIC
  • Alastair Sloan, VIC
  • Catherine Snelling, SA
  • Margie Steffens OAM, SA
  • Wendy Toulmin AM, NSW
  • Janet Wallace, NSW
  • Elizabeth Webb, NZ
  • William Alimani (Democratic Republic of Congo)
  • Ringo Wanzirendi (Democratic Republic of Congo)
 
 CLICK HERE for the current Section VIII database.


For additional information please contact:

Dr Kavita Lobo, Administrative Officer
[email protected]

ICD Council Office Website

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