Team Spotlight: Dr Anna Hawkes
Since joining Hepatitis Queensland in May 2024, Dr Anna Hawkes has brought a strong commitment to public health and a passion for health equity. With an extensive background in health research, service delivery, and executive management, Anna is deeply motivated by the opportunity to lead a diverse, high-performing team working towards the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030.
Anna’s dedication to improving health outcomes for Queensland’s most disadvantaged communities, particularly First Nations people and those in remote areas, reflects both her professional expertise and personal drive to make a meaningful impact.
What excites you about your role?
The opportunity to do great work by leading a high performing, diverse and inclusive team committed to the elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
What’s something you’ve learned in the past month?
At the Viral Hepatitis conference in Darwin, I learned more about the WHO Guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, care and treatment of people with chronic hepatitis B infection. There are 11 updated chapters with new recommendations including expanded and simplified treatment criteria for adults and adolescents.
What interests you about working in health?
I’ve always wanted to work in health and can’t see myself doing anything else. I’ve worked as a health researcher, in health service delivery in metro, regional and remote locations, and in executive health management roles. I continue to be motivated by the need to provide an accessible and inclusive health system to improve physical and mental health and wellbeing for our most disadvantaged groups. I’m particularly passionate about closing the gap for First Nations peoples, people in regional and remote locations of Queensland, and people of low socioeconomic status.
What’s the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I worked as a busker playing the clarinet in the 1980s. It was happy days for buskers when the $1 coin came out in ‘84 and then the $2 coin in ‘88.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Cycling, running, cooking, and reading.
Who inspires you?
The consumers and people we support at Hepatitis Queensland, and those I’ve supported working for other community-based organisations. It’s my why.
What’s a fun fact about you people may not know?
I can break an apple in half with my bare hands.
What three words best describe you?
Motivated, authentic, curious.
