CORE TEAM
Our Board
PCD Australia Foundation was formed in 2013.
Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Australia is a registered Australian charity led by a volunteer Board and committee united by a shared commitment to improving the lives of people living with PCD.
Our leadership team combines lived experience with professional expertise across healthcare, advocacy, governance, marketing and operations. We work closely with respiratory physicians and researchers nationally to strengthen awareness, clinical understanding and coordinated care for this rare condition.
Our Executive Team
We are committed to building a strong, sustainable organisation that advocates for better diagnosis, national standards of care, and long-term research outcomes for the PCD community.
Catherine Kruljac
President, PCD Australia
Founder of PCD Australia, Catherine was diagnosed with PCD at age 11 after years of misdiagnosis. She is a leading national and international advocate for improved PCD care, research, and patient voice, while living an active life despite significantly reduced lung function.
John Bachmann
Secretary, PCD Australia
John is an experienced educator with 18 years across Australia, the UK, and special needs education. He holds a bachelors in Physical Education, and a Masters in Education He brings strong governance, planning, and collaboration skills to the Foundation, alongside lived experience as the father of a child with PCD.
Melissa Bachmann
Fundraising & Partnerships, PCD Australia
Melissa has 20+ years’ experience in marketing, partnerships, and business strategy across corporate and not-for-profit sectors. She brings deep expertise in fundraising, digital innovation, and scalable program development, informed by her experience as a mother of a child with PCD.
Darren Borrington
Treasurer, PCD Australia
Darren is a finance professional and mortgage broker with a strong background in financial management and sustainability. His involvement with PCD Australia is deeply personal, as the father of a son living with PCD.
Rebecca Borrington
Communications, PCD Australia
Rebecca is an organisational development and communications specialist with 15+ years’ experience across leading institutions, including the Sydney Opera House. She brings a strong people-focused approach to storytelling, engagement, and impact, alongside lived experience as a parent of a child with PCD.
Stephanie March
PCD Committee Member, PCD Australia
Stephanie is a rural health advocate and founder of MERCI Co. She brings a background in occupational therapy, primary education, and farm business management, alongside lived experience as the parent of a child with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD). Stephanie lives and works on a broadacre cropping and livestock farm in South Australia and advocates for improved support for families navigating rare disease and chronic medical conditions.
What PCD Australia Has Achieved
Established PCD Australia in 2013 as the national charity representing Australians living with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia.
Contributed to Australian and global PCD research, including participation in the international COVID-PCD Study.
Created a national voice for people and families affected by PCD, addressing gaps in awareness, diagnosis, and coordinated care.
Secured and completed a joint research grant with Lung Foundation Australia through the Hope Foundation.
Built a national support network connecting patients, families, clinicians, and researchers.
Strengthened international collaboration through participation in global patient representative forums.
Raised awareness of PCD through Rare Disease Day and engagement with rare disease networks.
Elevated the patient voice at major clinical forums, including the World Bronchiectasis Conference (2024).
Represented lived experience in national and international advisory groups, influencing research, clinical trials, and policy discussions.
Continued advocacy for earlier diagnosis, equitable access to specialist care, and improved long-term outcomes.
Timeline & History
PCD Australia founded by Catherine Kruljac in response to delayed diagnosis, limited awareness, and fragmented care for Australians with PCD.
Registered as a charity to provide advocacy, education, and community support.
Focus on community building and awareness, including Rare Disease Day participation.
Early collaboration with clinicians, researchers, and rare disease organisations.
Establishment of a national PCD support network.
Expansion into active advocacy and research collaboration
Representation on advisory groups contributing lived experience to research design and policy
Participation in the international COVID-PCD Study during the pandemic
Strengthened international engagement and research partnerships
October 2023: Catherine Kruljac attends the first international PCD patient representative meeting in London
Completion of a joint research grant with Lung Foundation Australia via the Hope Foundation
PCD Australia represented at the World Bronchiectasis Conference (Brisbane)
Catherine Kruljac participates as a panel member alongside leading clinicians and researchers
Continued work on registries, research collaboration, and national advocacy
PCD Australia is the recognised national voice for Australians living with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Ongoing commitment to awareness, early diagnosis, research, advocacy, and equitable care