Children of Mauritius Medical and Surgical Support Association
COMMSSA Western Australia Inc.
Management Committee (2025-2026)
COMMSSA is managed by a Management Committee of volunteers, elected each year at the Annual General Meeting. Committee members receive no remuneration or benefit. The administrative costs are kept to the bare minimum, enabling us to use the largest possible percentage of our funds towards improving the quality of life of a child from Mauritius.
The Management Committee consists of four Office Bearers (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer) and up to 8 ordinary members. Current members of the Committee vacate their position each year but are eligible for re-election. Any financial member of the Association is eligible for nomination and election to any of the positions on the Management Committee at the AGM, provided their nomination is proposed and seconded by a financial member of the Association.
The Management Committee Members for 2025-2026
Office Bearers
President
Gilbert Tourneur
I am Gilbert Tourneur, and I bring over 40 years of experience in the finance industry. Throughout my career, I have managed extensive customer portfolios and served as a Bank Manager across multiple branches. My work has involved supporting both high-profile clients and everyday customers with equal commitment and professionalism. Beyond banking, I have owned and operated several businesses, including a childcare centre, a commercial cleaning business, a finance broking business and a lotto kiosk. I hold a Diploma in Accounting, a Degree in Banking and Finance and I am a Senior Associate of the Australian Institute of Bankers. I was also the Treasurer and President of the Bayswater Petanque club on numerous occasions.
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I have proudly served as the Treasurer of COMMSSA for five years and have now been elected President. I am dedicated to elevating the Association to new heights and continuing our mission to bring joy and meaningful support to less fortunate children in Mauritius and Rodrigues.
Vice-President
Nic Castagnette
Nicolas (Nic) Castagnette is an experienced educator and community-builder with 20+ years in international education & relations, academic program management, and student recruitment & welfare. Nic is also the founder of Nuanced, a boutique community development organisation centred on cultural identity and diaspora storytelling, and he tutors in Murdoch University’s Master of Community Development. An artist and former Mauritius national volleyball athlete, his cultural productions and photographic work amplify community
narratives.
Ms Christine Antoine
Secretary
I was honoured to be nominated on the Management Committee of this wonderful association in 2024. In the 2025 AGM, I was elected to the position of the secretary. I pledge to promote COMMSSA’s charitable mission aiming to contribute to raising funds, so that children in need receive the care and support they deserve. My late mum, Joslyne, was a valued member of the Committee, serving as Treasurer for three years. She also hosted a family whose child was receiving treatment in Perth. I aspire to continue her legacy by helping make a meaningful impact in the lives of disadvantaged children. Thank you for joining us on this rewarding journey of compassion and generosity.
Mr Patrick Thatcher
Treasurer
Patrick’s professional background provides 20 + years’ experience in the Business advisory sector where he specialises in Tax & Accounting for Small to Medium size enterprises.
Both as a business owner, a senior tax adviser and more recently as a Partner of a mid-tier firm, Patrick has shown the passion he has for assisting his clients to grow and maximise their wealth by taking a holistic but conservative approach to his clients’ affairs.
Patrick is qualified Accountant, Fellow of the Institute of Public Accountants and a Registered Tax Agent. When he is not focusing on his figures, Patrick spends his leisure time creating Oil & Water Colour paintings for relaxation
Medical Directors
Medical Director
Dr Mariam Bahemia
For many years, Dr Mariam Bahemia has served as Vice-President, President, and as Medical Director alongside Dr Serge Toussaint. While she is no longer an office bearer, she continues to play a vital role on the Committee in her capacity as Medical Director.
One day, in 1994, during my surgical term at St John of God Hospital in Subiaco, Serge introduced me to COMMSSA over a cup of tea. He told me how it had all started, and about the work he, Monique and successive Committees had done since 1991 to improve the health of poor Mauritian children. My late father was a GP from Mauritius; I was eager to become involved in something that would rekindle the Mauritian in me. I joined the Management Committee in 1995. After some time overseas, I was re-elected to the Committee in 2016.
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My involvement with COMMSSA is one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling aspects of my life. In 2017, 2018 and 2019, I travelled to Mauritius and Rodrigues in connection with the Stoma/Wound care project. The memories of those short, busy but rewarding self-funded trips with Serge, Monique - and the team of nurses from Australia - will stay with me forever.
Joint Medical Director
Dr Serge Toussaint
Founding Member
Serge, a founding member of COMMSSA, has served on the Management Committee since 1991 and has held the positions of President, Vice-President, Secretary and Medical Director. Serge now sits on the Committee as an Ordinary member and assists Dr Bahemia within the Medical Director portfolio.
Serge has served on the Management Committee since he initiated the foundation of COMMSSA in 1991. He was the first President of the Association and occupied that position for several years. In 2000 he took over the role of Medical Director from Dr Harry Dumbell.
He has worn the Secretary’s shoes from 2020 until 2024. As joint Medical Director, with Dr Mariam Bahemia, he is still involved in the assessment of disadvantaged children from Mauritius and Rodrigues, referred to Australia for surgery or receiving treatment in private hospitals in Mauritius.
For the first time in 33 years Serge, like Monique, will be an ordinary member and not an office bearer on the Management Committee. He believes that the time has come for the elders to stand back a little. At the same time, he knows that sharing their accumulated knowledge and expertise will be invaluable to the younger members who will continue COMMSSA’s mission over the coming years.
Ordinary Members
Mrs Mirella Augustin
Jacques and I have four healthy grandchildren; we often think of the heartache of so many poor parents in Mauritius who cannot afford the best treatment for their sick children. I joined the Management Committee nearly ten years ago because I know that COMMSSA does make a difference in the life of many children. Jacques and I help, as much as we can, at COMMSSA’s fundraising functions. Please support us by attending our functions with your families and friends.
Ms Anaïs Ducray
As a young professional, I am deeply committed to creating a positive impact on public health and contributing to my community. Since joining the Management Committee in 2019, I have embraced COMMSSA’s mission: to enhance health outcomes for disadvantaged children in Mauritius and Rodrigues.
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In 2020, I organised a children’s Christmas party, and in 2021, a Tropical-themed dance that raised essential funds for COMMSSA.During my time in Mauritius in 2023, we collaborated closely with Curtin Mauritius, focusing on the Stoma Care Program—workshops designed to enhance nurses’ education on stoma care to improve health outcomes for all.
Ms Yashtee Boodhun
Mr Alexandre Joseph
I was delighted when I was invited to become part of the COMMSSA family in 2023 and be
given the opportunity of making a difference in the lives of needy Mauritian children. I was born
in Mauritius and moved to Perth 16 years ago. After only one year, I have been elected to the
position of Secretary on the Management Committee.
It is a challenging task, but one that I willingly accept and for which I believe I have the necessary skills. I hold a Marketing and Management degree and have hosted a variety of events across Perth over the last decade. In my new position, I will use my combined skills and wide experience to help the Association reach new heights as it continues its charitable mission of providing assistance to disadvantaged children from Mauritius and Rodrigues.
My name is Alexandre Joseph and I am an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. I have a Bachelors in Exercise Science and Rehabilitation Sciences and a Master in Clinical Exercise Physiology at Curtin University. I have clinical experience delivering evidence-based interventions across cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, metabolic, neurological and occupational health settings.
I have expertise in managing complex workers' compensation caseloads as a treating clinician and conducting comprehensive pre-employment medicals for 1000+ workers across metropolitan and remote WA locations. I am committed to multidisciplinary collaboration, patient-centred care delivery, and achieving measurable clinical outcomes in Perth's dynamic healthcare landscape
Mrs Nadine Huron
Family Liasion Officer
Founding Member
Mrs Monique Malié
In June 2025 Dr Mariam Bahemia, then President of COMMSSA WA, proposed, and the Management Committee agreed that Mrs Monique Malié be appointed as the Association’s first Family Liaison Officer.
Given her long involvement with “COMMSSA’s children”, their families, and the hospitals caring for them, Monique’s role is to provide essential support to families of children referred to COMMSSA WA for medical and surgical care in Australia, as well as in Mauritius and Rodrigues. She will act as a communication bridge between the families and COMMSSA’s medical and administrative teams, providing compassionate guidance throughout each child’s care journey and ensuring clear information and timely follow-up when required.
 
As one of the founding members of COMMSSA–SACIM WA in 1991, Monique has served on the Management Committee until 2024. She was President for nearly half the life of the Association, and Vice-President or Secretary for several years. Her leadership and unwavering commitment have been vital to the survival and strength of the Association. Over the years, Monique has been the driving force as Events and Functions organiser.
Whilst no longer a member of the Management Committee, Monique still has much to offer and is willing to share her extensive experience, particularly with members newly elected to serve on the Committee.