Lansw Committee

Nigel Balm

President & Treasurer

A technophile, traveller and photographer. I started my career in Medical Pathology, but later had a change of heart and spent the majority of my working life in the travel and tourism industry.

Becoming a lary (2016) was by far my greatest challenge, but I survived and have grown stronger for it.

Peter Tierney

Vice President

Happily retired, with interests in gardening and genealogy. In my working years, I enjoyed 30 years at Grace Bros/MYER in retail administration management. I’ve been a lary since 2009.

Vacant Position

Secretary

Yvonne Byrnes

Committee Member
Welfare Coordinator

I’ve been the LANSW Welfare Coordinator since 2017 and manage the supply of various items, free or sold, to members of the Association. Whenever requested by Speech Pathologists, I also accompany my husband Les when visiting impending larys, offering advice and assurances to their partners about life after the operation.

Chris Barrett

Committee Member
Speech Aids Coordinator

A laryngectomee since 2004. I can help with advice on repairs and loan of speech aids and the sale of batteries for the Servox electrolarynx. I enjoy gardening and general handy man activities, also overseas travel with partner Thayer.

John Chaloner
Life Member

Committee Member

John has been an active and engaged member of the association since 1998. His lived experience as a laryngectomee and his willingness to volunteer his service to the association are invaluable.

Wally Bak

Committee Member
Hunter Valley Liaison

I became a Laryngectomy in 2008. I’m actively involved with education in Western Sydney and the Newcastle region with pre and post operation patients, connecting via zoom, FaceTime, phone and Telehealth education. I also attend several Universities introducing Speech Pathology students to Laryngectomees and I’m the administrator for the “Strictly Speaking” and “Hunter Valley Laryngectomee support group” Facebook groups. Oh, and I love my fishing!!

Vacant Position

Committee Member

If you would like to offer your services and join our committee, please email us using the Contact Us form on our website.