How to submit a DVA mental health claim online?

Associate Professor Charana Perera

MBBS.FRANZCP
Founder, Consultant Psychiatrist, Clinical Director

Dr Charana Perera is a highly experienced Consultant Psychiatrist and the Founder of March Ahead, a specialist service providing independent psychiatric assessments for veterans. With a strong commitment to clinical excellence and impartiality, he leads a team dedicated to delivering objective, evidence-based psychiatric evaluations for Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) claims and medico-legal reporting.

Dr Perera has five years of specialist experience in general adult psychiatry, with expertise in trauma-related disorders, veterans’ mental health, and medico-legal psychiatry. His professional background includes perinatal and women’s mental health, reflecting a broad and nuanced understanding of psychiatric conditions across diverse populations. Having served in the Royal Australian Army, Dr Perera possesses first-hand insight into the psychological challenges faced by veterans. His military experience enables him to approach psychiatric assessments with a deep understanding of service-related mental health conditions, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, and neuropsychiatric conditions linked to mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). This background allows him to assess complex cases with both clinical accuracy and contextual awareness, ensuring a fair and balanced evaluation for medico-legal purposes.

At March Ahead, Dr Perera ensures that all psychiatric assessments are conducted with the highest professional and ethical standards, adhering to the guidelines set by AHPRA, RANZCP, and DVA requirements. His role involves conducting independent psychiatric evaluations for veterans seeking compensation through DVA claims, ensuring that assessments are thorough, objective, and clinically robust. As the lead psychiatrist, he oversees a team of specialist psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, maintaining a rigorous and impartial assessment process to uphold the integrity of each evaluation. In addition to his clinical work, Dr Perera remains actively engaged in veteran mental health research, advocating for best-practice approaches in psychiatric evaluations to enhance the quality and accuracy of assessments in the medico-legal field.

Dr Perera is actively involved in veteran-oriented research and collaborates with Gallipoli Medical Research to advance the understanding of mental health conditions affecting veterans. His research focuses on the long-term psychological impact of service-related trauma, mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), and the effectiveness of treatment approaches tailored for veterans. His contributions aim to bridge the gap between clinical practice, research, and policy development to enhance mental health outcomes for former service members.

He is also engaged in education, professional development, and industry collaboration, hosting peer discussions, medico-legal training, and research initiatives to enhance the field of military psychiatry and medico-legal assessments.

Beyond his professional work, Dr Perera is dedicated to promoting veteran wellbeing through research, community engagement, and sponsorship initiatives. He is currently developing a veteran mental health retreat, focusing on holistic rehabilitation, social reintegration, and structured psychiatric care for veterans, particularly female veterans.

As the driving force behind March Ahead, Dr Perera remains committed to ensuring that veterans receive thorough, independent, and clinically robust psychiatric assessments, reinforcing the service’s reputation for professional integrity and excellence in the medico-legal field.

Holly Dev

BEng/BComm
Director and Business Manager

Dr. Varuni De Silva

MBBS. MD psych. FRANZCP
Consultant Psychiatrist

Dr Varuni de Silva is a Consultant Psychiatrist with extensive experience in clinical psychiatry, medical education, and research. She currently serves as a Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at Flinders Medical Centre, SA Health, and consults privately at Precision Health SA.

Dr de Silva holds an MBBS and an MD (Doctorate in Medicine) from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and is a Fellow of the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP). She maintains specialist registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and has previously held consultant and academic roles in Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.

Before relocating to Australia, Dr de Silva was a Professor in Psychiatry and Consultant Psychiatrist at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. Her academic contributions include serving as the Head of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colombo and holding editorial positions for several psychiatry journals, including BMC Psychiatry, the Ceylon Medical Journal, and the Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry.

Dr de Silva has an extensive research background, having authored over 50 publications in PubMed-indexed journals. Her expertise spans a range of psychiatric domains, including general adult psychiatry, mental health promotion, and substance use. She has also contributed to national and international mental health education through published books and manuals on clinical psychiatry, dementia care, and smoking cessation interventions.

In addition to her clinical and academic roles, Dr de Silva is actively involved in professional organisations. She is a member of the South Australian Branch Committee of RANZCP, the Australian and New Zealand Psychiatrists with International Qualifications Committee, and a founding member of the Sri Lankan Psychiatrists Association of Australia and New Zealand (SLPAANZ). With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Dr de Silva brings a wealth of expertise in psychiatric assessment, medical education, and research, reinforcing her commitment to advancing mental health care in Australia and beyond.

Laura Bowen

Executive Support Coordinator

Laura is the Executive Support Coordinator at March Ahead, bringing over a decade of experience in administration, executive support, and virtual assistance across healthcare, legal, and corporate settings. Highly organised and detail-oriented, she is adept at streamlining processes, managing complex schedules, coordinating communications, and ensuring seamless operational efficiency. Her ability to multitask and maintain meticulous attention to detail makes her an invaluable asset to the team.

Laura’s extensive experience in healthcare administration has equipped her with the skills to liaise effectively with clinicians, patients, and stakeholders. She is a highly skilled communicator who fosters strong professional relationships while ensuring that all client interactions are handled with efficiency and discretion. Her ability to anticipate needs and proactively address challenges ensures the smooth operation of March Ahead’s daily functions.

With a background in psychological sciences and a diploma in professional writing and editing, Laura brings a unique blend of analytical thinking, structured organisation, and strong written communication skills to her role. She is passionate about delivering high-quality administrative support and is committed to optimising workflow, enhancing efficiency, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.

Outside of work, Laura enjoys reading, writing, and exploring developments in psychology and mental health. Her dedication to excellence, reliability, and strong work ethic make her an integral part of the March Ahead team, ensuring the organisation operates seamlessly and efficiently.

Teah Enslin

Relationships Executive

Teah is the Business Promotion, GP, and RSL Liaison Officer at March Ahead, bringing her passion for mental health, community engagement, and relationship building to the role. With a background in psychology, she has a strong understanding of mental health and wellbeing, particularly in the veteran community. Having grown up in a military family, with her father being a veteran, Teah has a deep appreciation for the challenges faced by those who have served and is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between healthcare providers and veteran support networks.

An avid animal lover, Teah has a lifelong passion for horses and the outdoors. She owns horses, dogs, and a variety of other animals, finding great fulfilment in caring for them. A keen horse rider, she enjoys spending time in nature, whether riding through open fields, camping under the stars, or exploring the world through her travels. Her adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors reflect her appreciation for freedom, exploration, and new experiences.

In her role at March Ahead, Teah is committed to building strong relationships with general practitioners, RSL clubs, and key stakeholders to promote accessible and high-quality psychiatric services for veterans. She thrives on engaging with healthcare professionals and community organisations, ensuring that those in need are aware of the services available to them. With a warm and approachable nature, Teah excels in fostering rapport, facilitating communication, and supporting the growth of March Ahead through strategic networking and outreach.

Whether she’s in the office, out in the field liaising with GPs and RSLs, or enjoying time with her animals, Teah is passionate about making a difference in the lives of veterans and their families. Her unique combination of professional expertise, personal experience, and love for the outdoors makes her a valued member of the March Ahead team.

Nadia Story

Practice Manager

Nadia is the Practice Manager at March Ahead, bringing a wealth of experience in healthcare administration and operations. With over a decade of experience in Queensland Health, she has worked across diverse administrative roles, developing a strong understanding of healthcare systems, patient coordination, and efficient practice management. Prior to her tenure in Queensland Health, Nadia gained valuable expertise in radiology and other allied health services, further broadening her knowledge of clinical and administrative workflows.

As a dedicated professional, Nadia is committed to ensuring the smooth operation of March Ahead, overseeing daily practice management with precision and care. She excels in streamlining processes, ensuring a seamless flow from initial inquiries to final assessments. Her expertise in effective communication enables her to liaise professionally with patients, clinicians, and stakeholders, ensuring clarity and efficiency at every step. Known for her personable approach, she builds strong rapport with both patients and colleagues, creating a welcoming and professional environment where individuals feel respected and valued.

Nadia takes pride in delivering exceptional customer service, ensuring that every interaction is handled with empathy, professionalism, and efficiency. Her ability to anticipate patient needs and proactively address concerns enhances the overall experience, reinforcing March Ahead’s commitment to excellence in independent psychiatric assessments.

Outside of work, Nadia enjoys spending time with family and friends, embracing opportunities to travel and explore new experiences. She is dedicated to maintaining a balanced lifestyle while bringing her expertise, leadership, and commitment to outstanding patient care to the team at March Ahead.

Lance Johnson OAM

Executive manager, Veteran Integration and relationships

Lance enlisted in the Army as a medical assistant in 1988. Having risen to the rank of warrant officer class two, he became a commissioned officer in the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps and held a range of appointments at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels. Lance has been deployed to Somalia, Papua New Guinea (Tsunami response team), East Timor (1999 and 2001), Bougainville and Iraq (2007 and 2018). He joined DVA in May 2013 as the Darwin Manager – Rehabilitation and Compensation and was acting Deputy Commissioner Northern Territory from July 2015 to July 2017. In the latter role, Lance recommenced remote outreach engagement, greatly assisting isolated and vulnerable veterans. He also substantially increased DVA’s profile and client numbers throughout the Northern Territory and Kimberley region. In July 2018, Lance was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his outstanding commitment to the Northern Territory community. In 2016, Lance planned and conducted an ADF transition project to examine how to reduce stress on members discharging from the ADF and increase awareness of their DVA entitlements. As a result of this work, Lance transferred (and relocated to Brisbane) to the Defence Engagement team and later Operational Performance Improvement to be a key engagement leader in national and strategic projects including the Special Forces Project and Transition Health Assessment.

In April 2018, Lance returned to the Army to deploy to IRAQ as the Health Advisor to the Australian Task Group and used this period to learn from current veterans on operations the knowledge gaps. From this Lance was able to plan and design a National Engagement and Education Model which is the current model used by DVA today. Throughout 2019, Lance personally briefed approx. 20000 ADF members. In March 2020, Lance ceased with DVA and commenced providing a Veteran Coaching model (at no cost) to Australian Veterans globally to achieve superior results. This coaching model has been provided to many of the most senior ADF officers/Warrant Officers, Senior Executive Service, and highly decorated veterans. Lance is often engaged to provide Subject Expertise on Veteran policy to commissions, forums and emerging policy and is an extremely trusted individual. Lance uses the quote “Knowledge Dispels Fear” (Lance was a Parachute Jump master in 3 RAR) and to positively reinforce a “can do” feeling with the veterans he meets. Lance is married to Danielle (25-year Army veteran) with 2 adult daughters – Paramedic and Royal Australian Air Force Officer.

Sarah Brooks

Operations Manager

Sarah has dedicated over a decade to the healthcare industry, bringing a wealth of experience across multiple domains, including paediatrics, aged care, and adult mental health. Her career has spanned both hospital and community care settings across Brisbane, allowing her to develop a deep understanding of patient needs at various life stages. With a strong clinical background and a compassionate approach, Sarah has worked alongside multidisciplinary teams, ensuring holistic and person-centred care for patients and their families.

Coming from a proud military family, Sarah has a deep personal connection to the veteran community. Her grandfather served in the Vietnam War, her father is a veteran, and she has multiple other close family members who have also served in the Australian Defence Force. This background has given her a profound appreciation for the challenges that veterans face, particularly in relation to health and wellbeing. Her passion for working in healthcare extends to ensuring that veterans receive the respect, understanding, and high-quality services they deserve.

A strong advocate for delivering exceptional service, Sarah is passionate about enhancing customer experience and patient satisfaction. She believes in treating every individual with dignity, empathy, and respect, ensuring they feel valued and supported throughout their healthcare journey. Her ability to communicate effectively and navigate complex care pathways allows her to build trusting relationships with patients, families, and healthcare professionals alike.

Beyond her professional life, Sarah is a devoted mother of four and calls North Brisbane home. She treasures family time and enjoys the freedom of travelling across Australia with her husband and children in their caravan, embracing the opportunity to explore new places and create lasting memories. Whether at work or on the road, Sarah is committed to fostering meaningful connections and making a positive impact on the lives of those around her.

Thilan Anuradha

MBA ( USQ). PGD Finance (ICASL). B.Sc
Chief Strategy Officer

Thilan is an accomplished corporate strategist and business leader with extensive experience in driving growth, operational excellence, and market expansion across multiple industries. With a strong background in strategic planning, business transformation, and process optimisation, he has been instrumental in leading organisations towards sustainable success.

His expertise spans corporate governance, financial management, digital transformation, and stakeholder engagement. He has a proven track record of implementing data-driven strategies, fostering high-performing teams, and establishing key partnerships that drive long-term value.

As the Chief Strategy Officer at March Ahead, Thilan plays a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s long-term vision, enhancing operational efficiencies, and strengthening partnerships within the veteran services sector. His leadership is instrumental in aligning business strategy with March Ahead’s commitment to delivering high-quality psychiatric assessments and independent medico-legal reports for veterans.

Known for his analytical mindset and solution-oriented approach, Thilan excels in navigating complex business environments, identifying opportunities for innovation, and enhancing organisational efficiency. His leadership style is centred on collaboration, adaptability, and a commitment to achieving impactful results.

Valuing best practice principles, Thilan continues to contribute to the advancement of businesses through strategic insight, operational agility, and a strong focus on value creation. At March Ahead, he remains dedicated to ensuring that veterans have seamless access to high-quality psychiatric assessments that support their well-being and compensation claims.

Matthew Taylor

B. Psych
Clinical Psychologist

With over 15 years of experience in mental health, Matthew Taylor is a highly skilled Clinical Psychologist with a background in private practice and public health services. His professional experience includes working with current and former service members, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the psychological challenges associated with military service, operational stress, and post-service adjustment.

Matthew has worked extensively in assessment and intervention for individuals with a wide range of mental health concerns, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. He is particularly interested in the psychological resilience of military personnel and the factors that contribute to long-term well-being. His approach is grounded in scientific evidence and a deep understanding of the complexities of trauma with appropriate mental health insights.

Beyond his professional work, Matthew is an avid runner who values the role of physical activity in mental well-being. He appreciates the discipline, endurance, and mental clarity that running provides and often explores the connection between exercise, resilience, and psychological recovery in his work. He believes that movement and structured activity play a significant role in mental health and encourages holistic approaches to psychological well-being.

Dr. Felisa Golingi

BSc (HONS) DClinNeuro MAPS
Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist

Dr Felisa Golingi is a highly qualified Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist. She completed her Bachelor of Science with Honours and Professional Doctorate in Clinical Neuropsychology and Clinical Psychology at the University of Queensland in 2010.

Felisa has extensive experience working with individuals navigating mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, as well as those adjusting to significant life transitions, including changes in identity, health challenges, and shifting life roles. She is skilled in helping individuals manage neuropsychological and psychological complexities, ensuring that each assessment and intervention is tailored to the unique needs of the individual.

Felisa adopts an integrative therapeutic approach, drawing from a range of evidence-based clinical frameworks to structure treatment according to individual needs and goals. She has diverse psychological expertise in promoting resilience, adaptive coping strategies, and functional recovery.

Felisa has worked across both the public and private health sectors, providing individual therapy as well as facilitating group-based therapy in hospital settings. Her dual expertise in psychology and neuropsychology allows her to assess complex cases involving cognitive impairment, PTSD, trauma-related conditions, and neuropsychological sequelae following brain injuries.

Beyond her professional work, Felisa is passionate about health and fitness and is an avid gym and exercise enthusiast. She recognises the powerful connection between physical and mental wellbeing, often incorporating principles of lifestyle psychology and behavioural activation into her clinical framework.

Naomi Carswell

B.Psych
Clinical Psychologist

As a clinical psychologist committed to the mental well-being of veterans, Naomi integrates a nuanced understanding of veteran-specific challenges into her practice. Her areas of expertise encompass a range of psychological issues, including stress management, anxiety, and the regulation of emotions such as anger, which are particularly prevalent among veterans transitioning back to civilian life. She also addresses relationship dynamics, life adjustments, and significant transitions, tailoring her approach to meet the diverse needs of her clients.

Furthermore, Naomi has a specialized interest in women’s mental health, particularly concerning challenges related to conception and the postpartum period, including birth trauma. Her clinical work is deeply informed by an empathetic understanding of the psychological impacts of these experiences, ensuring a supportive and empowering environment for all clients. Through a blend of evidence-based practices and a compassionate therapeutic approach, she aims to assist veterans

Billie LaRosa

B.Psych
Clinical Psychologist

Billie is a highly skilled and experienced Clinical Psychologist, registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). With a diverse background spanning forensic settings, addiction services, private practice, and the public health system, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her clinical work.

Growing up in a military family, Billie has a deep appreciation for the unique challenges faced by veterans. Her father’s service has instilled in her a strong commitment to working with those who have served, particularly in the context of mental health and rehabilitation. She is passionate about veteran mental health, including those navigating complex trauma, adjustment difficulties, and the psychological impact of service-related experiences.

Billie employs a range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Schema Therapy, ensuring a flexible and individualised treatment approach. She has a particular interest in working with individuals experiencing eating disorders, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders, drawing on her extensive clinical experience to support long-term recovery.

Outside of her professional work, Billie is a dedicated CrossFit enthusiast, embracing the discipline and resilience that come with high-intensity training. She recognises the profound connection between physical and mental health and encourages holistic approaches to wellbeing, incorporating movement, lifestyle, and psychological strategies to optimise mental resilience.

Dr. Omer Shareef

MRCPsych. FRANZCP
Consultant Psychiatrist

Dr Omer Shareef is a highly experienced Neuropsychiatrist, currently based at Townsville University Hospital and serving as a Senior Lecturer at James Cook University. Having completed his specialist training in England, UK, Dr Shareef brings extensive expertise in neuropsychiatry, bridging the gap between brain injury, psychiatric conditions, and neurocognitive disorders.

Dr Shareef has a particular interest in veterans’ mental health, with a focus on mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and its long-term psychiatric, neurocognitive, and behavioural impacts. He is committed to advancing understanding in this complex field, recognising that many veterans experience persistent symptoms following service-related head injuries, often manifesting as cognitive dysfunction, mood disturbances, personality changes, and increased susceptibility to psychiatric disorders such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

He is actively involved in the development of a community-led brain injury service, aiming to improve early detection, comprehensive assessment, and multidisciplinary intervention for individuals with brain injuries. His work also emphasises brain health education for veterans, their families, and carers, promoting greater awareness of the challenges associated with brain injuries while providing strategies to reduce caregiver burnout. At March Ahead, Dr Shareef contributes his neuropsychiatric expertise to independent psychiatric assessments for veterans, particularly in the context of DVA claims related to traumatic brain injuries and neuropsychiatric conditions. His approach is evidence-based, impartial, and clinically rigorous, ensuring that each assessment provides a comprehensive evaluation of cognitive, emotional, and behavioural symptoms linked to service-related brain injuries. With a dedication to research, education, and clinical excellence, Dr Shareef plays a crucial role in advancing the understanding of brain injuries among veterans, advocating for structured rehabilitation pathways, and ensuring that psychiatric assessments reflect the complex interplay between neurological and psychiatric conditions. His expertise strengthens March Ahead’s capacity to deliver high-quality, independent assessments that align with best-practice standards in neuropsychiatry and medico-legal reporting.

Dr. Vennela Kalluru

MBBS. MRC Psych. FRANZCP
Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist

Dr Vennela Kalluru is a distinguished Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist currently serving at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health Service in Fairfield, Victoria, since 2019. She earned her MBBS from Manipal Academy of Higher Education in India in 2002, and subsequently completed her postgraduate training in Psychiatry in the United Kingdom. Dr. Kalluru holds a MRCPsych from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK (2008), a CCT in Forensic Psychiatry from the General Medical Council on the recommendation of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK (2011), and is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP) since 2021.

Her professional journey includes extensive experience within the UK where she worked as a Consultant in Psychiatry at The Priory Hospital, Middleton St George, Darlington, and at Roseberry Park Hospital, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust, Middlesbrough, before relocating to Australia. She also completed Higher Specialist Training in Forensic Psychiatry across several respected institutions including Leverndale Hospital, The State Hospital, Rowanbank Medium Secure Clinic, and Ailsa Hospital.

Dr. Kalluru has over 14 years of expertise in psychiatric medico-legal report writing as an expert witness, focusing significantly on historical child sexual abuse. She is an accredited supervisor for psychiatric registrars with RANZCP and is proficient in English, Hindi, and Telugu. Her extensive training and breadth of experience across multiple healthcare systems equip her with a unique perspective in the field of forensic psychiatry.

Dr. Micheal Edwin Elcock

MBBS.FRANZCP
Consultant Psychiatrist

Before pursuing medicine, Dr Elcock served in the Australian Army’s Royal Australian Medical Corps, first as a medic in regular service and later as an officer in the Reserves. His military background provides him with first-hand insight into the unique psychological challenges faced by veterans, including service-related trauma, PTSD, adjustment disorders, and the impact of military culture on mental health. This lived experience of service allows him to approach veteran psychiatric assessments with a deep understanding of military experiences and the complexities of transition to civilian life.

At March Ahead, Dr Elcock provides independent psychiatric assessments for veterans, ensuring that evaluations are thorough, objective, and aligned with best-practice medico-legal standards. His combined experience in military service, psychiatry, and forensic assessment allows him to deliver detailed, impartial, and clinically robust evaluations for DVA claims and other medico-legal purposes.

With a strong commitment to veteran mental health, forensic psychiatry, and independent psychiatric evaluations, Dr Elcock continues to contribute to advancing psychiatric care and research in military mental health while maintaining a professional, balanced, and evidence-based approach to psychiatric assessments.

In addition to his work in general and veteran psychiatry, Dr Elcock holds tertiary forensic qualifications and has provided expert psychiatric testimony for the Tasmanian Supreme Court. His expertise in forensic psychiatry enables him to assess complex medico-legal cases, risk assessments, and psychiatric evaluations within the legal framework.

At March Ahead, Dr Elcock provides independent psychiatric assessments for veterans, ensuring that evaluations are thorough, objective, and aligned with best-practice medico-legal standards. His combined experience in military service, psychiatry, and forensic assessment allows him to deliver detailed, impartial, and clinically robust evaluations for DVA claims and other medico-legal purposes.

With a strong commitment to veteran mental health, forensic psychiatry, and independent psychiatric evaluations, Dr Elcock continues to contribute to advancing psychiatric care and research in military mental health while maintaining a professional, balanced, and evidence-based approach to psychiatric assessments.

Dr. John Perera

FRANZCP, MBBS
Consultant Psychiatrist

Dr John Perera is a highly experienced psychiatrist with over 17 years of expertise in diagnosing and assessing a wide range of mental health conditions, including addictions, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and psychiatry of old age. He has extensive experience in consultation-liaison psychiatry, a field that focuses on the complex interactions between medical conditions and mental health, allowing for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to psychiatric care.

Dr Perera has worked closely with medical units, including the Acquired Brain Injury Unit in Townsville and the Chronic Pain Team, contributing his expertise in neuropsychiatry and functional neurological disorders. His interest in somatic disorders has led him to adopt a holistic approach to psychiatric assessment, considering the interplay between physical health, psychological well-being, and functional recovery. He strongly values the integration of evidence-based psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications alongside traditional psychiatric treatments.

Dr Perera has a deep commitment to military and veteran mental health and is actively involved in a military and veterans peer group, where he contributes to discussions on service-related psychiatric conditions, trauma, and rehabilitation. He also conducts Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) psychiatric assessments, applying a clinically rigorous and impartial approach to evaluating PTSD, adjustment disorders, chronic pain-related psychiatric conditions, and the long-term impact of military service on mental health.

Dr Perera completed his medical degree at North Colombo Medical College in Sri Lanka before moving to Australia to undertake psychiatric training in Queensland, where he achieved Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP). Over the course of his career, he has worked in major public hospitals across Queensland, including The Townsville Hospital, Gold Coast Hospital, and Logan Hospital (Metro South), gaining extensive experience in both acute and community-based psychiatry.

At March Ahead, Dr Perera brings his expertise in neuropsychiatry, trauma, addiction, and consultation-liaison psychiatry to independent psychiatric assessments for veterans, ensuring that evaluations are comprehensive, objective, and aligned with best-practice standards. His broad clinical background, combined with his dedication to veteran mental health, allows him to assess complex psychiatric presentations with clinical precision and contextual awareness of military service-related challenges. Beyond his professional work, Dr Perera is an avid reader with a keen interest in philosophy. He resides on the Gold Coast with his wife and daughter and enjoys spending time outdoors, walking his Labrador, Charlie, and Cavoodle, Zuko.

Dr. Ashlea White

BAPPSCI, MD, FRANZCP
Consultant Psychiatrist

Dr Ashlea White is a highly qualified psychiatrist with a special interest in adult psychiatry, addiction, and veterans’ mental health. She has completed advanced training in addiction psychiatry and adult psychiatry through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) and has worked extensively across both public and private psychiatric settings.

Dr White comes from a family with a history of service in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), which has shaped her deep commitment to veteran mental health and the unique psychological challenges faced by military personnel. She has a particular interest in gender and female veterans’ mental health, with a focus on trauma, PTSD, addiction, and the intersection of service-related experiences with broader mental health concerns. She is passionate about addressing the unique barriers female veterans face in accessing mental health care, advocating for gender-sensitive approaches in psychiatric assessment and treatment.

Before pursuing medicine, Dr White initially trained in Medical Imaging at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and worked in this field for several years before transitioning to a career in medicine. She later completed her Medical Degree at Griffith University, followed by her internship at Caboolture Hospital and specialist training at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH), Mater Hospital Brisbane, and Queensland Children’s Hospital. During her training, she also completed the Mater Neuropsychiatry Certificate, further enhancing her expertise in complex psychiatric presentations.

Dr White achieved Fellowship of the RANZCP in 2022 and currently practices across multiple settings. At March Ahead, she provides independent psychiatric assessments with a focus on veteran mental health and addiction-related conditions, ensuring that evaluations are thorough, objective, and evidence-based. In addition, she works as an addiction psychiatrist at Ipswich Hospital, provides public rural telehealth services in regional Victoria, and holds admitting rights at New Farm Clinic.

Dr White is actively involved in psychiatric education, policy development, and professional advocacy. She is a member of multiple RANZCP committees, including the Adult Faculty Committee and Gender Equity Committee, where she contributes to advancing gender equity and best-practice approaches in psychiatric care. She is also a member of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and serves as part of the medical workforce group, advocating for improvements in psychiatric training, workforce sustainability, and access to mental health care in rural and underserved communities.

Her clinical expertise, combined with her commitment to veteran mental health, gender-focused psychiatry, and addiction treatment, allows her to provide high-quality, evidence-based psychiatric care tailored to the unique needs of ADF veterans, female veterans, and individuals facing complex mental health challenges.

Dr. Melanie Blenkin

MBBS FRANZCP
Consultant Psychiatrist

Dr Blenkin is a highly skilled psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry, perinatal mental health, and veteran mental health, with a special focus on female veterans and women’s health. She completed her medical training at the University of Queensland, undertaking clinical placements in Brisbane and Nambour on the Sunshine Coast where she discovered her passion for psychiatry. Following the completion of her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), she completed her junior doctor years at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, gaining comprehensive experience across general medicine and mental health care.

She then pursued specialist training with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), working across a range of public and private hospitals in Brisbane and Sydney. During her training, Dr Blenkin completed a six-month rotation in perinatal psychiatry, working with both inpatient and outpatient services. This experience has uniquely positioned her to support women facing perinatal mental health challenges such as postpartum depression, anxiety, birth trauma, and perinatal PTSD. Her expertise in women’s mental health also extends to addressing the distinctive needs of female veterans, who often encounter the overlapping impacts of military service, trauma, and reproductive health issues.

Dr Blenkin further honed her clinical skills while working at the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, where she benefited from expert mentorship. Upon completing her fellowship, she became a Fellow of the RANZCP and currently serves as a staff specialist at The Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane. At March Ahead, Dr Blenkin provides independent psychiatric assessments for veterans, ensuring that evaluations are comprehensive, impartial, and in line with best-practice clinical standards. Her work focuses on assessing and treating conditions such as PTSD, mood disorders, anxiety, and adjustment disorders, particularly in the context of service-related trauma and the unique challenges experienced by female veterans.

Dr Blenkin’s approach is both holistic and compassionate, underpinned by a commitment to evidence-based care and continuous professional development in women’s mental health and trauma-informed psychiatry.

Dr. Victoria Satchwell

MBBS (Lond), MRCPsych, FRANZCP, Cert Addiction. Psych
Consultant Psychiatrist

Dr Victoria Satchwell is a highly experienced Consultant Psychiatrist, with over 20 years of expertise in general adult, addiction, and trauma-related psychiatry. She completed her specialist training in the United Kingdom, gaining membership in the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) in 2006, before moving to Australia, where she was awarded Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP) in 2010. Dr Satchwell holds specialist addiction psychiatry qualifications from both colleges, further strengthening her expertise in managing substance use disorders, dual diagnoses, and complex psychiatric presentations.

Throughout her career, Dr Satchwell has worked extensively in public mental health services across New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, treating individuals with a broad range of psychiatric conditions. She has significant experience in psychosis, addiction, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma-related conditions, delivering care across acute, community, and specialist psychiatric settings. Now working in private practice in Brisbane, she continues to provide expert assessment and management of complex mental health presentations, with a particular interest in veteran mental health and women’s mental health.

Dr Satchwell has worked with veterans in both inpatient and outpatient settings, recognising the unique challenges associated with military service and post-service adjustment. She is highly experienced in assessing PTSD, complex trauma, and service-related mental health conditions, applying a clinically rigorous yet sensitive approach to understanding the impact of military experiences on long-term psychological well-being.

Her passion for women’s mental health is reflected in her work with female veterans and women facing mental health challenges across different life stages, including those related to trauma, identity, reproductive health, and transitioning roles within military and civilian life. She has also worked in youth mental health services, recognising the importance of early intervention and tailored support for younger individuals navigating mental health concerns.

At March Ahead, Dr Satchwell provides independent psychiatric assessments for veterans, ensuring that each evaluation is comprehensive, impartial, and evidence-based. She believes in conducting assessments with sensitivity and respect, acknowledging the personal and psychological impact of recounting traumatic experiences while maintaining a thorough and objective approach to psychiatric reporting.

With her broad clinical expertise, dedication to best-practice psychiatry, and commitment to veteran mental health, Dr Satchwell continues to contribute significantly to the assessment and management of service-related mental health conditions, ensuring that veterans receive accurate, fair, and well-informed psychiatric evaluations.

How to submit a DVA mental health claim online?

This is a resource from the DVA Website