Meet the team at Home Hill Surgery

Lorenza Onella
Registered Nurse

Registered nurse Lorenza Onella has been a committed presence in Home Hill since 2020, with plans to stay until retirement. Her nursing journey was driven by a natural curiosity and comfort around medical professionals from a young age.

“I wasn’t scared of any doctors or dentists. I was curious who they are,” she recalls.

Originally from the Philippines, Lorenza holds a Bachelor of Commercial Science. Inspired by her sister, who has lived in Australia since the 1990s, she moved to Australia, initially intending to migrate to Canada. In 2008, she earned a Certificate IV in Nursing, followed by a Bachelor of Nursing to secure permanent residency.

Lorenza has known Dr. Tata since 2015, when Dr. Griffiths was still in practice. She fondly remembers the transformation of the clinic from a pharmacy to Dr. Tata's own practice in 2018. She especially enjoys working with elderly patients, saying, “My main goal is to help elderly people maintain their quality of life until the end of their lives.”

Before moving to Home Hill, Lorenza spent seven years in Melbourne. “I love this place. It feels like home,” she says.

Lorenza loves sewing, a skill learned from her mother, and enjoys making dresses and costumes for her children.

Passionate about alleviating poverty, Lorenza is involved in organising volunteer work to provide food for the hungry. Upon retirement, she hopes to continue this mission in the Philippines. Married with two children and one grandson, she believes Australia is a beautiful country with fortunate people.

“Just be happy, spread love, and keep the peace,” she advises. “Live life to the fullest because life is short. Problems are always there, but a big heart can make a difference.”

Describe yourself in three words: A big heart

Andrea Blain
Medical Receptionist

For the past 12 months, Andrea Blain has embraced her role as a medical receptionist, finding joy and fulfillment in helping people. "I love that it’s helping people and there’s a lot more involved than I ever thought. It challenges you every day," she says. Each day brings new opportunities to make a difference, and she values the rewarding nature of her work.

One of the highlights of her job is the vibrant and festive culture at the practice. "They love their parties. Christmas, Easter, and birthdays are so much fun," she shares. Dressing up in saris, enjoying cultural food, and dancing at dinners have made her feel like part of an extended family. The practice has grown from a small place to a thriving hub, and she admires the team’s dedication to doing their job properly.

Despite still learning the ropes, Andrea has discovered that her talent lies in empathy and understanding people. She takes pride in fitting patients in when there’s no one else available, ensuring they get the care they need. "There’s a few times I fit in a few people, and they really needed it," she recalls. She enjoys handling scan referrals, knowing it’s the start of patients getting on their way to feeling well.

Born in Mount Isa, Andrea has lived in the area since she was about five years old. Her previous jobs include working at Regis and a stint at the mill for a season. Outside of work, she enjoys repurposing furniture, woodworking, and collecting succulents.

Family is central to her life, with two married children, soon-to-be three grandchildren, two dogs, and her partner, Josh. They also take care of her mother. With her passion for helping others and her dedication to her family, Andrea continues to make a positive impact in her community, one day at a time.

Describe yourself in three words: colourful, hardworking, eccentric

Fina Raitelli
Administration And Reception

For the past seven years, Fina Raitelli has been the welcoming face of Dr. Tata's practice, transitioning from the old practice to the new one. "I love having something different to bookwork. I really enjoy the patient contact, especially the regulars," she shares. The practice has grown significantly, expanding from one doctor to six at times, and now stabilising at five, along with a variety of extra services. "It’s been amazing really," she adds.

Multitasking is her specialty, seamlessly balancing administration and reception duties. "Having a good friendship with the doctors has been wonderful as well. It’s like a family," she says, appreciating the supportive and familial atmosphere at work. Her extensive knowledge of the business and the area makes her a valuable resource for her colleagues.

Born and raised in Ayr, Fina has deep roots in the community. Married with two daughters, her past jobs have centred around bookkeeping. She attended Burdekin Catholic High School, completing her education up to grade 10. Her passion for travel has taken her to Dubai, Paris, Switzerland, Italy, and the UK. "My next destination is the Netherlands, and I plan to visit Italy and Switzerland again within the next 12 months," she reveals.

Family is at the heart of Fina's life. She cherishes time with her three grandchildren and enjoys visits with her daughters, Melissa and Kirsten. Married to her childhood sweetheart, Craig, for 40 years, she values their enduring relationship.

Reflecting on her journey, Fina is grateful for the opportunities and connections she has made. "I love having my beautiful grandchildren over," she says with a smile, looking forward to future adventures and cherished moments with her family.

Describe yourself in three words: Attentive to detail, particular, dedicated

Dr. Dwija Karumanchi
General Practitioner

Dr. Dwija Karumanchi has been a valued general practitioner at Home Hill Surgery for three and a half years, driven by a lifelong passion for medicine. Choosing to be a doctor at the age of six, she pursued her dream with unwavering dedication. “I love seeing the people happy,” she says.

Her medical journey began in India, where she found immense satisfaction in her work.

"Every patient is a reward for our hard work," she says, reflecting on her early experiences.

The transition to Home Hill in 2021, where she joined her university friend Dr. Tata, marked a new chapter.

"It's a lively surgery; it's always busy and growing," she notes, appreciating Dr. Tata's continuous efforts to enhance the practice.

Initially focusing on female health, Dr. Karumanchi has since expanded her expertise to include skin excisions, repairs, and various other medical procedures. She feels confident and fulfilled in her diverse role.

"When I was in India, I thought of becoming a paediatrician, but after moving to Australia, I decided to pursue gynaecology," she shares, adding that she remains open to exploring further specialisations.

Dr. Karumanchi moved to Brisbane in 2014, completing her Masters in Health Services Management before facing numerous exams and interviews. Her journey to Home Hill in 2021 brought significant changes but also a sense of belonging.

Working six days a week, Dr. Karumanchi enjoys her days off by resting, visiting Townsville, and occasionally golfing. Passionate about cooking, she hosts potlucks with friends, enjoying games, dances, and songs. Reading is another beloved pastime. Her seven-year-old daughter keeps busy with ballet and gymnastics, bringing joy to their small, tight-knit family.

Describe yourself in three words: Fun-loving, professional, family-oriented

Dr. Pavani Ganapathi
General Practitioner

Dr. Pavani Ganapathi has been practicing medicine in the Burdekin for the past nine months, driven by a deep-seated desire to serve people.

"Back in India, doctors are almost like gods because they have the power to save lives," she explains.

With no doctors in her family, her mother’s dream of becoming a doctor was left unfulfilled due to family circumstances. Instead, she passed on that dream to Dr. Ganapathi.

Witnessing the growth of her husband, Dr. Tata, over the past nine years has been a source of pride.

"I've seen a lot of improvement, and he is appreciated by everyone," she shares.

Passionate about treating children, Dr. Ganapathi holds a diploma in paediatrics. The practice also offers services like audiology and pathology to accommodate patients who can't travel far, ensuring all needs are met in one place.

After completing medical school in India, Dr. Ganapathi embarked on her Australian journey, which required several exams. She worked as a doctor in Sarina for 12 months before joining her husband here at the surgery. Although time is limited, Dr. Ganapathi enjoys painting, drawing, singing, and gardening, particularly tending to her flowers.

With her parents living in India, where her mother works as a teacher, and her father-in-law residing with them, Dr. Ganapathi balances family and professional life. She has a 17-month-old baby and is expecting another child in December. Her dedication to medicine and family reflects her unwavering commitment to making a difference in her community.

Describe yourself in three words: emotional, passionate, stubborn

Dr Sarat Tata
Principal General Practitioner

Dr. Sarat Chandra Viswanadh Tata, the principal general practitioner at Home Hill Surgery, has dedicated the past nine and a half years to serving the community with unwavering commitment.

"Medicine is my calling; it's my passion. I've wanted to be a doctor since I was 12 years old," he shares with a smile.

Taking over from Dr. Griffiths in 2014, Dr. Tata has now transformed a modest practice into a thriving five-doctor business. His dedication has not gone unnoticed, earning him the North Queensland Primary Network GP of the Year award, Queensland GP of the Year, and a finalist spot for Australia's GP of the Year.

Beyond general practice, Dr. Tata offers a comprehensive range of services, including pathology, ultrasound, dental care, audiology, physiotherapy, and various allied health specialties.

His extensive qualifications include specialisations in skin cancer medicine and surgery, pain and sleep management from the University of Sydney, nutritional and environmental medicine, and psychology. He also holds a Master of Medicine from the University of Sydney.

Dr. Tata is adept at managing complex and chronic medical conditions, with advanced skills in mental health and managing complex medical conditions. His journey has taken him from rural India to Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Western Australia, and finally to North Queensland, which he finds climatically like India.

An active community member, Dr. Tata enjoys playing chess, tennis, and cricket. He serves as Vice President of the Home Hill Tennis Club and even finds time for video games. Supported by his wife, a 17-month-old daughter, and a son expected in December, Dr. Tata remains deeply grateful to the Burdekin community. "Without my patients and staff, I wouldn’t be where I am today," he says humbly.

Describe yourself in three words: hardworking, multitalented, loveable

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