Our foundation is an Indonesian based charity with tax deductible status through World Relief Australia. Our aim is to help the people of Nias Island who require medical care at no charge. We hope to gain support through charitable donations and by treating visiting surfers via their health insurance.

Friends of Nias has upskilled a team of local Doctors and Nurses who are engaged in running the Clinic on a day-to-day basis. They aim to provide free medical services to the impoverished people of Nias Island. The Clinic will be seeking financial support through charitable donations and aiming to increase sustainability by offering paid services to visiting surfers.

For anybody who has experienced the beauty of Sumatra, or the magical waves of Nias this is an opportunity to give something back to the community. Friends of Nias was founded by surfers and led by the late Dr Raf Ghabrial’s passion to create a medical service for locals, visiting surfers and travellers to the region of Lagundri Bay. Friends Of Nias remains in place in honour of the late Dr Raf Ghabrial and the incredible work he did.

In Australia

• Dr Simon Nothling has taken on the role of the director of the clinic, giving medical guidance and support to volunteers both before and during their stay, as well as helping with behind-the-scenes administration. He is also a member of the Surfing Doctors.
• Dr Dave Hateley brings his experience running a not-for-profit organisation (Surfing Doctors), helping with the organisational side of things and supporting our medical volunteers.
• Dr Phil Chapman also provides support with onboarding and guiding volunteers. (Also a member of Surfing Doctors)
• Craig Jarvis brings his IT and digital marketing skills, helping with everything from the website to Instagram. (Also a member of Surfing Doctors)
• Popi Twigg is our volunteer coordinator, liaising with volunteers and supporting them through every step of their volunteer experience, from their initial enquiry to their final transfer from the airport to the clinic.
• Adele Ghabrial assists with onboarding the volunteers, fundraising, and administration.
• Barbara Ghabrial is our treasurer, liaising directly with World Relief Australia and the clinic, and assists with managerial decisions for the clinic.

In Nias

• Raffiel: is responsible for the clinic. He supervises the daily operation of the clinic, checks in with the staff, and maintains the property.
• Elvira: is the pharmacist and treasurer. She supplies medicine to the clinic as needed, prepares budget plans and financial reports, and liaises with Popi to help volunteers organise their trips.
• Febriy: is a nurse in the clinic, working on Fridays. She also works in the nearby hospital.
• Marlinto: a nurse and an avid surfer, working in the clinic on Mondays and Wednesdays.
• Indah is also a nurse who works in the clinic on Tuesdays. She also works in the nearby hospital 2 days a week and teaches bible studies to children at church.
• Nelly: is a midwife in the clinic, working on Saturdays. She also works in an office Monday to Friday.
• Wita: also a midwife, working in the clinic on Thursdays. Wita is also on standby for the clinic, supporting staff and volunteers when needed.
• We are onboarding two local doctors, Dr Nilam and Dr Mariam, in March 2025.

Friends of Nias was founded by the late Dr Raf Ghabrial in 2017, with fellow surfers Dr Mark Gillet, Pete Buckley and Rob Sherington.