Dr Paul Craven, Acting Chief Executive, Hunter New England Local Health District said he was delighted Ms Meagan Hudson, Ms Anita Kauffmann, Professor Penelope Paliadelis and Mrs Wendy Wilks have joined the Board.
“With their extensive experience, passion and diverse skillsets, I have no doubt these people will add tremendous value to the Board as well as the District,” Dr Craven said.
“While the past 12 months have presented significant challenges for our workforce and operations as a result of the pandemic, with the Board’s oversight we can overcome these and focus on what’s important – achieving our 5 year strategy and providing timely and quality health care to our community now and into the future,” Dr Craven said.
Ms Hudson, Ms Kauffmann, Prof Paliadelis and Mrs Wilks will be joining the current serving members on the Board; Dr Kirsten Molloy, Mr Kevin Dupé, Ms Elizabeth Nicol, Prof Peter O’Mara, Mr Bob Hawes, Dr Patrick Farrell, Dr Stephen Pryde and Ms Lyn Raines.
These new additions replace 2 board members - Mr Ben Wilkins and deputy chair, Mr Peter Johnston, who have reached the end of their terms.
“We thank Ben and Peter for their significant contribution to Hunter New England Local Health District. Having served on the Board for 4 and 10 years respectively, Ben and Peter shared their extensive experience in business, risk, compliance and strategic governance – and we’re very grateful for their support,” said Dr Craven.
New Board Member Bios:
Ms Meagan Hudson of Emmaville, has more than 20 years’ experience in nursing, clinical governance, accreditation programs, policy development and risk management.
Prior to establishing a consultancy in 2020, Ms Hudson was the Clinical Quality and Safety Manager for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section) and has performed quality and assurance roles for public and private health services.
Ms Anita Kauffmann is a Chartered Accountant with mediation and governance qualifications, and has executive experience across a broad section of industries and roles including aviation, education, agribusiness and government.
Ms Kauffmann is a qualified mediator, has a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and is passionate about strategic planning, risk and change management.
Professor Penelope (Penny) Paliadelis of Uralla has more than 20 years’ experience in nursing and education, and currently owns and operates her own higher education and leadership consultancy company.
Alongside managing her own consultancy, Prof Paliadelis is also an Adjunct Professor with Federation University Australia and Deakin Co (a division of Deakin University).
Widely published, Prof Paliadelis is also a registered nurse with extensive knowledge in entry-to-practice education and clinical leadership in both metropolitan and rural facilities, including previously for Hunter New England Health.
From Inverell, Mrs Wendy Wilks has lived in the area for more than 40 years. As a former business owner, Mrs Wilks is currently a Councillor on Inverell Shire Council and is a strong community advocate for Northern New South Wales.
Having worked across financial services, telecommunications and local government. Mrs Wilks has owned several local businesses and specialises in communications, growth and operations.
The board plays an important role for Hunter New England Local Health District (the District). The District, under the governance of the Board, is responsible for providing healthcare to almost 1 million people in communities from Newcastle to Tenterfield and from Manning to Wee Waa. The board oversees the delivery of a budget in excess of $2 billion and a workforce of more than 17,000 people.
Learn more about our board.
