Western Sydney LHD team

Loretta Di Mento joined the Board of Western Sydney LHD in January 2020 and commenced as Chair on 1 August 2023. As Deputy Board Chair she chaired the District’s Finance and Performance Committee and was a member of the Audit and Risk Committee.

Loretta is Deputy Board Chair of Museums of History NSW and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committees for Health Infrastructure and the Australian Law Reform Commission. She is a member of the Audit and Risk Committees for TAFE NSW, the Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network and the National Australia Day Council and holds board roles with several not-for-profit organisations.

Formerly an audit partner with Ernst and Young in Sydney, Loretta brings more than 25 years’ experience providing a range of professional services to listed, private and fast growth companies.

She has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of NSW, is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and a graduate member of the Institute of Company Directors.

Professor Clara Chow is an Academic Director of the Westmead Applied Research Centre (WARC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. She is a cardiologist, the Program Director of Community Based Cardiac Services at Westmead Hospital and is also a member of the Western Sydney LHD Governing Board, Sydney, Australia. 

Professor Chow has also been appointed the Director of the Australian Stroke and Heart Accelerator (ASHRA). She currently holds honorary appointments as the Charles Perkins Centre Westmead Academic Co-director and President of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand. 

Professor Chow’s research focuses on the prevention of cardiovascular disease, innovation in the delivery of cardiovascular care and the evaluation of digital health interventions. She has expertise in the design, delivery and implementation of clinical trials. Her PhD from the University of Sydney, Australia was in cardiovascular epidemiology and international public Health and her Postdoc from McMaster University, Canada in clinical trials and cardiac imaging. She is supported by a NHMRC Investigator grant.

Karin has extensive experience working in local health districts in various roles. These include, mental health nursing, policy development, service development, academic teaching, and many leadership positions such as LHD Director Mental Health and Executive Director, Mental Health Branch, NSW Ministry of Health. 

During this time, she contributed to national and state policy and practice and influenced mental health reform at state and national levels. Karin is a pro-bono advisor to the Board of the National Association for Loss and Grief and works as a Senior Advisor, Mental Health for the Sax Institute. In 2018, she was awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to mental health care in NSW.

Sue has lived in Western Sydney since childhood and holds a Bachelor of Social Studies (USYD), Master of Management (UTS) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. 

Sue has extensive senior management, governance and leadership experience gained over thirty years in local government including 12 years as an executive at City of Parramatta and earlier with the not-for-profit sector. 

She had also held several board positions in the health, community services, sports and arts sectors and is currently a Director of the Parramatta Leagues Club.

Chandrika Subramaniyan is a well-known solicitor who has been focusing on community services for over two decades. She currently chairs Sydwest Multicultural Services and is a Microsoft certified professional who teaches law, leadership, IT, and community management at the tertiary level. 

She also serves on several Australian and overseas organisations and committees, is a fellow of many reputed institutes, and founded Tamil Valarchi Manram which focuses on serving the Tamil community with language and culture. 

Chandrika is also a speaker with knowledge in religion, philosophy, media, law, and leadership and is a regular speaker for overseas universities and academic institutions. She has written more than 53 books in English and Tamil on law, women, media, computers and culture and has received many prestigious awards from India and Australia.

Stewart is a highly experienced Chartered Accountant with over 30 years in the industry. He specialises in providing audit and assurance services for mid-market companies, including private, foreign multinational, ASX-listed, and not-for-profit and public sector organisations. 

He has a wide range of experience across industries such as transport, logistics, manufacturing, import and distribution, agribusiness, property and the public sector. 

Stewart also has served on many board positions in private, not-for-profit and government entities. He is known for his hands-on approach and ability to understand the big picture from the client's perspective.

Dr Walid Jammal is a GP in Western Sydney. His interests include paediatrics, men’s health, ethics and health law. He has a strong commitment to quality and safety in health care, as well as health system policy and reform. 

He has been involved with testing and developing integrated care models for many years, both with NSW Health and the Commonwealth. He is Co-Chair of the GP Advisory Group for the Agency of Clinical Innovation, Co-Chair of the Commonwealth’s Primary Care Reform Steering Group, Member of the Medicare Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) and a Board Member of WentWest (Western Sydney Primary Health Network). 

He has a keen interest in health economics and integrated models of care including the Patient Centred Medical Home frameworks. Walid is also Clinical Lecturer at the University of Sydney and Conjoint Senior Lecturer, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University.

Don Nutbeam AO is the Executive Director of Sydney Health Partners and a Professor of Public Health at the University of Sydney. Sydney Health Partners is a NHMRC accredited Advanced Health and Research Translation Centre.

Don Nutbeam’s career has spanned senior leadership positions in universities, government, health services and international organisations including WHO and the World Bank. He was formerly Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, UK, Provost of the University of Sydney, and Head of Public Health for the UK Government. 

He is a public health scientist with research interests in the social and behavioural determinants of health, and in the development and evaluation of public health interventions. His current research focusses on the development and testing of interventions to improve health literacy in different populations.

Mick Reid has held a wide range of leadership roles across the Australian and international health sectors with experience as a senior public servant, consultant, and academic, he brings a comprehensive understanding of healthcare systems.

Mick served as Director-General of Health in two Australian states. From 1997 to 2002, he led New South Wales Health, and from 2008 to 2011, he held the same position at Queensland Health. Between 2004 and 2007, he served as Director-General of the NSW Ministry for Science and Medical Research.

Outside the public sector, Mick is Principal of Michael Reid & Associates, his consulting firm, which has undertaken health and science projects both across Australia and internationally—including in Cambodia, China, East Timor, Japan, India, Laos, New Zealand, Thailand and the UK.

His consultancy work spans a broad range of areas such as health systems development and evaluation, governance, workforce reform, clinical engagement, service planning, Indigenous health, and culture reviews. He also mentors numerous senior executives within the health sector.

Mick currently serves as Chair of Ageing Australia and sits on the Governing Board of the Heart Research Institute. In 2023, he was appointed Joint-Lead Independent Reviewer for the Australian Government’s Strengthening Medicare Review, with the final report released in 2024.

He has held adjunct professorships in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Sydney and the School of Science and Health at Western Sydney University. He is also an Honorary Fellow of the Australian College of Nursing.

Mick's work within the health sector has been widely recognised. In 2011, he received the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) Sidney Sax Medal for his contributions to Australian health services. In 2019, he was appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia for significant service to the community through leadership in both government and non-profit health roles, and for his work supporting Indigenous welfare.

Steven Ross is Wamba Wamba man from Deniliquin in southern NSW and has cultural and familial connections to the Wiradjuri, Mutthi Mutthi and Gunditjmara peoples. Steven has worked in the public service in Indigenous policy, environmental affairs, LGBTQI projects, cultural and arts coordination, and local government. He has sat as member or Director of the Murray Catchment Management Authority, Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre, South-West Regional Arts, Inner City Legal Centre, and the New South Wales State Library Indigenous Advisory Panel.

In his spare time, Steven is a writer, storyteller and a cultural strategist and producer, as well as an engagement consultant.

Associate Professor Lukas Kairaitis is the Head of Renal Medicine at Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospitals and current Chair of the WSLHD Medical Staff Executive Council. As a Senior Staff Specialist he has more than 25 years of experience working as a clinician, educator and patient/staff advocate at both Blacktown-Mt Druitt and Westmead Hospitals. He is strongly committed to promoting safe, accessible and equitable care and staff Wellbeing.

WSLHD Board Minutes - October 2025 (PDF 201.63KB)
WSLHD Board Minutes - September 2025 (PDF 180.39KB)
WSLHD Board Minutes - August 2025 (PDF 456.08KB)
WSLHD Board Minutes - July 2025 (PDF 332.88KB)
WSLHD Board Minutes - June 2025 (PDF 497.38KB)
WSLHD Board Minutes - May 2025 (PDF 2.98MB)
WSLHD Board Minutes - April 2025 (PDF 2.74MB)
WSLHD Board Minutes - March 2025 (PDF 1.65MB) 
WSLHD Board Minutes - February 2025 (PDF 1.4MB) 
 

• WSLHD Board Minutes - December 2024 (PDF 4.44MB)
• WSLHD Board Minutes - November 2024 (PDF 5.07MB)
• WSLHD Board Minutes - October 2024 (PDF 4.57MB)
• WSLHD Board Minutes - September 2024 (PDF 5.51MB)
• WSLHD Board Minutes - August 2024 (PDF 3.8MB)
• WSLHD Board Minutes - July 2024 (PDF 4.73MB)
• WSLHD Board Minutes - June 2024 (PDF 4.67MB)
• WSLHD Board Minutes - May 2024 (PDF 4.54MB)
• WSLHD Board Minutes - April (PDF 3.57MB)
• WSLHD Board Minutes - March 2024 (PDF 4.02MB) 

• WSLHD Board Minutes - December 2023 (PDF 4.11MB)
• WSLHD Board Minutes - November 2023 (PDF 3.72MB)
• WSLHD Board Minutes - October 2023 (PDF 2.85MB)
• WSLHD Board Minutes - September 2023 (PDF 4.08MB)
• WSLHD Board Minutes - August 2023 (PDF 3.58MB)
• WSLHD Board Minutes - July 2023 (PDF 3.41MB)
• WSLHD Board Minutes - June 2023 (Cancelled)
• WSLHD Board Minutes - May 2023 (PDF 894.47KB)
• WSLHD Board Minutes - April 2023 (PDF 1.4MB)
• WSLHD Board Minutes - March 2023 (PDF 5.76MB)
• WSLHD Board Minutes - February 2023  (PDF 958.46KB)

Alison Zecchin is an accomplished health executive with more than 35 years’ experience in NSW Health, bringing a strong track record of leadership across complex hospital and health service environments.  

She holds a Master of Management (Business Administration) from the University of Western Sydney and has held a series of senior leadership roles in nursing and health executive management.

Alison began her career as a nurse at Westmead Hospital, an experience that continues to shape her commitment to public healthcare and the community of Western Sydney. She went on to hold senior leadership positions at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital and later at Royal North Shore Hospital, where she served as General Manager from 2018 to 2026 following a decade as Director of Nursing and Midwifery.

Throughout her career, Alison has led major redevelopment and service planning initiatives, while driving measurable improvements in patient flow, quality, safety, and performance. She is widely recognised for her collaborative, values-driven leadership style and commitment to patient-centred care.

Alison commenced as Chief Executive of Western Sydney Local Health District in June 2026, leading one of NSW’s largest and most diverse health systems.

Tiffany was appointed to the role in August 2019. Tiffany commenced her career in community based mental health services and has since worked in population health screening and program management both here in Australia and overseas. She has a wealth of experience in state and commonwealth government environments in health system management including specialising in performance, planning and governance processes.

Tiffany has worked at the overall state level in recent years building relationships with a number of local health districts and specialty health networks in NSW, helping them to deliver on performance expectations and governance requirements.

Tiffany's role also includes the Corporate Governance portfolio which oversights risk, insurance, legal services and corporate records. Overall, Tiffany provides direction on sound governance and health administration processes and supports delivery of the organisation's strategic and operational objectives. 

Berthe Elias

Peter Rophail 

Maria Lingam is the Director of Nursing and Midwifery for Western Sydney LHD. She has been in the public health system for 26 years, specialising in Orthopaedic Trauma.

Maria has worked in various health districts, including Western Sydney, South Western Sydney and Nepean Blue Mountains, where she has held a range of senior executive leadership positions, including senior nursing and midwifery positions such as Patient Safety and Quality Manager and Divisional Manager of Women’s and Children’s Services. She has also held the positions of Director, Nursing and Midwifery at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals, and Associate Director of Clinical Practice and Performance with the WWestern Sydney LHD.

Maria has a passion for quality improvement through clinical best practice and in fostering the professional development and practice of nurses and midwives. As the Director of Nursing and Midwifery, she continuously strives to maintain a positive work culture for nurses and midwives in not only Western Sydney, but throughout the health system as a whole. 

Clement is an internationally recognised neurologist who has provided multidisciplinary care for families with Huntington Disease, and other genetic forms of dementia, over the past two decades. His research background includes clinical epidemiology, therapeutic trials, and molecular genomics. He has served as Dean of the Macquarie Medical School;  a member of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee and the Therapeutic Goods Administration; and contributed towards the governance of a number of health services, and not-for-profit organisations.

Clement values collaboration, openness and fairness, and has a deep sense of purpose to serve our patients. He brings a focus on collaborating with the medical staff and other clinicians, and facilitating strong engagement, in strategic planning and governance.

Professor Mark McLean

Professor Mark McLean is a clinical endocrinologist and medical academic. He has been on the senior medical staff at Blacktown, Mount Druitt and Westmead Hospitals since 1996.

Mark has been involved in clinical teaching for more than 20 years, was Director of Physician Training at Westmead Hospital 2005-2009, and Foundation Professor of Medicine at the Blacktown Clinical School of Western Sydney University 2009-2016. He is a Past-President of the Endocrine Society of Australia and has served as a member of the National Examining Panel of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

As Executive Director of Research Mark is responsible for providing guidance and infrastructure support for research within the District. He is passionate about enabling research in all areas of clinical practice and translating research findings back into better patient care and health for our community.

Vanessa is an IT professional with more than 20 years’ experience in government and healthcare. She holds a Master of Business Administration, Master of Project Management and other post-graduate and industry qualifications in Information Technology, Cyber Security, Agile Project Management and Organisational Change Management.

Vanessa’s experience includes high performance in both strategic and operational management. She has a proven track record leading the successful delivery and transition of innovative and impactful technology projects to achieve digital transformation and strategic objectives as well as driving continuous improvement in service delivery. Vanessa has been acting in the Chief Information Officer and Chief Digital Health Officer role since April 2024.

Kate has extensive experience as a speech pathologist and allied health lead in a variety of facilities and services in country Victoria and more recently in South Western Sydney LHD.

In addition, she holds a Master Speech Pathology by research and a Master Health Service Management. Kate brings to the team a wealth of knowledge and experience in allied health governance and workforce, NDIS and management of long length of stay.

She is committed to improving outcomes for patients, particularly for vulnerable populations, and developing our allied health workforce.

Prior to the appointment as Executive Director Quality and Safety, Peter was the Director of Education and Professor of Clinical Education, a conjoint appointment between Western Sydney Local Health District and the University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine & Health.

Until 2019 Peter was a practising Consultant Respiratory Physician with 20 years’ experience of health service leadership at a senior level within the UK’s National Health Service, as well as international academic experience as a 2007/8 Harkness Fellow in Healthcare Policy and Practice at Harvard Medical School.

During his time in the US, he researched and published on determinants of quality in healthcare systems. His portfolio oversees the Clinical Governance Unit in WSLHD alongside the Research & Education Network.

Peter’s passion and expertise is in healthcare leadership, clinical quality, education, professionalism, wellbeing, workforce change and innovation to drive quality for better care of patients.

Matt has over 25 years' experience working in various operational and infrastructure roles in both public and private health sectors of NSW.

Matt joined WSLHD in March 2019 as Director Capital Works and Asset Management and has been in his current role since August 2019.

Matt’s health experience includes operational management of clinical and non-clinical services with a focus for the past 12 years on new and repurposed infrastructure delivery whilst striving for more efficient sustainable systems of management throughout the asset life cycle. Matt is outcome focused; process driven and supports a collaborative and consultative governance framework.

As Director Redevelopment and Infrastructure Matt is responsible for delivery of the WSLHD strategic capital program in accordance with Western Sydney LHD and NSW Health requirements.

Matt’s role is committed to the development, delivery and sustainability of quality assets and infrastructure to support contemporary models of care and innovative clinical practice that enable improved patient experience and quality health outcomes.

Nicole Grice is a highly accomplished Senior HR Leader, renowned for her strategic and operational expertise. With a proven track record in designing, executing, and overseeing all facets of HR functions, she combines innovation and resilience to drive success.

Having been appointed in 2023, Nicole brings with her previous experience working in similar roles at the NSW Department of Planning and Environment. She boasts extensive experience in both private and public sector positions, ranging from people services, recruiting, learning and development to employee experience, covering all aspects of Human Resources Development.

Belinda is a proud Wiradjuri woman who has been involved with various Aboriginal communities across metropolitan Sydney not only personally but also professionally. As an Aboriginal woman she grew up in all parts of Sydney and has close ties with the Riverina area. She has also been accepted in many Aboriginal communities across the state.

Belinda has worked in a variety of roles for the NSW public sector over the last 30 years and in particular she has contributed to the development of a strategic approach to Aboriginal Health and worked collaboratively with key stakeholders to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal people. She has a passion for creating change for Aboriginal women to grow in leaderships roles, social justice issues, creating and driving change in Aboriginal health, child protection and housing.

Belinda assists in volunteering and has held a number of board and advisory roles over the years with Aboriginal community organisations.

Kat Volas has led clinical and non-clinical teams in private enterprise and the public health sector across a broad range of functions, showcasing her diversity and adaptability as a leader. Kat works collaboratively to build influential relationships and connect with people at all levels.

She has a proven track record of enhancing team performance, solving complex challenges, and nurturing talent from across the business. Since joining Western Sydney Local Health District in 2021, Kat has held leadership positions in both the acute and community health setting offering her broad exposure and understanding to various operations, services, and teams that deliver care to the community of Western Sydney.

Kat holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Majoring in Management) and a Master of Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations.

Carly McLoughlin is an experienced communications leader with a strong track record delivering strategic media and communications outcomes across the NSW public health system. She holds a Master of Strategic Public Relations from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Public Communication from UTS.

Since joining Western Sydney Local Health District in 2024, Carly has enhanced the impact, consistency and reach of communications, with a focus on media preparedness, capability uplift, staff engagement and community trust. She is a trusted adviser to senior executives, with deep expertise in issues management and navigating complex media and stakeholder environments.

Previously, Carly served as Corporate Communications Manager at Sydney Local Health District (2017–2024), leading major initiatives, redevelopment communications and strategic campaigns, and playing a key role in the COVID-19 response.

Carly is recognised for her strategic insight, collaborative leadership and commitment to communications that support high-quality patient care and organisational performance.

Rachel Prince

Master of Health Services Management, Master of Health Information Management, and Master of Professional Accounting.

Kyle Kain  is an experienced healthcare executive who joined Western Sydney LHD in 2021 as the Director of Corporate Services and Finance at Auburn Hospital. Over the years, he has cultivated strong relationships with clinicians and staff, holding key leadership roles, including Acting Deputy General Manager at Westmead Hospital and most recently, General Manager of the Western Sydney LHD Oral Health Service.

Kyle assumed the role of General Manager at Auburn Hospital in February 2025. With extensive experience in both clinical and non-clinical services, Kyle is dedicated to advancing healthcare quality through effective leadership, strategic partnerships, and innovative solutions. He is passionate about leading initiatives that enhance care pathways, improving outcomes for the communities of Western Sydney.

Kyle holds a strong academic foundation, with a Master of Health Services Management, Master of Health Information Management, and Master of Professional Accounting, reflecting his commitment to both operational excellence and the financial stewardship necessary to drive impactful healthcare services.

Shane Widloecher 

Jasmin joined us in September 2020 from the Ministry of Health where she was based in the State Health Emergency Operations Centre (SHEOC) where she contributed significantly to the development of the state-wide operational response model for COVID-19 including mandatory hotel quarantine, hotel and maritime exemptions processes, and state-wide COVID clinics.

Prior to SHEOC, Jasmin’s passion and contemporary approach to continual improvement led her to taking up the role of Director, Office of the Deputy Secretary Patient Experience and System Performance for the past four years. During this time Jasmin undertook pieces of work both in state-wide planning and operational areas working closely with the Deputy Secretary and Ministry Executive team as well as the Department of Premier and Cabinet on the premier’s priorities. These priorities have focused on ensuring patients get optimal access to the care they need both in acute and community settings. Jasmin was involved in assisting Districts and networks meet these priorities during her time seconded into the role of Executive Director, System Management Branch.

Robert is a specialist in addiction medicine who has worked in this field for over 20 years. He joined Western Sydney LHD in 2009, was appointed Director for the Drug Health Service in 2019 and continues to work as a staff specialist. His approach to those suffering from substance use disorders is based on the principle that this is primarily a health issue rather than a legal or moral dilemma.

The Western Sydney LHD Drug Health Service has a focus on evidence-based treatment and practical harm reduction measures that benefit patients, their families and the wider community. Robert is proud to lead an able group of clinicians of multiple professional disciplines and a capable administrative and executive team.

Juanita joined Western Sydney LHD in October 2020 as the Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Clinical Governance in Integrated and Community Health. Juanita has extensive management and leadership experience in both the public and private sector within Nursing, Midwifery, Redesign and Change Management.

She holds a Bachelor of Nursing, a Master of Midwifery, a Diploma of Health Services Management, and a Graduate Diploma in Project Management Clinical Redesign. Juanita’s ongoing passion for supporting vulnerable populations led her to the opportunity as Director of Nursing, Mental Health Services from November 2023. Juanita looks forward to continuing to support the District’s Mental Health Services.

Jennifer is a seasoned health leader with a strong background in hospital operations, workforce engagement, and service redesign. She’s passionate about putting patients at the centre of care and driving meaningful improvements across the system. 

Jennifer is committed to building strong partnerships and fostering a culture of kindness, empathy and collaboration. She works closely with clinicians, staff and health partners to deliver care that truly reflects the needs of the community. With a strategic mindset and a strong public health focus, Jennifer leads with clarity, compassion, and a drive for lasting, positive change.