Mackay Hospital and Health Board expands leadership

Published Thursday, 28 March, 2024 at 02:21 PM

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women
The Honourable Shannon Fentiman

  • The Mackay Hospital and Health Board has grown from six to seven members.
  • The board will continue to be led by Chair Helen Darch OAM, who has been in the position since 2023.
  • Boards, as outlined by the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011, are responsible for the local performance of their health services and the delivery of public health services within their communities.

The six-member Board appointed to govern the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) in mid-2023 has been expanded to include a seventh member.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman announced the addition today.

Serving the community diligently since its appointment in August 2023, the Board, led by Chair Helen Darch OAM (an experienced board member in government and not-for-profit sectors), will continue to provide strong leadership in the delivery of health services across the Mackay region.

New member Monica McKendry comes from an accountancy background, and is currently the Honorary Treasurer for the Community Accommodation Support Agency, as well as holding committee roles with Mackay Regional Council and the North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation Ltd.

The remainder of the Board remains unchanged, consisting of:

  • Ms Helen Darch OAM (Chair)
  • Mrs Kerry Maley (Deputy Chair)
  • Dr Maureen Chapman
  • Associate Professor Luke Lawton
  • Dr Peter O’Mara
  • Mr William Cooper
  • Ms Monica McKendry

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:

“I am confident the Mackay Hospital and Health Board will continue to thrive with the addition of their seventh member Ms McKendry.

“This Board’s exceptional diversity and depth of experience fosters a collaborative environment, guaranteeing well-rounded leadership for the healthcare needs of the Mackay community.

“I look forward to working with them to deliver timely and high-quality healthcare for all Queenslanders.”

ENDS