Experienced leaders join Central Queensland Hospital and Health Board

• An existing Board member and CEO of the Gladstone Region Aboriginal and Islander Community Controlled Health Service Limited has been appointed as the new Chair of the Central Queensland Hospital and Health Board.
• The board members bring a vast range of experience across the fields of rural medicine, Indigenous health, economics, disability support, policy, accounting, project management and nursing.
• Boards are responsible under the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 for local performance of their health service and the delivery of public health services within their communities.

A seven-person board with expertise in health, business, and politics has been appointed to govern the Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service (HHS).

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman announced the newly appointed Board, led by Matthew Cooke.

Mr Cooke is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Gladstone Region Aboriginal and Islander Community Controlled Health Service Limited (trading as Nhulundu Health Service).

He has also spent more than 10 years serving the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Sector in Director and CEO roles.

Mr Cooke is joined by new members Dr Anna Vanderstaay, Kate Veach and Ryl Gardner.

Dr Vanderstaay, a rural General Practitioner, Mrs Gardner, an experienced director, and Ms Veach, former secretary of the Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union, round out the Board.

In addition to Mr Cooke, continuity is ensured with three continuing members not currently due for renewal.

The new Board, responsible for setting strategic direction and overseeing Central Queensland HHS, consists of:

• Mr Matthew Cooke (Chair)
• Dr Anna Vanderstaay
• Ms Kate Veach
• Mrs Ryl Gardner
• Ms Michelle Webster
• Ms Tina Zawila
• Ms Leann Wilson

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

“Central Queensland is fortunate to have secured three exceptional new members for its Hospital and Health Board this year.

“Their proven experience and diverse backgrounds in healthcare leadership will be instrumental in shaping strategic direction and ensuring the highest quality care for the community.

“The new Board reflects a strong commitment to community representation, and I’m confident this collaborative leadership will continue to deliver exceptional and timely healthcare for all Central Queenslanders.

“I extend my sincere appreciation to outgoing Chair Paul Bell AM for his dedicated service and leadership since 2015.”

ENDS