What are your professional interests/specialties?
A passion for rural and remote health and associated workforce particularly Aboriginal health. A keen desire to grow our own health professionals and to have sovereignty and governance over Pilbara health funding.
Tell us, where are you from and how did you get to work in primary health in the Pilbara region?
Prior to moving to the Pilbara, I had 22 years in the federal government in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney followed by 7 years in a primary health care organisation in Shepparton Victoria the home of SPC fruits. The big joke when I moved to the position of CEO of the Pilbara Health Network was that I had moved from the fruit bowl to the dust bowl.
What do you love about the Pilbara?
Rugged, ancient natural beauty, the people, fishing, the heat – the lists too long.
Did you always want to work in primary health? Why?
No, I wanted to be a chef, then a lawyer, then a politician and found my true interest in primary health care in my mid-forties. I think why primary health care and particularly Aboriginal primary health care appeals to me is how challenging it is and every win you have gives you enormous satisfaction. That challenging environment breeds passionate and dedicated people who are inspirational to be around.
What are your passions?
See above
When you aren’t working, where will we find you?
On a boat around Malus Island if possible. I’m still to fish off Hedland where I will be based so looking forward to that experience. On a boring day, I am mowing lawns and weeding the vege’s.
