News

New Board members welcomed to Mallee Track

Fri, 03 Jan 2020 04:26:00

Two new Board members were officially welcomed to Mallee Track Health and Community Service (MTHCS) at the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Ouyen.

Darren Law and Mary Rydberg were appointed by the Governor in Council following a comprehensive recruitment and selection process by the Board and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Welcoming community members and staff to the AGM, Board Chair Mark Wilson said the theme for the preceding year had been significant changes that placed MTHCS strongly to continue delivering quality, person-centred care to communities.

Mr Wilson said the MTHCS Board had seen a wholesale turnover of members since 2017 due to Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) guidelines limiting membership to a maximum of nine years.

“There is also now a specific skills base requirement for potential Board members. Both Darren and Mary bring diverse new skillsets to the Board. Darren has been employed for the 25 years past years as a Paramedic in the local region as well as metropolitan areas. His most recent experience includes  frontline patient care and transport, and safety and clinical governance.

“Mary has a diversity of experience in health services and aged care reforms. She has also previously served on other Boards in the Mallee and Sunraysia,” he added.

Mr Wilson paid tribute to outgoing Board Members Laurice McClelland, who was recently recognised with a Life Governorship by the former Sea Lake and District Health Service Board, and Hodi Beauliv for her insights into the management of health services.

Also attending the AGM was Neth Hinton, Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee.

Mr Wilson extended congratulations to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lois O’Callaghan who was re-appointed for a four-year contract after an independent review, as well as the Board’s past chair Terry Elliott whose tenure ends on June 30 next year.

“We continue to invest in our own professional development for the Board and senior management and we are confident this investment is bringing ongoing positive outcomes for Mallee Track,” he added.

Pictured: Darren Law and Mary Rydberg