Leadership
Tracey Maisey
Chief Executive
Northern NSW Local Health District
Tracey joined NNSWLHD in August 2023. She has had a long and broad career spanning both the public health and housing sectors and brings a wealth of experience to the role.
Tracey has held senior positions in health, most recently in New Zealand as Executive Director Planning, Funding and Business Intelligence for the Canterbury and West Coast District Health Boards, as well as holding the role of Interim Chief Strategy, Planning and Performance Officer for Health New Zealand, and has previously been Chief Executive Officer of a District Health Board in New Zealand.
Tracey has worked in executive roles in Australia, the United Kingdom and Qatar, across both rural and metropolitan services. She's played a lead role in transforming healthcare delivery across various health settings, and also oversaw Health New Zealand’s national sustainability and climate change work program.
Contact details:
Ph: (02) 6620 2217
Fax: (02) 6620 2166
Northern NSW Local Health District Executive Team
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DIRECTOR, WORKFORCE
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Richard Buss
Director, Workforce
Richard started his career as a Psychologist working in Mental Health as a clinician, and has been in management roles for 20 years. Richard previously held the role of General Manager of Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Services for Northern NSW Local Health District.
Richard’s interest in Human Resources saw him embark on a career change, studying Law at Southern Cross University. Richard is a conjoint senior lecturer with the University of Newcastle.
Responsibilities include Medical Administration, Work Health Safety and Insurable Risk, Learning and Development, Human Resources, Workforce Transactions and Culture and Wellbeing.
Office location: Lismore
Contact details:
Ph: (02) 6620 2349
- DIRECTOR, CORPORATE SERVICES
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Matthew Long
Director, Corporate Services
Matt has been working in public health for fifteen years, having previously worked as an IT management consultant in the United Kingdom and Australia.
He joined the former Northern Rivers Area Health Service in 2003 as a Senior Systems Analyst working on the development and implementation of the Cerner Patient Administration System.
Matt’s roles in health have included systems project management, clinical redesign, and he was the Chief Information Officer for three years prior to commencing as Director Corporate Services.
Matt holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics, from the University of Bristol, and a Master of Business Administration, from Southern Cross University.
Responsibilities include Capital, Assets and Resources, Planning and Performance, eHealth Services, Business Units, Commercial and Contracts, Business and Finance, and Service Redesign.
Office location: Lismore
Contact details:
Ph: (02) 6620 7373
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DIRECTOR, A/CLINICAL GOVERNANCE
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Jane Walsh
A/Director, Clinical Governance
Jane commenced working in health as a nurse and midwife in the 1980s. During her long career Jane has worked in both the private and public health sectors and has held senior clinical and leadership management positions in regional, rural, and remote health services.
Jane has qualifications in clinical management and in business management. Jane was Director of BreastScreen NSW North Coast for over ten years and is a member of the NSW and national BreastScreen quality and safety committees.
Jane is committed to supporting the delivery of safe, high-quality care through advocacy for robust systems and processes to improve the patient experience.Office location: Lismore
Responsibilities include the establishment, direction, and management of clinical governance functions within the Local Health District to promote and support patient safety and clinical excellence across the health service.
Contact details:
Ph: (02) 6621 1207
- DIRECTOR, CLINICAL OPERATIONS
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Lynne Weir
Director, Clinical Operations
Responsibilities:
Lynne commenced working in health as a nurse, undertaking her training in Sydney. During her career Lynne has held a number of clinical and management roles and has a Masters in Health Management.
Before moving to the Northern Rivers in 2013, Lynne was the Director Clinical Operations and acted as Chief Executive for Western NSW Local Health District.
Prior to her role as Director Clinical Operations in 2017, Lynne held the position of Executive Director of the Richmond/Clarence Health Services Group.
Lynne is committed to providing high quality patient centred health care to our community. Focusing on safety and quality, implementing best practice models of care and utilising technology to deliver safe, effective, appropriate, and affordable care.
Contact details:
Ph: (02) 6621 1944
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DIRECTOR OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY
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Katharine Duffy
Director of Nursing and Midwifery
Katharine has had an extensive career as a nurse, manager and leader in the public health sector. After training at Concord Repatriation General Hospital in the early 1980s, Katharine specialised in nephrology and transplant nursing.
In the mid-1990s Katharine became the Nursing Unit Manager of the Renal inpatient unit at Concord Hospital, and was later appointed Nurse Coordinator of Cardiovascular Services for the former Central Sydney Area Health Service.
In 2000 Katharine was promoted to the role of Operational Nurse Manager at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH). Katharine was appointed to the position of Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services at RPAH in 2005 and held this role until early 2011.
Katharine holds a Masters in Health Administration.
In March 2011, Katharine became Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services for the Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) and was awarded the title of Adjunct Professor, Sydney Nursing School, The University of Sydney.
In 2017 Katharine was appointed as Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Aboriginal Health for Northern NSW Local Health District, and relocated with her family to the Tweed Valley.
Katharine has a passion for the public health sector, patient and family centred care and investing in and caring for our nursing and midwifery workforce.
Responsible for Professional Support – Nursing & Midwifery in the areas of Leadership, Culture and Workforce Development, Clinical Practice, Workforce, Education and Professional Development, Community and Patient Care Initiatives, Safety Culture, Essentials of Care and the following services: Disaster and Trauma, Aboriginal Health, Breast Screen and Child Protection.
Office location: Tweed
Contact details:
Ph: (07) 5506 7884 Fax: (07) 5506 7282
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A/DIRECTOR, INTEGRATED CARE AND ALLIED HEALTH SERVICES
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Kathryn Watson
Director, Integrated Care and Allied Health Services
Kathryn has worked in a broad range of health services and settings over the past 20 years. This has ranged from clinical roles in exercise physiology and nutrition, to population health and health promotion, service planning and leadership roles in NSW and Queensland. Kathryn has a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Nutrition, Masters of Public Health and Graduate Certificate in Health Service Planning.
Responsibilities: professional lead for Allied Health, Value Based Health Care, Integrated Care, Leading Better Value Care, Health Promotion, Oral Health, Renal Integrated Care Programs, NDIS, Hosted and Held Services (with MNCLHD).
Office location: Lismore
Contact details:
Ph: (02) 6620 7396
Fax: (02) 6620 2147
- DIRECTOR, ABORIGINAL HEALTH
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Kirsty Glanville
Director, Aboriginal Health
Kirsty is a Wiradjuri women from Cootamundra in southwestern NSW. She holds a Master of Public Health with distinction and has worked across both government and non-government sectors. Kirsty has expertise in social policy, governance, planning, performance and systematic health care reform.
Kirsty’s career has seen her work across many areas of public health with a focus on early childhood, remote renal dialysis, immunisation, sexual health and allied health.
Responsible for Aboriginal health services.
Office location: Ballina / Grafton
Contact details:
Ph: (02) 6621 1957
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DIRECTOR, FINANCE
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Brett Skinner
Director, Finance
Brett has 30 years’ experience in finance and executive management. Prior to working for the Northern NSW Local Health District, Brett spent five years as a consultant for a variety of infrastructure and government businesses.
Brett was previously General Manager, Strategy Australia for the listed Transurban Group and Chief Financial Officer and Director of Commercial Development with the Roads and Traffic Authority in NSW.
Brett’s qualifications include Certified Gateway Reviewer, Executive fellow Australian & New Zealand school of Government (ANZSOG), Fellow Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), Chartered Tax Adviser and Bachelor Finance Administration, University of New England.
Responsible for Finance, Procurement and the Performance Unit.
Office location: Lismore
Contact details:
Ph: (02) 6620 2106
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DIRECTOR, MENTAL HEALTH AND ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS SERVICES
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Deidre Robinson
Director, Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Services
Deidre (Dee) has been working in health for over 18 years, from acute care to community services across Western Australia, the Northern Territory and now New South Wales. Dee has worked in clinical and leadership/management roles across Drug and Alcohol services, and most recently in senior management within the Top End Health Service, Darwin.
Dee holds a Bachelor of Science (Nursing) from Curtin University and a Master of Science in Addiction Studies (International Program in Addiction Studies) from the University of Adelaide.
Responsible for Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Services.
Office location: Lismore
Contact details:
Ph: (02) 6620 2623
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MEDICAL SERVICES
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Dr Tim Williams
Executive Director, Medical Services
Tim’s career has spanned clinical and management roles in private practice, state, federal and non-government organisations. He is a medical graduate from the University of Queensland, 1983.
Tim’s clinical career centred on rural and remote procedural primary care, including in Aboriginal health and remote communities. He is a Fellow of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine.
Tim completed a Master of Public Health while working as the Medical Director of the Wurli Wurlinjang Aboriginal Health Service (NT). He was a member of the Medical Board of the Northern Territory, and subsequently Senior Medical Adviser in the Commonwealth Government’s Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health in Canberra.
Since 2008 Tim has worked as a medical administrator in public health services, including in the WA Country Health Service, the North Metropolitan Health Service (WA), and at Peninsula Health (Victoria). He is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Medical Administrators.
Tim has a particular interest in the interface of hospital and primary care, vulnerable and disadvantaged populations, and equitable access to our finite health resources.
Responsibilities include: Leadership and medical engagement; obtaining and maintaining an effective, well-trained and highly performing senior and junior medical workforce; providing expert advice to clinical leaders and other executives in resolving complex clinical, legal, ethical, industrial and operational challenges; advice in clinical service planning, models of care and redesign, including new infrastructure projects; and providing advice on medico-legal and coronial matters.
Office location: The Tweed Hospital
Contact details:
Ph: (07) 5599 0569
Our Board
The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) has been set-up in accordance with the National Health and Hospital Agreement.
The NNSWLHD Board is responsible for:
- Improving local patient outcomes and responding to issues that arise throughout NNSWLHD.
- Monitoring the performance of the District against performance measures in the NNSWLHD Service Agreement.
- Delivering services and performance standards within an agreed budget, based on annual strategic and operating plans. This forms the basis of the NNSWLHD Service Agreement.
- Production of Annual Reports that are subject to State financial accountability and audit frameworks.
- Maintaining effective communication with local and State stakeholders, involving providers and the community in decisions that affect them
- Ensuring effective engagement with our clinicians and staff
- Establishing and overseeing an effective governance and risk management framework for the LHD
- Ensuring high standards of professional and ethical conduct are upheld
- Setting the LHD strategic priorities
- Holding the LHD Chief Executive accountable for their performance
The Northern NSW Local Health District Board is chaired by Mr Peter Carter and eleven Board Members who bring a wealth of experience and local knowledge to the management of our LHD.
- Mr Peter Carter (Chair)
- Dr Alasdair Arthur
- Dr Andrew White
- Ms Carolyn Byrne
- Dr Cathy Adams
- Mr Michael Carter
- Dr John Griffin
- Prof Susan Nancarrow (Deputy Chair)
- Mr Patrick Grier AM
- Ms Naree Hancock
- Mr Scott Monaghan AM
- Mr Thomas George
Board Members
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MR PETER CARTER (CHAIR)
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Peter Carter has a background in higher education and healthcare strategy, planning, innovation and management within the healthcare sector where he has worked for more than 35 years. He has been CEO of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua) and a Board member of ISQua, at a time of significant change in those organisations. Peter is active in a range of healthcare organisations, both national and international, and has a keen interest in healthcare innovation and systems change, environmental sustainability and healthcare, healthcare quality and safety and Aboriginal health.
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DR ALASDAIR ARTHUR
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Alasdair Arthur is an Emergency Medicine Specialist and Deputy Director in the Emergency Department at The Tweed Hospital, working there since 2004. He studied medicine in Glasgow and undertook his Emergency Medicine Specialist training in various hospitals around South East Queensland. His areas of interest include patient safety, diagnostic error and emergency airway management. Alasdair was appointed to the NNSWLHD Board in 2019.
- MS CAROLYN BYRNE
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Carolyn Byrne was appointed to the NNSWLHD Board in 2016 and has a background in critical care nursing, nurse education, medical education and legal education, holding tertiary qualifications in nursing, education and law. She is currently a practicing solicitor and a director of a legal practice. Carolyn is a director on several boards including the Kingscliff Chamber of Commerce, Cudgen Leagues Club Limited, Community and Specialist Support Inc (CASSI) and Tweed Regional Performing Arts, a Rotarian and is actively involved in a variety of community activities in Northern NSW and south east Queensland. She is a mother of four and proud grandmother of four (to date).
- MR MICHAEL CARTER
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With qualifications in accounting and management, Michael Carter is an experienced Chief Financial Officer with a background in investment, health, higher education and social services, and strengths in service delivery and process improvements. He is well regarded for his ability to deliver in highly regulated environments, provide leadership and contribute to the achievement of strategic goals. Michael joined the NNSWLHD Board in 2016 and last year was appointed Chair of the Finance and Performance Committee. Michael works in the social services sector for a locally based not-for-profit and is continuing to study in the field of governance.
- MR THOMAS GEORGE
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The Hon. Thomas George was a member of the Legislative Assembly for 20 years representing the electorate of Lismore. He served as Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of NSW from 2011-2019. Prior to being elected Thomas was the co-founder and Managing Director of George and Fuhrmann, Stock, Station and Real Estate Agents. His time in business and his political career have provided Thomas with the understanding and knowledge of the needs of communities in the NNSWLHD footprint. Thomas was appointed to the NNSWLHD Board in March 2022.
- MR PAT GRIER AM
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Pat Grier immigrated to Australia from Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) in 1980 and has extensive experience in the health care sector. He was CEO of Ramsay Health Care for 20 years and grew the organisation to become Australia’s largest private hospital operator with more than 100 hospitals internationally, 30,000 staff and a turnover of $3 billion. Pat was Chair of the Australian Private Hospital Association for 12 years and took a lead role in developing the private hospital sector in Australia. For his leadership in health care he was awarded the Order of Australia in 2010. Pat has previously served on a number of boards, and is currently Chair of Social Futures, Chair of Byron Studios, and Chair of Northern River Rail Trail Association. He is a founding member of Sourdough Business Pathways. Pat was appointed to the NNSWLHD Board in 2016.
- DR JOHN GRIFFIN
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John Griffin has a background in engineering and management, previously holding the positions of General Manager, Northern Territory Electricity Commission, City Manager, City of Keilor (Vic) and General Manager, Tweed Shire Council. He has been active throughout his career with positions in professional, industry, government and sporting bodies. John served as an Officer in the Royal Australian Naval Reserve and was a member of the Veterans Review Board. He is a Life Member of the Returned and Services League of Australia, is President of the Tweed Heads and Coolangatta RSL Sub-Branch and is a Life Member and Director of the Twin Towns Services Club. John is a Member of the Health Professional Councils Authority and sits on the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. He has previously been a member of the Sydney and Regional Planning Panels. John has been on the NNSWLHD Board since 2016.
- MS NAREE HANCOCK
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Naree Hancock has a background in senior operations and facilities management within the private and public tertiary education and healthcare sectors over the past 25 years. Key areas of expertise and experience include leading and managing people, innovation and systems change, organisational development and training, and legislative compliance in healthcare quality and safety. Naree worked for the University of Sydney for over 17 years as rural campus manager, collaborating with universities nationally and local clinicians to develop a multi-discipline healthcare student placement program and Interprofessional Learning program to address rural shortages. Naree is a Fellow of the Australian Association of Practice Management and Association for Tertiary Education Management. She was previously a board member of North Coast General Practice Training and North Coast Primary Health Network (now Healthy North Coast). Naree was appointed to the NNSWLHD Board in 2019.
- MR SCOTT MONAGHAN AM
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Scott Monaghan is a passionate leader with first class communication skills and a long track record of successful management. He has extensive knowledge of current National and State economic, social and regulatory issues that affect the delivery and management of health services. Considered an inspiring and motivational manager by his peers, Scott has strong Aboriginal community knowledge, relationships, and consultative skills with all Aboriginal communities from Coffs Harbour to the Queensland border. He became a Member of the Order of Australia in June 2021 for significant service to Indigenous Health and to medical research. Scott is the Chief Executive Officer of Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation, Chairperson of Country Universities Centre, and has formerly served on multiple boards across NSW. Scott was appointed to the NNSWLHD Board in January 2022.
- PROFESSOR SUSAN NANCARROW (DEPUTY CHAIR)
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Susan Nancarrow (PhD) is an allied health professional, health services researcher, recovering academic and aspiring entrepreneur. She has more than 20 years’ experience in international health services research, expertise and analysis, and has recently commenced as CEO of HealthWork International, which aims to drive innovative ways of understanding and shaping the health workforce to better meet the needs of the 21st century. Susan joined the NNSWLHD Board in October 2016.
- DR CATHERINE ADAMS
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Cathy Adams has a background in healthcare as a Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife. Her most recent position was as a Clinical Midwifery Consultant for NNSWLHD before moving to the Clinical Excellence Commission. Cathy has a focus on system improvement in the delivery of healthcare that influence safety and quality, primarily in maternity care. Cathy has facilitated improvements through curriculum development, delivery of multidisciplinary education and skills-based training and development of models of maternity care across NSW that are contemporaneous, evidence-based and responsive to community needs. Cathy was appointed to the NNSWLHD Board in December 2022.
- DR ANDREW WHITE
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Andrew White is Director of Intensive Care at Grafton Base Hospital (GBH) and chair of the Clarence Valley Medical Staff Council. Originally training in Queensland, he has been leading and developing critical care services in the Clarence Valley since 2013. In particular, he has enhanced Grafton Base Hospital from a Level Three High Dependency Unit to a robust Level 4 specialist-led Intensive Care Unit, which supports ventilated patients, and contributes to Registrar training.
With extensive involvement in strategic planning, quality improvement, and workforce redesign, Andrew has participated in numerous projects within NNSWLHD, as well as with the Agency of Clinical Innovation and Clinical Excellence Commission. In keeping with a commitment to supporting and improving rural health, he has a number of post graduate qualifications in health science, including a FRACMA and a Masters in Health Administration with distinction. As chair of the GBH Medical Staff Council, he has advocated for workforce and system improvements at GBH, which have worked towards the development of a safer and better resourced hospital for the people of the Clarence Valley.
Board meeting minutes
- 2023
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016 and earlier
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2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
Northern NSW Local Health District Corporate Governance
NNSWLHD Corporate Governance Attestation Statement 2022-2023
Corporate Governance Framework 2019
Gifts of Government Property and Statutory Acts of Grace registers