New HNC Board members Kerry Stubbs (front), Graeme Innes and  CEO, Julie Sturgess
New HNC Board members Kerry Stubbs (front), Graeme Innes and CEO, Julie Sturgess

New board members for Healthy North Coast

Healthy North Coast, the successful contractor for the federally funded North Coast Primary Health Network, has announced two high-profile appointments to its board of directors, Kerry Stubbs, the Deputy Chancellor of Western Sydney University, and Graeme Innes, former commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission for almost a decade. 

Both share a deep passion for the health sector and are keen to contribute to their local communities, according to the Healthy North Coast announcement in early February.

“I have had a lot of experience in community health services, disability and mental health services, and in palliative care. I'm also particularly interested in Aboriginal health issues and initiatives,” Kerry Stubbs said. 

“I believe I can contribute something of value in understanding those issues from both the provider’s and consumer’s side.” 

Graeme Innes said, “I hope that I can bring a deep knowledge of the community sector, experience in governance, and a wide network of connections at all levels of state and federal government to the organisation.”

Healthy North Coast CEO Julie Sturgess said she was delighted to be welcoming the new directors whose expertise in the fields of law, social justice, advocacy, and high-level government and administration would add value and diversity to the organisation’s strategic direction.  

“Together, they will help Healthy North Coast continue its drive to take a leading role in the ongoing health reform and improvement that is clearly needed in our region and nation.  

“We will strive to succeed in not just ‘meeting’ but ‘exceeding’ our goal of delivering the Primary Health Network program in our regional footprint, from Port Macquarie to Tweed Heads, and the New England Tableland.

“We believe our communities are the ultimate beneficiaries of Healthy North Coast’s successes and we are immensely proud to be delivering the PHN program.”