Appointments
Rural Health West has a new Chief Executive Officer. Professor Catherine Elliott (photo courtesy of The Kids Institute) brings a wealth of experience in executive leadership, clinical practice, research, and health service delivery, with a strong commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes for rural and regional communities.
Prof Elliott joins Rural Health West following her tenure as Deputy Executive Director and Director of Research at The Kids Research Institute Australia, where she led efforts to enhance research excellence to improve the health and development of children. Prior to this, she held roles as Professorial Chair of Allied Health and Kids Rehab at Curtin University and with the Child and Adolescent Health Service.
“I am honoured to step into this role and to continue the vital work of ensuring rural communities have access to high-quality healthcare,” she said.
WA Primary Health Alliance, the operator of WA’s three Primary Health Networks, has appointed Bernadette Kenny as its new CEO. With extensive healthcare leadership credentials across the commercial and not-for-profit sectors, she brings to the role a deep understanding of the complex issues surrounding healthcare in Australia and the many opportunities afforded by the current health policy reform environment. A key focus will be building strong partnerships across the sector to help address persistent healthcare inequities.
“I am thrilled to be leading the skilled and dedicated WAPHA team as we strengthen and grow our organisation.”
The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research has welcomed Professor Joe Trapani AO to the board. Prof Trapani is Director of the Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (Peter Mac) and the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer (VCCC) Alliance in Melbourne, and until recently was Peter Mac’s Executive Director Cancer Research and Inaugural Head of the Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology at The University of Melbourne.
From 2007-2020, Joe was a member of the board of Cancer Council Victoria and chaired its Medical and Scientific Committee for eight years. He stood down recently as Head of Peter Mac’s Cancer Immunology Program, which he had led since its inception at Peter Mac in 2000. In 2024 Prof Trapani was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his contributions to medical research, cancer immunotherapy and his service to the Australian community.
“I am passionate about this opportunity to join the Perkins, which is at the forefront of medical research,” he said.