Board

The Gold Coast Health Board, established on 1 July 2012, enhances decision making about local health services to benefit the local community. It is committed to:

  • Developing ways to involve the community in designing local health services
  • Exploring strategies to meet the growth in demand for health services
  • Considering innovative ways to increase resources to the region, including public / private partnerships
  • Working to improve access to hospital services while ensuring our world-class facilities are used to their capacity.

Gold Coast Health is committed to improved health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our community. Read the Reconciliation Statement. 

Board Chair

Prof Cindy Shannon AM

BA (Economics and History), Grad Dip Ed, MBA, DrSocSc (Pol Sci), GAICD, FQAAS (FQA)

A descendant of the Ngugi people from Moreton Bay, Professor Cindy Shannon is the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Indigenous, Diversity and Inclusion) at Griffith University and an Emeritus Professor with the University of Queensland. Cindy led the development and implementation of Australia’s first degree-level program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, has led major reforms in health and played a key role in establishing the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health in South-East Queensland. Cindy served on the Council of NHMRC from 2005-2012, and was a member of the Health and Hospital Fund Advisory Board from 2008-2014. Until recently, Cindy was also Chair of the Brisbane South Primary Health Network. Cindy is the current Chair of the Queensland Ministerial Advisory Committee on Sexual Health and the Chair of the Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Commission Advisory Board. In 2017, Cindy was recognised as a Queensland Great for contributions to Indigenous Health and Education and, in 2020, was made a Member of the Order of Australia (in general division) for contributions to Medical Education and Indigenous Health. In addition, Cindy was awarded the AMA Queensland Excellence in Health Care medal in 2022.

Board Members

Prof Judy Searle

BMBS, FRANZCOG(ret), GDPH, MD, GCTE, PCM, GAICD

While Judy’s resume demonstrates a diverse range of skills and experiences, she started her career as a medical specialist before moving primarily into leadership and management positions in academe both in Australia and the UK. She then took up the opportunity to expand her experiences more broadly as she moved to senior health advisory positions within Government both Federal and Territory and then to CEO of a national and cross-Tasman professional organisation. Currently, she provides leadership and independent expertise in the health and aged care sectors as a Non-Executive Director with particular skills in governance, risk management and safety and quality. She also provides independent advice on health system performance and medical practitioner regulation at a state government level. Judy has therefore had the opportunity to work across many sectors, particularly in health, including clinical service provision, academia, policy development, regulation and accreditation, board directorship and medicopolitics.

Ms Colette McCool PSM

MIM, BA, FAICD

Ms Colette McCool PSM has more than 25 years’ experience as a senior executive in large and complex public sector organisations. She has held senior leadership positions across economic, environmental and social portfolios in Territory and Local Governments, in diverse functional areas such as community services and health, waste management and transport. Ms McCool has highly developed skills and extensive experience in community consultation, engagement and capacity building, coupled with a deep knowledge of the diverse Gold Coast community and its needs. In recognition of her contribution to public service, in particular the community of the Gold Coast, Ms McCool was awarded a Public Service Medal (PSM).

Prof Nicholas Zwar

MBBS, MPH, PhD

Nick Zwar has extensive experience as a General Practitioner and primary health care teacher and researcher. He has a national and international reputation in health services research on the prevention and management of chronic illness, with a focus on respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Nick has led and contributed to several sets of Australian and international clinical practice guidelines and has more than 200 peer-reviewed publications. He is Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine at Bond University while working part-time in a local general practice.

Ms Teresa Dyson

Ms Teresa Dyson, LLB(Hons), BA, MTax, MAppFin, GAICD

Teresa Dyson is a Non-Executive Director, with a portfolio of directorships across listed companies, government entities and not-for-profit entities. She sits on Boards in the media, energy, recycling and finance sectors. She is also a member of the Takeovers Panel. Teresa has previously been a Partner of a global law firm and a global accounting firm. Teresa is a former Chair of the Board of Taxation and a former member of the Foreign Investment Review Board.

Mr Michael Kinnane ESM

FAICD, FAIM

Michael Kinnane has extensive Board and Chair experience across not-for-profit, statutory, and public company spheres. He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has had an accomplished career as Director-General of several Queensland government departments, including emergency services for more than 12 years. He was CEO of the Queensland Ambulance Service for five years. Michael is a strategic change leader who is community and outcomes-focused with a record of achievements resulting in positive patient outcomes for the community. Michael is also a Director of the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation. Michael was awarded an Emergency Services Medal (ESM) in 2005 for his leadership in reforming emergency services in Queensland, in addition to being awarded a Centenary Medal in 2001 by the Governor-General.

Mr Lucas Patchett OAM

GAICD 

Lucas Patchett is the Co-Founder and CEO of Orange Sky, a not for profit with a mission of positively connecting communities through a free mobile laundry and shower service for people experiencing homelessness. Started in 2014, Orange Sky has expanded to more than 60 services across Australia and New Zealand with a team of 3,000+ volunteers providing a range of services across a variety of different communities. Lucas is passionate about serving the community, innovation and how to create and build  organisational culture. Lucas was awarded the Young Australian of the Year award in 2016 and an Order of Australia Medal in 2020.

Last updated 28 Mar 2024