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

Mr Ian Langdon

MBA, BComm, Dip Ed (Melb Uni), FCPA, FAIM

Ian Langdon has extensive Board experience, encompassing roles such as Chair, Audit Committee Chair and Non-Executive Director with a wide range of companies in agribusiness, food production, marketing and health. Ian has held various academic positions, including Associate Professor and Dean of Business at Griffith University (Gold Coast campus). Ian is also the Chair of the Gasfields Commission Qld.

Deputy Board Chair

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.

Board Members

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, Cindy Shannon is the Pro Vice Chancellor (Indigenous) at Griffith University and an Emeritus Professor with the University of Queensland. She 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 Indigenous 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 is the Chair of the Queensland Ministerial Advisory Committee on Sexual Health; Chair of the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation; a member of the ARC Advisory Council; and sits on a number of not-for-profit boards, including the Brisbane South Primary Health Network. 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.

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).

Mr Lucas Patchett OAM

Lucas Patchett co-founded and is managing director of Orange Sky, mobile laundry and shower services for people experiencing homelessness across Australia and New Zealand. Since launching in 2014, the service has provided more than 1,600,000kg of free laundry, over 17,500 warm, safe showers, and close to 300,000 hours of genuine and non-judgemental conversation involving more than 2000 volunteers. Awarded Young Australian of the Year in 2016 and an Order of Australia Medal in 2020, Lucas has a passion and commitment to support people doing it tough.

Mr Michael Kinnane ESM

FAICD, FAIM

Michael Kinnane 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.

Prof Nicholas Zwar

MBBS, MPH, PhD, GAICD

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.

Mr Peter Dowling AM

BA (Acc.) Canberra, FCPA, FAICD.

Peter Dowling is an accountant and company director. He is a Fellow of CPA Australia and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He was formerly a partner with international accounting firm Ernst & Young. He is a Centenary of Federation Medal recipient and was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2007 for services to accountancy and the community. Peter’s other board and audit and risk committee appointments include State Government Department Audit Committees. He is also the Queensland Honorary Consul for Botswana.

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 and finance sectors. She is also a member of the Foreign Investment Review Board and 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.

Last updated 28 Jun 2021