Media Release - PHN welcomes three new Board members  

Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to the Board of Directors.

The new Board members – Deanne Minniecon, Elizabeth Adams and Professor Lauren Ball – were officially appointed at the PHN’s AGM on Thursday, 27 October 2022. Current members, General Practitioner, Dr Vladislav Matic, and Queensland Rural Medical Education Chief Executive Officer, Megan O’Shannessy, were also reappointed.

Board Chair, Dr Tony Bayliss, said the new Board members were carefully selected to reflect the local community and equip the PHN for the future.

“We are delighted to welcome these three incredible leaders to our Board of Directors,” said Dr Bayliss.

“Our new members will contribute a wealth of knowledge as we work to support our GPs, commission health services, and maintain our close relationships with our partners in the health system,”

Two of the new Board members, Deanne Minniecon and Elizabeth Adams, will also bring invaluable knowledge and perspectives as First Nations women.

“There are currently over 34,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents in our region, so it is of absolute importance that our Board members reflect the make-up of our communities,” said Dr Bayliss.

“Deanne and Elizabeth’s insights will ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are embedded in all decision making at the PHN as we continue to work towards improving health outcomes,”

The Board of Directors looks forward to working with Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN staff, stakeholders, health professionals and community members to improve primary care for the region.

About the new Board members:

Deanne Minniecon

Deanne Minniecon is an Aboriginal (Goreng Goreng) and Torres Strait Islander (Erub) woman with over 25 years’ experience working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and education. Deanne is currently the National Manager of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement at Diabetes Australia.

Elizabeth Adams

Elizabeth Adams is currently the CEO Goolburri Aboriginal Health, and is a proud Aboriginal woman of the Mardigan people from Southwest Queensland with over 30 years’ experience in primary health care.

Professor Lauren Ball

Professor Lauren Ball is a Professor of Community Health and Wellbeing at the University of Queensland. Lauren brings over 15 years' experience as a clinician and researcher in primary care as a qualified dietitian, exercise physiologist and primary health care researcher.