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Bendigo Board Directors welcomed to Bendigo Community Health Services

New_board_members_2020

UPDATE: Peter Leersen has resigned from the board for work-related reasons.

 

It's exciting for us to welcome three new Board Directors.

Abhishek Awasthi, Dr Mark Morley and Peter Leersen were endorsed during the BCHS Annual General Meeting with standing Director Josh Pell returned.

Former Board Chair Geoff Bowyer, long-serving Board member Tom Bailey and Joolee Hughes leave the board.

Our Board Chair Vicki Pearce said the new directors brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the organisation.

"It's so important to have a range of skills on our board to ensure we can continue to develop and improve all areas of our organisation to ensure we deliver the best quality care for our community. We look forward to seeing Abhishek, Mark and Peter bringing new ideas and initiatives to our Board," Mrs Pearce said.

Abhishek Awasthi brings a wealth of experience to the Board of Directors, particularly in cultural diversity as a multicultural community leader for more than 10 years.

"Health and wellbeing are very important to me, personally and professionally. It is important that every member of the community has equitable access to health and wellbeing services, as and when required. In particular, the vulnerable members including the cultural, religious, racial and linguistic diverse community members. This is critical to make our communities more inclusive, welcoming, respectful and safer," Mr Awasthi said.

To see a 'welcome' video featuring our three new Board members please click on the 'read more' button below

VIDEO: Meet our new Board Directors and learn about their skills and goals

Dr Mark Morley has extensive experience in marketing and management through work with government, the private sector and charities

“I’m passionate about my family, my community, and about the relentless hard work involved in delivering solid community health outcomes for all people – regardless of their personal circumstance or background,” Dr Morley said.

“Strong outcomes around health and wellbeing are reflected in stronger communities, greater economic and social attainment for individuals, and a more cohesive society. To that end, I’m interested in delivering projects and programs that benefit the health and wellbeing of individuals, building great support and clinical assistance around vulnerable or marginalised people in the community, as well as relentlessly engaging in health promotion and education.”

To meet all our Board Directors click here

Mrs Pearce said while BCHS was excited to see new faces on the Board of Directors, there was sadness in seeing other members leave.

“Tom Bailey has served on this Board for eight years across three terms which is the maximum under our Constitution and his contribution through those years has been wonderful and something Tom should be very proud of,” she said.

“Geoff Bowyer has been truly passionate and dedicated to improving our organisation through his term on the Board which included time as Chair.

“Joolee Hughes had a short term on our Board but her skills and experience during that time was very valuable. 

“We thank Tom, Geoff and Joolee for their service and wish them well in whatever the future holds.”

 

 

Last updated: February 11, 2020