In the latest episode of the Talking Country Health podcast, we speak with Darren Riggon, a senior psychiatric nurse practitioner at Mildura Base Public Hospital. With a rich career spanning …
Photo Above (L-R): Ben Trewarn, Team Manager – Health Professional Recruitment Team at RWAV, Shay Madzikanda, General Manager Finance & …
This is Stage One of the new MyRWAV Portal and is the home of Health Workforce Scholarship Program (HWSP) Grants
Stage Two – We’ll keep you updated with the release dates of the rest of the grants
This is where you’ll find all the grants and programs RWAV offers. Click on any opportunity to see the details, check if you’re eligible, and start your application. It’s the first step to getting the support you need!
This tab helps you keep track of your grant applications. You can see your progress, save drafts to finish later, contact our team for help, and check the results of your applications. Stay organised and up to date!
Here, you’ll find details about your approved grants. You can check the funding amount, see what’s required, and track any payments. Use this tab to stay on top of your awarded grants!
This tab lists all the tasks you need to complete for your approved grants. You can see what’s due, track your progress, and review completed tasks. It helps you stay on top of your responsibilities and meet all requirements.
The new and improved MyRWAV Portal is created using an enhanced operating system with better functionality and security. We therefore need you to create a new account with a fresh password. To ensure you have access to your existing HWSP grants from the old MyRWAV Portal, be sure to use the same emails address. If you’re setting up an account for the first time, we recommend you use a personal email address.
Yes, your application will automatically save as a ‘draft’. You can find it under the Applications tab, where you’ll be able to manage and track all of your applications.
You can reach out to the Grants Team by emailing HWSP@rwav.com.au or calling (03) 9349 7800.
Simply go to the login page and click on ‘Forgot Your Password’. Enter your email address and follow the prompts to reset it.
Not all historical data has been migrated to the new portal. However, moving forward you’ll have full access to all the details related to applications submitted through the new MyRWAV portal.
If you’re creating a new account and don’t need to link any past activity from the old MyRWAV portal, we recommend using a personal email address. This ensures uninterrupted access to MyRWAV even if you relocate or change employers.
Guidelines for each grant are available when you click on the relevant grant or program. Look for the ‘View Guidelines’ button in the top right-hand corner, next to the ‘Apply Now’ button.
Eligibility criteria are outlined in the guidelines for each grant or program. Click on the grant you’re interested in, and you’ll find the ‘View Guidelines’ button in the top right-hand corner.
A member of the RWAV Grants Team will notify you via email once your application has been reviewed. You can also track the status of your application in the new MyRWAV Portal. Simply go to Applications, click on ‘Select List Display’, and choose Kanban from the dropdown menu. This will display the exact status of your application.
Before you begin, carefully read the grant or program guidelines. These will outline the eligibility criteria and inform you of any required documents or information needed for your application.
P: +61 3 9349 7800
F: +61 3 9820 0401
Rural Workforce Agency Victoria
Wurundjeri Country
Level 15, 2 Lonsdale Street,
Melbourne VIC 3000
Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV) is a not-for-profit government funded organisation improving health care for rural, regional and Aboriginal communities in Victoria.
RWAV provides a range of activities and support to improve the recruitment and retention of health professionals to rural and regional Victoria.
RWAV acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Victoria. We pay our respects to Elders, past and present.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.
CA, BEc (Acc), RITP, MAICD
Mat is a Chartered Accountant of 30 years standing with experience as an Auditor, Banker and Registered Liquidator. Joint founding Partner of a Chartered Accounting firm specialising in Corporate Advisory, Business Recovery and Turnaround, Valuations and Forensics, Mat brings his considerable financial experience combined with the commercial learnings gathered running numerous businesses to the Board. Mat was a longstanding Board member of Ballarat Community Health Limited and was a member and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee whilst he was on the Board and is well aware of the issues facing the health workforce in regional areas.
RWAV special responsibilities:
• Audit and Risk Committee Member
• People and Culture Committee Member
BAppSci, GradDipBus, MBus, GAICD, FIML
John is an experienced CEO and senior executive who has held many roles in various hospitals, in government (Health Department), and in professional associations related to healthcare. John was the CEO of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), where he had major involvement in the governance review, various sustainability in healthcare initiatives, Indigenous health and ‘Building Respect’ cultural improvement strategies. John’s expertise encompasses leadership, strategic policy development, professional standards and government relations. At RACS, he led the college through the COVID-19 pandemic and oversaw the digitisation of a range of member offerings, including aspects of training. He remains a key advocate for good corporate governance and the need for leaner and competent skills-based boards. John is also on the Board of the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians.
RWAV special responsibilities:
• Strategy, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement Committee Member
• People and Culture Committee Member
BBus(HRM)
Lauren commenced in the role of Manager People and Culture in August 2018 and is responsible for leading the implementation of RWAV’s People and Culture strategy, policies, processes, functions and team.
Lauren’s team is committed to implementing activities and initiatives to support the achievement of RWAV’s strategies and strengthen RWAV’s position as an ‘Employer of Choice’.
Lauren is an experienced Manager and HR professional, with a career spanning the professional services, automotive, defence, and not-for-profit sectors.
CPA
Albert Giorgini is the Senior Advisor to CEO at RWAV.
As an experienced finance executive, with an extensive career in public transport and in the automotive and industrial gas sectors, Albert has honed his skills in driving financial performance improvements with a commercial and business transformation focus.
Through his strategic financial skills, Albert has demonstrated an exceptional capacity to lead and develop large teams in complex and changing environments to achieve the financial and regulatory requirements of the business. His extensive experience has given him a deep understanding of the industry and its challenges, equipping him with the expertise to drive impactful change.
Albert has highly developed communication and stakeholder management skills to support his strong planning, analytical and financial performance improvement acumen, always striving to create innovative solutions that drive growth and success.
BMed, MMedSci, FRACGP, FARGP, FACRRM, DipPractDerm, DipMedHyp, DipFP, DipBusAdmin, GAICD
Morton is an experienced GP and medical educator. He is currently in clinical general practice in suburban Melbourne and previously practised in rural Victoria for 10 years. Morton is Chair of the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaborative and a past Chair of the Mental Health Professionals Association and is a board member of the Mental Health Professionals Network. He is also the Medical Director of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Victoria. He is a member of the RACGP Victoria Council.
RWAV special responsibilities:
• Board Director
• Governance Committee Member
• Chair of Strategy, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement Committee
BMBS, MBA, FRACP, FRACMA, FAICD
Grant is a retired physician and gastroenterologist whose specialist
clinical practice was in regional and rural Victoria. In the latter part of his career, Grant moved into management and leadership roles at organisational and system level, with a focus on clinical quality and clinical engagement.
Having worked for government in several jurisdictions, through this, Grant has held leadership roles in the national safety and quality agenda, and has also held major professional level roles including a 2-year period as President of the Adult Division of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians from 2016–18.
Grant teaches clinical governance with a focus on helping healthcare boards and executive teams understand this critical aspect of their work, and consults to organisations on their clinical governance and nclinical leadership.
Grant is an experienced and qualified board director, having attained
Fellowship of the Australian Institute of Company Directors in 2018,
and currently chairs a major sporting organisation.
RWAV special responsibilities:
• Board Chair
• Nominations and Remuneration Committee Member
• Governance Committee Member
BA (Hons), BEc, Grad Dip Bus, MBA, FGIA, FAICD
Roger Chao is a highly regarded expert in corporate governance, risk management, and board strategy, with a career spanning the corporate, public, and not-for-profit sectors. A Fellow of both the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Governance Institute of Australia, he advises boards on navigating complexity with clarity and integrity.
As a former CEO, entrepreneur, and board chair, Roger has successfully scaled ventures, raised capital, and guided high-growth organisations through innovation and disruption. He contributes to director education as a course writer, facilitator, and assessor for both the AICD and Governance Institute, mentoring the next generation of ethical and strategic leaders.
Roger’s sector expertise includes health, education, AI, law enforcement, sustainability, and emergency management. A frequent speaker, author, and advisor, he is committed to strengthening governance as a foundation for high-performing, purpose-driven organisations.
RWAV special responsibilities:
• Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee
BSci(Hons), DipLang, MD, FRACGP, FACRRM, DRANZCOG(Adv), GAICD
Louise is a rural GP obstetrician practising in a number of locations across Central Victoria where she delivers general practice, obstetric and sexual health services. After growing up in a small town, she has lived experience of the difficulties of accessing healthcare in rural and regional areas, and is dedicated to advocating for equitable health outcomes, regardless of geography. In addition to her clinical duties, she undertakes consulting, medical education and advocacy work. She is also a non-executive director and the current President of the RDAV. Louise recently returned to study in 2024 and is undertaking a Masters of Public Health through The University of Melbourne.
RWAV special responsibilities:
• Strategy, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement Committee Member
• Audit and Risk Committee Member
For nearly 30 years, Catherine has worked as a consultant, senior executive, adviser and government relations specialist with a particular focus on health, social services, social policy and industry development. Catherine is currently Partner and Co-founder of Evaluate, an economics consulting company, where she is engaged in the evaluation and development of efficient and cost-effective services and policies, principally in relation to health and life sciences. Prior to this, Catherine worked in the health insurance and pharmaceutical industries with responsibilities for government relations, stakeholder engagement, policy development, regulatory affairs and communication in Australia, the United Kingdom and Europe. Catherine is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a past board member of Marriott Support Services, Melbourne City Mission and Victoria Legal Aid.
RWAV special responsibilities:
• Strategy, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement Committee Member
• Audit and Risk Committee Member
BCom, MPP, EdD, DipEd, Claritas/CFA Investment Certificate, MAICD
Rosemary has had a varied career as an academic teaching economics, public policy and industrial relations, and as a consultant, advocate, health union official and as a director. She brings strong governance and strategic skills to the Board, as well as knowledge and depth of experience in health policy, economics and investment.
Rosemary was a Director of Aware Super for nine years, from 2012 to 2021, and Chair of the Investment Committee for three years. She was a member of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee, the Governance Committee and the Human Resources & Remuneration Committee, which she also chaired.
Rosemary is currently a member of the Investment Committee of Cbus, a major Australian superannuation fund.
She was the Secretary of the Victorian Psychologists Association Inc for 20 years and was Assistant Secretary and Secretary of the Medical Scientists’ Association of Victoria, which counts dietitians and audiologists among its members.
Rosemary knows first-hand the difficulties in attracting and retaining health professionals in rural and regional Victoria.
Rosemary is a member of the Medical Association for the Prevention of War, and a committee member of Quit Nukes.
RWAV special responsibilities:
• Chair of the People and Culture Committee
• Governance Committee Member
With a rich background of consulting and in-house people and culture roles with the corporate, government and community sectors, Andrea is responsible for leading the implementation of RWAV’s People and Culture strategy, policies, processes, functions and team.
Andrea has significant experience in leading teams across culture, capability, diversity, equity, leadership, organisational development and learning programs as well as core human resources partnering.
With a strong focus on building and maintaining psychologically safe organisations, Andrea’s team is dedicated to ensuring that RWAV is a place where people can work well and be well at work.
LLB BCom FGIA
Martin is a governance professional and lawyer with experience in private practice and in-house legal roles. He has been a company secretary for public and private sector organisations across a range of industries including VicTrack, Regis Healthcare Limited and Dairy Australia Limited. He holds Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce degrees from the University of Melbourne, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance from the Governance Institute of Australia (GIA) and is a fellow of the GIA.
Social Work (BA Hons), DipSW
With a background in social work and a proven track record in recruitment, project management, and business development, Jo brings strategic leadership and extensive experience to the health, human services, and State Government sectors. She specialises in health professional recruitment and outreach initiatives, and 3GA programs.
Jo is dedicated to delivering innovative workforce solutions and strengthening clinical governance in support of RWAV’s mission to improve healthcare accessibility across rural and regional Victoria. During her previous tenure at RWAV, she led successful internal change projects and built strong, collaborative relationships with external stakeholders.
Passionate about uniting communities and driving positive change, Jo is committed to advancing rural healthcare in Victoria through strategic, sustainable, and people-focused initiatives
RN, GradDip(Health Promotion), PRINCE2, Mini MBA Kate is a Registered Nurse experienced in health promotion and project management. Her people and program management skills enable her to be agile and adaptable while maintaining an outcomes focus on improving quality access to primary healthcare. Kate’s extensive experience working with all levels of government, the community and stakeholders across the sector have provided her with insights into the challenges rural communities and health professionals face. With her strengths in strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement and collaborative partnerships, Kate has led the design and delivery of many innovative and strategic health promotion and grants programs, supporting better access to health services, health information and activities across communities. Whilst at RWAV, Kate has led the transformation of the RWAV grants program, enhanced the administration of a number of programs and developed the RWAV allied health portfolio. She has also led the development of the RWAV research program of activities.
Msc (Fin), FCCA, FGIA, CA
Shay possesses more than two decades of financial management and leadership experience across both commercial and not-for-profit sectors. He has held numerous finance and leadership positions in the United Kingdom and Australia, including roles as chief financial officer, general manager, commercial manager, finance manager, and accountant.
His proven leadership abilities are supported by his fellowship with the Governance Institute of Australia, fellowship with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, membership with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, a Master’s degree in Finance, and an undergraduate qualification in accounting and finance.
In addition, Shay has resided and worked in rural Victoria, providing him with valuable insight into the workforce opportunities and challenges faced by businesses operating in regional communities.
Snezana is a Human Resources leader with more than 15 years of experience in management, playing a pivotal role in driving team transformations across diverse industries, including FMCG, automotive, government, and non-profit sectors.
With a curiosity for business and its associated complexities, Snezana fosters collaborative partnerships to cultivate a highly motivated workforce that effectively executes strategic plans.
Chief Executive Officer
BHlthSci(Hons) MPH PostGradDipMgt GAICD AFCHSM
Lauren Cordwell is the Chief Executive Officer at RWAV. She was appointed CEO in August 2023, after serving in various executive roles, including Acting CEO and General Manager Strategy and Stakeholder Engagement.
As an experienced senior executive and health policy analyst, Lauren is committed to finding practical solutions to improve access to quality health care in rural Australia.
Lauren has over 25 years of experience in health policy and workforce development. Her career is marked by a commitment to equitable health care and the development of initiatives that have lasting benefits.
At RWAV, Lauren’s approach emphasises partnerships, data, technology and collaborative efforts with communities, health professionals and government agencies. She leads a team of smart, capable individuals who care deeply about making a difference to health outcomes.
