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Meet the 2020 Victorian Rural Health Award Winners

The 2020 Victorian Rural Health Awards took place virtually on Thursday 15 October, celebrating over 30 health professionals from across regional and rural Victoria. 

Meet our Victorian Rural Health Award winners:

Winner of Outstanding Contribution by a Rural GP: Dr Jeffrey Robinson

Dr Jeffrey Robinson from Mount Beauty Medical Centre is recognised for his longstanding dedication to serving the community of Mount Beauty, not only in a medical capacity but also as a volunteer fire-fighter, which saw him at the front-line earlier this year battling the bushfires while continuing to provide medical services during these disastrous conditions.

Winner of Outstanding Contribution by a Rural GP VMO and length of service award: Dr Peter Keppel

Dr Peter Keppel has worked as a GP Anaesthetist at Yarrawonga Health since 1985. From 2018, he has been a VMO Anaesthetist and GP at Kerang District Health where he is one of two GP Anaesthetists providing much needed theatre services to the hospital.

Dr Keppel is recognised for his longstanding contributions in supporting rural communities and sustaining access to specialist services
in his region and beyond.

Winner of Outstanding Contribution by a Rural SPECIALIST: MR PETER MORTENSEN

Mr Peter Mortensen is a Specialist Urologist and surgeon servicing health providers across Shepparton. 

Mr Mortensen is recognised for his outstanding commitment to Victorian rural communities spanning over 30 years, much of which he has operated as a sole urologist, while seeking to build and ensure the sustainability of local services.

Winner of Outstanding Contribution by a Rural NURSE/MIDWIFE: VICKI BROAD

Vicki Broad is a Midwife working at Robinvale District Health Services. As a solo midwife based in Robinvale for the last 13 years, she is recognised for her dedication to providing midwifery services and supporting countless women during their antenatal period.

Winner of Outstanding Contribution by a Rural ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL: MEGAN GREEN

Megan Green is a Dietitian working at Colac Area Health. Megan is recognised for her leadership and commitment to improving the treatment, screening and identification of malnutrition of in-patients at Colac Area Health.

RISING STAR AWARD: HARLEY HAYES

Harley Hayes is an Occupational Therapist from Everyday Independence Bendigo. Despite being only in his third year of practice, Harley is recognised for his extensive contribution to the occupational therapy profession and advocacy for developing and building a rural workforce.

CLOSING THE GAP AWARD: DR EDMUND POLINESS

Dr Edmund Poliness from Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative is a GP and Medical Educator who has provided extensive GP clinical service support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

Dr Poliness is recognised for his work improving the health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the Geelong and surrounding regions.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD: DR LESLEY CADZOW

Dr Lesley Cadzow is a GP locum who regularly provides services to Apollo Bay and Yarram. Dr Cadzow is recognised by her colleagues and patients for her unwavering commitment and enthusiasm, and for consistently filling the need for GP locum relief to rural health services over the last decade.

LENGTH OF SERVICE AWARD: DR DALE FORD

Dr Dale Ford is the Chief Medical Officer for Western District Health Service in Hamilton, and continues to work part-time in general practice at Hamilton Medical Group, where he has been since 1985. When asked about his career highlights:

“The privilege of looking after many patients as their GP over the “long haul”; my current position as CMO which I believe brings all of the skills that I have learnt from various programs and training together; and the great feeling of achievement that occurred with seeing practices achieve long lasting system improvements with the Primary Care Collaboratives.”

Working in country Victoria has given Dr Ford great satisfaction knowing that he can serve communities where there is great need for GPs.

LENGTH OF SERVICE AWARD: DR SUZANNE HARRISON

Dr Suzanne Harrison was born in Sale and raised in multiple towns in rural Victoria. Since 1984, Dr Harrison has lived and worked in Echuca-Moama in general practice, Aboriginal Health and as a VMO providing anaesthetic and emergency services at Echuca Regional Health.

For the last 15 years she has had an interest in medical education and workforce, and has been at various times a Hub Educator for the University of Melbourne Extended Rural Cohort, Director of Intern Training at ERH and a supervisor of registrars at her practice. She currently has governance roles with ACRRM, MCCC and RDAV.

The highlight of Dr Harrison’s career is being able to work with many great young doctors, many of whom she has had the pleasure of contributing to their training and rural experience, including her daughter.

LENGTH OF SERVICE AWARD: DR NEIL JACKSON

Dr Neil Jackson is based in Terang in the Western District and has been practising medicine in this district for 35 years. For the past 15 years, Dr Jackson has operated as a solo rural GP in his Civic Medical Terang practice.

There have been many highlights in her career including working in Perth, WA, the UK and with the Royal Flying Doctor Service based in outback Western Australia as well as a long period spent in Western Victoria. Dr Jackson loves being part of the local community where he “knows the story” of many patients and their families over several generations.

Dr Jackson has enjoyed being able to provide comprehensive medical care with access to the local hospital and supporting the local nursing home.

LENGTH OF SERVICE AWARD: DR IAIN NICOLSON

Dr Iain Nicolson was born and raised in London. Dr Nicolson relocated to rural Victoria, where he has spent the last 43 years in rural practice, initially in Toora South Gippsland and since February 1985 in Sale.

Dr Nicolson’s career highlights include teaching undergraduates and registrars and being involved with the Sale Hospital.

“I enjoy being part of the community and living on the block of land purchased in 1986 with chooks, goats, alpacas and a horse and a wonderful veggie garden and orchard and the support of my wonderful family.”

LENGTH OF SERVICE AWARD: DR SIMON SNEYD

Dr Simon Sneyd graduated from Melbourne University in 1980 and completed his training with the college of GP’s family medicine program in Shepparton in 1984 with a Diploma of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Having discovered the many attractions of Shepparton and the surrounding region, Dr Sneyd joined Wyndham House Clinic at the beginning of 1985 and has continued to practise family medicine, feeling privileged to have been involved with multiple generations of local families.

His current interests are on the benefits of nutrition and lifestyle medicine with a focus on chronic disease and hormonal management of men and women throughout life.  He also has interests in aged and palliative care along with mental health, especially in the field of mind body medicine.

Dr Sneyd is also passionate about ongoing medical education for the next generation of doctors.

All Length of Service Award Winners

  • Dr John Beaumont – Aireys Inlet Medical Centre
  • Dr John Bergin – Inglis Medical Centre, Sale
  • Dr Santino Bronchinetti – Bacchus Marsh Medical Centre
  • Dr David Cruickshanks – UFS Medical – Sturt Street, Ballarat
  • Dr Frank Del Rio – Surf Coast Medical Centre, Torquay
  • Dr Dale Ford – Hamilton Medical Group
  • Dr Kulbir Gill – Gisborne Medical Centre
  • Dr Suzanne Harrison – Echuca Moama Family Medical Practice
  • Dr Deborah Henty – Ballarat Group Practice – Victoria Street
  • Dr William Howson – Wonthaggi Medical Group
  • Dr Neil Jackson – Civic Medical, Terang
  • Dr Peter Keppel – Yarrawonga Denis Medical Group
  • Dr Patrick Kinsella – Gippsland Lakes Complete Health, Lakes Entrance
  • Dr Soo Lim – Ely Street Clinic, Wangaratta
  • Dr Paul Malcher – Portarlington Medical Centre
  • Dr Jennifer Murray – Ovens Medical Group, Wangaratta 
  • Dr Iain Nicolson – Sale Medical Centre
  • Dr Terence Norwood – Newborough Health
  • Dr Alan Randell – Beechworth Surgery
  • Dr Barry Reid – Ocean Grove Medical Clinic
  • Dr David Schepisi – Sandhurst Medical Practice, Bendigo
  • Dr Simon Sneyd – Wyndham House Clinic, Shepparton
  • Dr Peter Trigg – Yarra Valley Clinic, Healesville
  • Dr William Twycross – Central General Practice, Mansfield
  • Dr John Urie – Bairnsdale Medical Group

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F E E D B A C K

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

LLB, BSc, MMgt (Strategic Foresight), GAICD As a practising lawyer and business consultant, Jane has worked for many years with company boards and executives across a range of areas including IP commercialisation, SaaS businesses, healthcare products/services, privacy compliance, data/IT security, and strategy.  As a commercial lawyer Jane takes a risk management and pragmatic approach within a legal/ethical framework to analyse issues/problems to find acceptable outcomes. Jane  has for over 8 years been General Counsel for ID (Informed Decisions) which business converts data into knowledge to help organisations make informed decisions about property as it relates to people and place.   She has served over a 20 year period as a Director on health related boards including Breast Screen Victoria, Ballarat Health Services, Victorian Artificial Reproductive Treatment Authority and RWAV. RWAV special responsibilities: • Deputy Chair • Chair of the Governance Committee • Strategy, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement Committee Member

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.

Lauren Cordwell

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. 

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