KDHS Board

Chris commenced on the Board in July 2020 and is the current Board Chair.

Chris has worked in IT technical and consulting roles for over 20 years and more recently, the out-of-home entertainment industry.

Chris is a Kyabram local, Director of Advance Computing and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Samantha commenced on the Board in July 2023.

Originally from Melbourne, Samantha has lived in Kyabram since 2015 with her husband and two boys.

Previously a lawyer at a local law firm, Samantha now works in local government and has a keen interest in the Corporate Governance aspects of being a board member.

She has been involved in a number of community groups, most recently Kyabram Theatre Group; and has recently started an art business to align with her love of painting.

Jackie commenced on the Board in July 2022 and is current Chair of the Community & Cultural Governance Committee.

Jackie is a human resources specialist with business and psychology qualifications.  Jackie has worked in state and local government, as well as internationally for private and non-profit organisations, Jackie brings a broad people-focused perspective to her work and has worked in the Victorian Public Health system for the past 8 years.

Jackie is passionate about workforce safety and well-being and believes that a happy, healthy workforce is the foundation of great clinical outcomes and consumer care.

Gavin commenced on the Board in July 2024 and is currently the Chair of the Corporate Governance Committee.

Gavin’s background includes Managing Director roles at some of Victoria’s  largest rural and regional water corporations and has sat on a range of boards.

He has been a strong advocate for regional communities in the various senior roles he has held and is currently the state manager of small boutique investment company.

Harley commenced on the Board in July, 2023 and is a member of our Clinical Governance committee and also the Chair of the Credentialing committee.

Harley is an award-winning Occupational Therapist from Elmore. Educated in Elmore and Rochester, Harley was named a rising star at the 2020 Victorian Rural Health Awards. He is also an accomplished footballer, having been an under-age best and fairest winner with Elmore a decade ago.

Jacqueline commenced on the Board in July 2023.

For the past 10 years, Jacqueline has worked at the City of Greater Bendigo in a variety of roles including Finance, Tourism and Major Events and is currently a member of the Economic Development team, working towards making a positive economic impact in the region.

Jacqueline is a Kyabram local. Prior to moving to Bendigo to study, she grew up on a dairy farm which is still in the family today.

Merrin commenced on the Board in 2018 and is the current Chair of the Clinical Governance Committee.

Merrin has extensive clinical experience as a Physiotherapist in public and private practices. Having lived in Kyabram for over 30 years, she has always held a strong interest in KDHS.

Merrin has a keen interest in clinical and corporate governance, consumer engagement and the measurement of clinical outcomes, and utilises these skills as part of her KDHS Board role.

Sally Harris is a senior healthcare executive with extensive experience in strategic leadership, governance, and health service transformation. As Chief Allied Health Officer / Executive Director of Community and Continuing Care at Bendigo Health, she leads integrated services across hospital, outpatient, community, and residential aged care settings.

A registered occupational therapist, Sally brings strong governance expertise, a system-wide perspective, and a commitment to delivering equitable, high-quality healthcare. She is passionate about developing innovative, person-centred models of care that improve access, experience, and outcomes, particularly for rural and regional communities.

Shelley Crowther has over 30 years of experience across the public and private health sectors, nationally and internationally. She has experience as a Board Director for regional Victorian Health Services, chairing Safety, Quality and Clinical Governance Committees, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is a former Pharmacy Board member (NT). Her career spans executive and senior roles in policy, advocacy, government relations, regulation and health sector engagement at state and federal level, including previous board subcommittee responsibilities across advocacy, research and clinical trials. Shelley has extensive experience in clinical education, health practitioner curriculum development, assessment and research, and has contributed to the development and review of national standards, codes and guidelines. She has received national recognition in academic teaching, research and business innovation.