CESPHN board OF directors

Special responsibilities: Board Chair

Rene graduated as a physiotherapist in 1989 (Sydney University) and spent the first 15 years of his career working in the public sector for South Western Sydney Area Health service performing both clinical and management roles. In 2004, he became the CEO of the Macarthur Division of General practice and during the ongoing primary health care reform, progressed to the CEO of South Western Sydney Medicare Local (SWSML) and then South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN). Rene completed a post graduate diploma in Gerontology (Sydney University) and the Board Directors course (AICD). Rene is currently working for himself as a consultant in the health sector working with various organisations. Most of his professional career has been working in the primary and community sectors, working with allied health, nursing and medical specialties such as General Practitioners, Geriatricians and Pediatricians. He has been commissioning services since his time in SWSML with an increased focus on this type of business as CEO of SWSPHN. He is currently a Director on the Murrumbidgee PHN Board and was previously on the Board of Down Syndrome Association NSW and Australia. His key achievement over the last 10 years would be the implementation of Quality in General practice Support services, Practice Nursing workforce support, the implementations of a Health Alliance model of care and the commencement of an interoperability platform to enable real time sharing of clinical data between the acute and primary care sector. His current independent role enables him to share expertise and knowledge across a wide range of sectors and regions.

Special responsibilities: People and Culture Committee (Chair)

Professor Charlotte Hespe AM is a nationally recognised general practitioner, academic, researcher and health system leader. She is Head of General Practice and Primary Care Research at the University of Notre Dame Australia and leads a multidisciplinary research program focused on improving health outcomes through high-quality primary care, implementation science, digital health innovation and quality improvement.

Professor Hespe remains clinically active as Principal GP and co-owner of Glebe Family Medical Practice, a long-established teaching practice in inner Sydney that supports the training of medical students and GP registrars and was recognised as RACGP NSW/ACT Practice of the Year in 2018.

She has extensive leadership and governance experience across the primary healthcare sector, including advisory and leadership roles with the Australian Digital Health Agency, NSW Health, the Lumos program and numerous national clinical, research and policy committees. She is recognised nationally for her expertise in quality improvement, data-informed care, cardiovascular disease prevention, chronic disease management and the translation of evidence into practice.

Professor Hespe has contributed significantly to the advancement of general practice through clinical service, education, research and advocacy. In 2024 she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to general medicine as a practitioner, academic and mentor. She was also recognised on the COVID-19 Honour Roll for her leadership and contributions during the pandemic.

Special responsibilities: People and Culture Committee and Nominations Committee

A strategic and commercially astute clinical leader, Chris has extensive experience as a Non-Executive Board director in the health sector. He was the founding director of the Lifestyle Clinic (a local health service operating as a division of the Faculty of Medicine, UNSW), and has been an integral driver of several local, state and federal health initiatives.

He commenced his career as an accredited exercise physiologist coordinating evidence based chronic disease management programs including PLWHA and mental health. His previous posts include Chair of the multi-disciplinary group within the Translational Cancer Research Network (TCRN) in Sydney Chair, Chair of Exercise Is Medicine – Australia (the Australian arm of the global health initiative), Board Director of Eastern Sydney Medicare Local, Executive Committee of the NSW Cancer Survivors Centre and the primary care representative to the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC).

He is also a member of the Central and Eastern Sydney Allied Health Network and was previously a Board Director of Eastern Sydney Allied Health Network. An advocate for allied-health services playing an integral role in person-centred care, Chris is passionate about translating research into practice to promote healthy lifestyles and keep people out of hospitals. He has contributed extensively to Central and Eastern Sydney PHN through various Board sub-committees and advisory councils.

Special responsibilities: People and Culture Committee and Nominations Committee

Sharlene has worked across the sector in Executive positions within NGOs that deliver services to the community. She has had some 16 years experience within the community sector. Sharlene has managed delivery of services within mental health, aged care, disability and youth to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. For this work she was awarded and Order of Australia medal in 2022.

She was also a finalist in the NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year in 2019. Sharlene is Managing Director of Allawaw Aboriginal Corporation and the former Chairperson of CESPHN Community Council of which she was a member from its inception.

Sharlene was a member of the Aboriginal Advisory for the NSW Ministerial Carers Strategy, Chairperson of the Disability Justice Project, Advisor to the NSW Ministerial Ageing Strategy, Member of the Suicide Prevention Lived Experience Network, Recipient of the Benevolent National Leadership award and a current member of the NSW Serious Young Offenders Review Panel. Sharlene is a Wiradjuri woman who is passionate about Closing the Gap in health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Special responsibilities: Finance and Audit Committee

Since graduating from USYD with two bachelor degrees in health, Peggy has accumulated over 15 years of experience providing a range of allied health and governance services across a variety of settings including general practice, hospitals, rehabilitation, youth, aged care, mental health, disability services and with diverse communities. From working at the frontline providing direct client care, to teaching, managing teams, and providing strategic direction.

Before joining the CESPHN board, Peggy chaired the Central and Eastern Sydney Allied Health Network (CESAHN) Board of Directors, was a member of the CESPHN Clinical Council and allied health representative on the Sydney Health Pathways and the CESPHN SLHD Liaison Committee.

With a varied background in health and community services, education and training, and leadership development, supplemented by an MBA and master’s degree in law (both at UNSW), Peggy brings to the board strategic advice through multiple professional lenses. She is also a Non-Executive Director for Flourish Australia and 3Bridges Community (where she chairs the Clinical Governance and Risk Committee).

Peggy is committed to achieving better health for all, providing opportunities for the most disadvantaged populations, and building thriving communities through responsible management and stronger partnerships with clients, carers and the wider community.

Special responsibilities: Finance and Audit Committee (Chair)

Michael is a GP and medical director of an independent, multi-disciplinary practice in Balmain. He led the Inner West GP respiratory clinic and the Sydney West COVID Vaccine Centre during the pandemic working closely with the CESPHN executive team and the Commonwealth government to deliver respiratory care and vaccine services. Previously, he was a uniformed medical officer in the Royal Australia Navy where he served for 13 years.

Michael was the President (2022-2024) of the Australian Medical Association (NSW) where he championed the value of primary care and the need for holistic community services. He continues to chair public health for the AMA nationally. As the deputy chair of GP Synergy (2014-2023), he provided board leadership to major organisational changes and initiatives.

He was President of the Australian Medical Students’ Association (2008) and then a member of the Board of beyondblue (2008-2014). He was then selected as a Churchill Fellow (2009) to investigate international systems that support better practitioner wellbeing.

Special responsibilities: Governance and Risk Committee (Chair)

Larissa is a strategic and commercial legal advisor with over 30 years’ experience in‑house and in private practice both in Australia and internationally.  Of particular relevance to CESPHN is her specialisation in health law.  Larissa has also previously served as a Senior Legal Member of the Guardianship Division of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.  As a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia and an experienced Director, Larissa has a comprehensive understanding of corporate governance, risk and compliance and has been involved in significant review and implementation processes in this area.  In addition to her role with CESPHN Larissa has a broad portfolio of directorships within the healthcare sector: she is the Deputy Chair of St John Ambulance NSW and Chairs its Risk Committee; she is a Director of Hunter Health Insurance; and she is a Director of Catholic Healthcare Limited.  In addition to her professional experience Larissa is also a breast cancer survivor.  Consequently, she has lived experienced of the importance of primary healthcare in prevention, screening and co‑ordination of care. Larissa is passionate about the critical role which primary healthcare plays in making our health system more effective and efficient by easing the burden on frontline resources and improving health outcomes for individuals and the community as a whole. She is keen to contribute to improving these outcomes in the Central and Eastern Sydney area.

Special responsibilities: Governance and Risk Committee

Deb Willcox AM was appointed Chief Executive, Sydney Local Health District in September 2024.

Prior to this role, Deb held the position of Deputy Secretary, Health System Strategy and Patient Experience, Ministry of Health, with statewide responsibility for areas including mental health, capital planning, patient experience, Commonwealth and State relations, health and social policy and allied health from 2022 to 2024.

Deb was Chief Executive, Northern Sydney Local Health District from 2017 to 2022. From 2015 to 2017, Deb held the combined role of Director of Operations, Sydney Local Health District and General Manager, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

Deb’s career has included roles in both government and non-government organisations and her experience spans clinical, corporate services, government departments, the research environment and senior government advisor roles.

Prior to NSW Health, Deb held senior positions in government, including Chief of Staff in the portfolios of Planning, Housing and Aboriginal Affairs and Advisor to the Deputy Premier and Minister for Health, overseeing clinical portfolio areas including planned surgery, critical care and emergency departments.

Deb started her career in nursing at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and later studied law, having been admitted as a Legal Practitioner in New South Wales.

Deb received a Member of the Order (AM) in the 2023 Australia Day Honours for her significant service to health administration and to the community.

Special responsibilities: Governance and Risk Committee; Community Council

Julie Millard AM is a mental health consultant, Credentialed Mental Health Nurse, educator, and social justice advocate with four decades of experience working across government and community-managed sectors. In her professional practice, Julie promotes, develops, and implements state and national health initiatives, and supports community-based, peer-led, culturally safe and trauma-informed service frameworks. She enhances mental health education for nursing and allied health students through their attendance at a therapeutic recreational program, the Recovery Camp.

Over the past decade, Julie has contributed to the work of CESPHN through membership in the Community Council, Clinical Council, Clinical Leaders Network, as well as serving as a Director and former Chair of the Sydney Health Community Network. Julie chairs the Women’s Mental Health (WMH) Section, and WMH Webinar Working Group and is a former Director and Regional Vice President Oceania for the World Federation for Mental Health. Additionally, she holds active memberships with the Global Mental Health Action Network, and the Global Alliance for Mental Health Advocates. In 2024, Julie was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the mental health sector, and in 2023 she received the The MHS Award for Exceptional Contribution to Mental Health Services in Australia and New Zealand, where she now serves as a Conference Ambassador. Julie remains a strong advocate for incorporating the voices of people with lived experience into healthcare system design, development, implementation and evaluation, strongly emphasising the importance of co-design principles.

Special responsibilities: Finance and Audit Committee

Dr Amandeep Hansra is a nationally and internationally recognised leader in digital health, primary care innovation, and clinical governance. A practising GP with over 20 years of experience, she combines deep frontline clinical expertise with strategic leadership across government, corporate, and entrepreneurial sectors to drive transformation in health systems both in Australia and globally.

Amandeep is currently Chief Clinical Adviser (Medicine) at the Australian Digital Health Agency, where she leads national strategy on digital health, interoperability, AI governance, and clinical safety. She has played a key role in shaping national policy, including the “Share by Default” reforms and Australia’s responsible AI frameworks.

Previously, Amandeep was CEO and Medical Director of Telstra’s telemedicine business ReadyCare, a joint venture with Medgate (Switzerland), and Chief Medical Officer for Telstra Health. She has held senior leadership roles with Medibank, nib, and the Department of Home Affairs, and was the inaugural Program Director for the Australian Clinical Entrepreneur Program (AUSCEP).

She is the founder of Creative Careers in Medicine (a 25,000-member community supporting clinician innovation and wellbeing) and co-founder of Australian Medical Angels, one of the world’s largest clinician angel investment syndicates.

Amandeep has served on several national boards including Healthdirect Australia, NPS MedicineWise, the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards International (ACHSI), and AMA NSW and is an Adjunct Associate Professor in Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health at the University of Sydney.

She has worked across diverse primary care settings including First Nations health, migrant and refugee health, and homeless health services, and has collaborated internationally on digital health and virtual care initiatives.

She is passionate about strengthening primary care through digital innovation, clinical leadership, and system integration to improve access, equity, and sustainability across the Sydney region and beyond.

Special responsibilities: People and Culture Committee

Wendy Hoey is a nationally and internationally recognised health executive and system leader, currently serving as Chief Executive of the Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network (JHFMHN) in NSW. With over three decades of experience in general and mental health services across acute, community, and custodial healthcare settings, Wendy brings a deep commitment to equity, safety, and innovation in service delivery.

A Registered Nurse with a dual background in clinical practice and executive leadership and has led complex public health organisations in NSW and Queensland. Her leadership has resulted in transformative outcomes including the reduction of restrictive practices in mental health settings, significant improvements in workforce engagement and patient outcomes, and the successful commissioning of major infrastructure and clinical reforms.

Wendy’s expertise spans strategic governance, risk management, inter-agency collaboration, and health system innovation. She has held key roles on numerous national and state-level committees, including chairing the National Roundtable on Prison Health, co-chairing the International Corrections and Prisons Association Health Network, and representing Australia at the International Red Cross Health in Detention Conference in Geneva.

Wendy has a broad research portfolio, is studying a Master of Business Administration and Public Health and has completed the AICD Company Directors Course. She is a passionate advocate for improving access to high-quality, integrated health services, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised populations.

In the 2024 Australia Day Honours list Wendy was awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) for her outstanding public service and dedication to the delivery.

Special responsibilities: Governance and Risk Committee

John’s clinical background is in allied health with post-doc research experience. His formal qualifications include a PhD in chronic musculoskeletal pain research from the University of Sydney, Master of Chiropractic, Bachelor of Science and Certified Digital Health Informatician Australasia (CHIA). He maintains active research connections as a post-doctoral Research Affiliate at the University of Sydney.

John has practiced continuously over the past 27 years in Sydney’s Inner West as owner and clinician of an allied health practice (Body Mind Central). His experience as a board director includes chairperson of Central and Eastern Sydney Allied Health Network (CESAHN) continuously since 2021 and NED of AusActive (National peak body for exercise professionals) since 2024. He has a Diploma in Governance from the Institute of Community Directors Australia.

In his various roles he has demonstrated commercial leadership, governance, financial stewardship, strategic direction, stakeholder engagement and person-centred communication.