Cheryl Vardon AO continues her leadership as Chair of the North West Hospital and Health Service (North West HHS) Board and welcomes two new members, Tanya Arnold, and Tonya Murray.

“I’m very pleased by the skills our new board members bring to the table. They will bring fresh perspective and valuable expertise to the board,” Ms Vardon said.

“Each new board member has strong connections to the North West with skills and experience to benefit the whole community, the North West HHS and the board.”

Ms Vardon said Tanya Arnold has a wealth of knowledge regarding the region’s unique challenges and opportunities, having lived in remote Queensland and the Northern Territory for thirty years.

“Tanya brings a deep commitment to advancing healthcare delivery across the North West and will utilise her practical understanding of healthcare access issues in remote areas to enhance service delivery and address the evolving needs of the community.” Ms Vardon said.

Ms Vardon highlights new member Tonya Murray, a Gangalidda woman from Burketown and Mount Isa, with a commitment to First Nation’s health with experience in leadership and engagement.

“Tonya has over two decades of community leadership and engagement and has served sixteen years as an elected member of the Burke Shire Council, including four years as Deputy Mayor,” Ms Vardon said.

“She has a deep understanding of the Gulf and North West’s unique challenges and insights into the complex health needs of remote and Indigenous communities.”

Ms Vardon said the board, through setting strategic oversight directions for North West HHS operations, will continue working closely with the health service to provide North West consumers the best possible care.

“The board will also continue to support innovative solutions to recruiting and retaining staff in the North West while telling the stories of our wonderful staff achievements who are on the ground right now.”

The North West HHS Board membership now comprises Cheryl Vardon AO (Chair), Professor Eleanor Miligan (Deputy Chair), and Board members Bill Armagnacq, Dr Marco Giuseppin, Fiona Hill, Dr Melissa Naidoo, Anne Pleash, Steven Renouf, Loretta Seamer, Tanya Arnold, and Tonya Murray.