Anna Sweeney
Chairperson
Anna Sweeney is a Director of Wattlepark and a Consultant with over 20 years of experience in Environmental Management, Commercial Projects Management, Sustainable Agriculture and Community Engagement. Anna has worked across Public, Private and Not for Profit sectors, with roles at Agriculture Victoria, AusAID, URS Australia and Goolarabooloo Millibinyarri Corporation. Anna has qualifications in science, social science and a Masters’ degree in Environmental Science. Anna lives and works on a grazing property in the Western District of Victoria and is a passionate advocate for women’s and farmer health. She believes it is integral that we work together to create resilient and sustainable agricultural and rural communities.
First appointed: 1 July 2019
Current term expires: 30 June 2028
Dr Jennifer James
Deputy Chairperson
Bringing extensive experience in clinical care, governance and health professional education to the WDHS Board, Dr James’ career has spanned senior roles as a clinical nurse consultant and lecturer in nursing and midwifery. She has also served as a director on two national health profession boards and contributed as a community advisor on a federal health advisory panel.
Dr James has a strong commitment to rural communities, having lived in the Western District for many years, including in Lismore, Skipton, Ballarat and now Casterton. Determined to use her skills and experience to support local health and wellbeing.
First appointed: April 2026
Current term expires: June 2029
Andrew Bradbury Board Director
Andrew has held senior finance positions for a number of ASX listed and rapid growth multinational organisations. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Acc/Fin) from Monash University and maintains membership with CPA Australia and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Andrew’s professional experience includes over fifteen years’ providing accounting, business advisory and governance services across the Information Technology, Professional Services, Construction, Manufacturing and Export sectors. Andrew continues to focus on helping Australian owned enterprises scale and compete in global markets while also being an advocate of businesses supporting their local communities. Andrew is a Principal at CoggerGurry Chartered Accountants and is also an Independent Member of the Finance Risk and Audit Committee at Heywood Rural Health.
First appointed: July 2020
Current term expires: June 2027
Zoe Pope
Board Director
Zoe Pope is a Registered Psychologist with a Masters in Health Management and Cert IV in Trainer and Assessment. She has extensive experience in strategic leadership and human resource management, with over 20 years’ experience in the delivery of mental health services in the ACT, in community, forensic, and inpatient settings.
Zoe has led multidisciplinary teams through significant change management processes and Accreditation cycles and participated in reviews of adverse incidents at an Executive level. She is skilled in creating policies and procedures within an evaluative framework, and prioritising consumer feedback and staff well-being, in growing a safety culture.
She is skilled in partnering with government and community agencies to develop cross-agency services, with demonstrated capacity in managing supported accommodation programs and early intervention services for people vulnerable to suicide.
Highlights in Zoe’s career include working in partnership with ACT Policing to developing an enhanced mental health training program, and establishing an equine-assisted-learning service for people in rural NSW. She currently runs her own private practice in Hamilton, providing psychological services for children and young people within a family-based framework. She is an endorsed Clinical Supervisor.
First appointed: July 2025
Current term expires: June 2028
Greg Hart
Board Director
Greg brings strong financial and corporate expertise to the WDHS Board, following a career that includes serving as ANZ General Manager and local director of a US-based multinational company. He now operates a finance broking business in Mount Gambier.
Having lived in the region for over 17 years, Greg and his family have strong ties to the Casterton community. His wife works across the South West with the Department of Education, and Greg served on the Casterton Kelpie Association Committee for five years. His commercial insight and lived experience in the Western District continue to inform his contribution to the organisation’s financial sustainability and governance.
First appointed: April 2026
Current term expires: June 2028
Stephen Bunce JD BBus GDLP GAICD MIPA
Board Director
Stephen Bunce is a barrister at the Victorian Bar practicing in corporations, employment and general commercial law. Prior to this he worked for over a decade as CEO of a research institute and its subsidiary primary healthcare clinics and has also worked in strategic and regulatory consulting including regulatory work around health practitioners, medicines and medical devices. He holds a Bachelor of Business (Information Systems), a Juris Doctor and is currently completing a Master of Laws at the University of Melbourne. He is on various boards and committees including the Medicolegal Society of Victoria and the Professional Boxing and Combat Sports Board of Victoria. Stephen is a member of the Victorian Bar, the Institute of Public Accountants and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Stephen was born in the Glenelg Shire and maintains strong regional connections.
First appointed: July 2023
Current term expires: June 2028
Judy McDonald
Board Director
Judy is a proud Gunditjmara woman and moved back to live and work on Country in 2020.
Currently Judy is the Managing Director of Watnanda Consulting Pty Ltd and manages Bocara Cultural Walking Tours in Nelson.
Judy has served on many communities, not-for-profit, and government boards, advisory committees, councils and working groups at local, regional, state, and national levels over the past 35 years as a volunteer and in Ministry appointed positions.
In 2015, Judy was inducted into the Victorian Aboriginal Honour roll and in 2017 was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters from La Trobe University for contributions to community and research. Judy has a Degree in Social Work (undergraduate) and a Master of Social Work – Research (post-graduate). Judy has worked in health, justice, mental health, education, Traditional Owner corporations and community sector organisations for over the past 35 years.
Appointed: July 2024
Current term expires: June 2027
Ashlyn Hiscock
Board Director
Ashlyn has more than twenty-five years of experience in business, marketing, event management, customer and public relations in Melbourne. She now resides with her family at Mt Napier and holds the position of Director of Communications at The Hamilton and Alexandra College and works in Marketing for the Hamilton Gallery. Ashlyn is enthusiastic about community relations and has played an active part within the Australian Music industry, Ashlyn has served as treasurer of the Hamilton Pony Club since 2017.
First appointed: July 2018
Current term expires: June 2027
Nicholas Jackson
Board Director
Nick is a senior advisor and company director with extensive experience in aged care governance, including long-standing roles as a consultant and as chair of an industry board. Nick was also formerly the director of a global management consulting firm. His work has supported senior executives and boards across different sectors, and has spanned Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Middle East.
He has advised state health departments in Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia, giving him valuable insight into government policy settings and strategic priorities. Nick has strong interest in supporting the governance and sustainability of rural health services in Victoria. His experience in the public sector enhances the Board’s ability to plan effectively within a dynamic policy environment to ensure WDHS continues to meet the evolving needs of its community.
First appointed: April 2026
Current term expires: June 2029
Bruach Colliton
Board Director
As a passionate ambassador for the Southern Grampians region, Bruach brings a deep understanding of its unique attributes, having served as the Mayor of Southern Grampians and worked with Grampians Tourism.
His tenure as a local councillor is marked by collaborative efforts to build major infrastructure and a renewed vision for the region.
Bruach is the founding director of Roxburgh Hamilton, The Rox Cafe and Coffee Roasters, and The Good Cup Consulting. He has over 20 years’ experience in scaling business startups, leveraging his creative and forward-thinking approach. He is a teacher and mentor in business, having worked at Southern Grampians Adult Education and South West TAFE.
Bruach excels in establishing systems that enhance operational efficiency. His strong local networks and interpersonal skills enable him to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, fostering collaborative relationships. Bruach holds a degree in Business and Theology, Adv Dip in Business Management, Cert IV in Training and Assessment and Foundation of Directorship with the Australian Company of Directors.
Appointed: July 2024
Current term expires: June 2027
Jodie Cranham
Board Director
Jodie brings a deep understanding of regional and rural service delivery to the WDHS Board, backed by more than 25 years of health sector leadership and governance experience. Her executive roles have included Interim CEO of a rural health service and Executive Director of Aged Care, where she was responsible for more than 600 residential aged care beds and 65 subacute beds. She has led multidisciplinary teams through major service transformations, accreditations and critical incidents, including COVID-19 responses. Her governance experience includes serving as non-executive director on a rural health board, contributing to strategic planning, risk oversight and meaningful community engagement.
Raised in regional Victoria, Jodie began her health career delivering school dental outreach services across the Barwon South West in towns much like Casterton, which fostered a lifelong connection to rural communities. This early work shaped a strong appreciation for the strengths and challenges of rural healthcare — an insight she has carried into her leadership, governance and coaching roles. She was drawn to WDHS for its strong community ties, integrated approach to care and clear values. Jodie aims to support the organisation’s strategic direction and long-term sustainability in an increasingly complex and evolving health landscape.
First appointed: April 2026
Current term expires: June 2029