Exploring Rural Healthcare with Dr Deborah Amott
In our latest episode, we welcome Dr Deborah Amott, an inspiring ear, nose, and throat surgeon, as she shares her journey in rural healthcare. From her roots in Melbourne to …
In our latest episode, we welcome Dr Deborah Amott, an inspiring ear, nose, and throat surgeon, as she shares her journey in rural healthcare. From her roots in Melbourne to …
Exciting news for allied health businesses in rural and remote Victoria! The Allied Health New Service Grant is back, offering …
RWAV facilitated a Cultural Respect and Appreciation Workshop in February at Gateway Health, Wodonga which was run by AJ Williams-Tchen. Health professionals from across the region attended the workshop and …
We would like to welcome our Outreach Regional Program Officers who will be working closely with you to improve health outcomes for people living in rural and regional Victoria. …
Budja Budja Aboriginal Cooperative is located in Halls Gap, a rural Victorian town, where community members have limited access to medical and health services. Outreach services like the Visiting Optometrist …
GP and RWAV Director, Associate Professor Morton Rawlin has been made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), for significant service to the medical profession through governance in the …
To celebrate registrars and fellowed GPs completing their anaesthetic training year and passing their Joint Consultative Committee on Anaesthesia (JCCA) exam, RWAVâs Clinical Lead for Anaesthetics, Dr Greg Coates runs …
Alexandra Fraser, a physiotherapy student from the Bendigo campus of La Trobe University, used her Rural Clinical Placement Grant to help fund her five-week placement in Wonthaggi. The third-year student …
Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV)Â and the Rural Doctorsâ Association Victoria (RDAV) is bringing rural health professionals together to learn and connect at the Victorian Rural Health Conference 2018. Conference includes …
RWAV provided grants to a group of medical, nursing and allied health students from universities across Victoria to participate in an âIntroduction to Aboriginal Cultural Safety in Aboriginal healthâ workshop …
RWAV is the fundholder for the Eye and Ear Surgical Support Services (ESSS) program. EESSS has been established to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients to access eye and …
Dr Tim Dewhurst graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1978 and entered internship and the Rotating Residency Program for three years to enable him to work in a rural …
Associate Professor Andrew Ajani is an interventional cardiologist at Melbourne Private Hospital with an honorary appointment at Royal Melbourne Hospital. He has been visiting Mildura for the past 20 years …
Karuna-maya Medicine is a general practice in Jan Juc, a small rural coastal community around 30 minutes from Geelong. They have been providing general practice and allied health services to …
RWAV Â together with the Murray, Gippsland and Western Victoria Primary Health Networks launched the Eye HealthPathways at the RWAV office on World Sight Day the 12 October 2017. Â The Eye …
Mental Health is one of the main health needs in rural Victoria. During Mental Health Week we focus on RWAVâs Outreach Program that has been critical in enabling access to …
The Rural Medical Workforce Programs provides training and skills maintenance pathways to doctors with advanced skills who will (or currently) work as general practitioners to meet the needs of communities …
RWAV is looking for rural residents to be a community host or contact, for medical students while they are on two-week placements in rural Victoria. The John Flynn Placement Program …
RWAVâs VicOutreach program has been instrumental in supporting the Numurkah community in accessing a variety of outreach health professionals to deliver a comprehensive and integrated range of primary health services …
The Conference Rural Workforce Agency Victoria and Rural Doctors Association Victoria convened the annual Rural Doctors Conference in conjunction with the Victorian Rural Health Awards. The conference was held from the 24 …
Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV) and the Rural Doctors’ Association Victoria (RDAV) is bringing rural health professionals together to learn and connect at the Victorian Rural Health Conference 2018. Conference includes …
RWAV is delighted to share with you that Mr. Garry Hurst from Ararat Medical Centre Partners was awarded â2017 Victorian Practice Manager of the Yearâ by the Australian Association of …
Dr Kamal Jeet Singh started his career as a GP in India at the age of 23. While managing his own practice, he attained FCGP (Fellow of the College of General …
P: +61 3 9349 7800
F: +61 3 9820 0401
Wurundjeri Country
Level 6, Tower 4, World Trade Centre
18 – 38 Siddeley Street
Docklands Vic 3008
Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV) is a not-for-profit government funded organisation improving health care for rural, regional and Aboriginal communities in Victoria.
RWAV provides a range of activities and support to improve the recruitment and retention of health professionals to rural and regional Victoria.
RWAV acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Victoria. We pay our respects to Elders, past and present.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.
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.
Msc (Fin), FCCA, FGIA, CA
Shay brings over 20 years of financial
management experience in commercial and not-for-profit organizations. He has a
rich and varied experience in multiple finance and leadership roles in the
United Kingdom and Australia, including CFO, GM Finance & IT, Commercial
Manager Operations, Finance Manager and Accountant.
His extensive leadership experience is
augmented by an FGIA, FCCA, CA, a Masters in Finance and an undergraduate degree in
accounting and finance.
RN, GradDip(Health Promotion), PRINCE2, Mini MBA
Kate is a Registered Nurse highly 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.
Kateâs 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. 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.
Having worked at RWAV since 2020, Kate will continue positively influencing the rural healthcare workforce and access to services.
Social Work (BA Hons), DipSW
With a background in social work and a proven record in recruitment, project management, and business development, Jo brings strategic leadership and a wealth of experience in driving positive outcomes within the health, human services, and State Government sectors.
Jo specialises in managing health professional recruitment and outreach programs, including the More Doctors for Rural Australia and 3GA programs. Her focus is on implementing innovative workforce strategies and clinical governance to bolster RWAV’s mission of enhancing healthcare accessibility in rural and regional Victoria.
Having previously excelled at RWAV, Jo spearheaded successful internal change initiatives while fostering strong relationships with external stakeholders. Her efforts consistently align with RWAV’s strategic direction, ensuring a cohesive approach to driving impactful change.
Beyond her professional expertise, Jo’s passion lies in uniting communities and championing positive transformations in rural healthcare in Victoria.
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.
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 RWAVâs 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, Andreaâs team is dedicated to ensuring that RWAV is a place where people can work well and be well at work.
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 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 Scientistsâ 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
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 Elect 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
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. Until recently, John was the CEO of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), where he had major involvement in various sustainability in healthcare initiatives, Indigenous health and âBuilding Respectâ cultural improvement strategies.
Johnâs 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.
RWAV special responsibilities:
⢠Strategy, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement Committee Member
⢠People and Culture Committee Member
BA (Hons), BEc, Grad Dip Bus, MBA, FGIA, FAICD
Roger is an experienced CEO, Chair, non-executive director, board consultant and course/workshop facilitator, with experience in the health, human services, law enforcement, regional economics, disaster relief, education, transport and environmental industries. He has sat on and chaired numerous private company, public sector and not-for-profit boards and audit and risk committees. Roger has also consulted with numerous boards, published numerous articles and conducted webinars on corporate governance, risk and strategy. He brings strong governance experience, commercial acumen, risk management and strategy skills combined with a passion for innovation and business development.
Currently, Roger chairs the Victorian Emergency Relief and Recovery Foundation, is a director and chair of the Audit and Risk Committee for Melba Support Services, and is an independent member of the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Roger is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has completed their Boardroom Mastery program, and is also a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia. Roger is currently a facilitator, assessor and writer for the Australian Institute of Company Directors and teaches their Company Directors Course,
as well as numerous other short courses.
RWAV special responsibilities:
⢠Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee
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 2016â18.
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:
⢠Deputy Board Chair
⢠Chair of the Strategy, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement Committee
⢠Nominations and Remuneration Committee Member
LLB, BSc, MMgt (Strategic Foresight), GAICD
As a 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 and data/IT security. Jane is General Counsel for ID Consulting. She has served as a Director of BreastScreen Victoria, Ballarat Health Services and chairs RWAVâs Governance Committee.
RWAV special responsibilities:
⢠Chair of the Governance Committee
⢠Audit and Risk Committee Member
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 Chair
⢠Governance Committee Member
⢠Strategy, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement Committee Member
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.
BBus(HRM)
Lauren commenced in the role of Manager People and Culture in August 2018 and is responsible for leading the implementation of RWAVâs People and Culture strategy, policies, processes, functions and team.
Laurenâs team is committed to implementing activities and initiatives to support the achievement of RWAVâs strategies and strengthen RWAVâs position as an âEmployer of Choiceâ.
Lauren is an experienced Manager and HR professional, with a career spanning the professional services, automotive, defence, and not-for-profit sectors.
Chief Executive Officer
BHlthSci(Hons) MPH PostGradDipMgt GAICD AFCHSM
Lauren Cordwell is the Chief Executive Officer at RWAV. Lauren has been an integral part of the RWAV team since 2018, demonstrating a remarkable strategic vision to improve access to health care in rural Victoria. As an experienced senior executive and health policy analyst, she is committed to finding practical solutions to address the challenges preventing communities in rural Australia from accessing affordable and safe healthcare. For over 20 years, Lauren has designed and implemented innovative programs with communities, health professionals and government agencies that continue to have a lasting benefit. Many of these programs relate to primary healthcare, general practice, workforce, First Peopleâs health and community engagement.Â