Board of Directors

Frank Carlus

Chair Board of Directors

Frank is a former state public servant with over 32 years’ experience in the Department of Human Services/Department of Health and is passionate about ensuring access to quality services to all who need them. He’s worked in direct care, policy and senior management positions across a range of services and programs, including in Barwon Southwest region where he led child protection, adoption and permanent care services (late 80’s-early 90’s).

He holds a Bachelor of Arts and Diploma of Community Studies from Ballarat University (now Federation University), and a Graduate Diploma in Organisational Behaviour from Swinburne University. Frank is an experienced Board Director and is currently also serving on the boards of Westgate Community Initiatives Group and Hepatitis Victoria. He is a Life Governor of Colac Area Health where he served as a Board Member for 10 years. He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of the Institute of Community Directors.

Current Term of Appointment: 1 July 2024 – 30 June 2027

Claire Murphy

Vice Chair and Chair of People, Culture and Remuneration Committee

GAICD | BPhysio (La Trobe University) | MPhysio (Research) (University of Melbourne)

Claire is a skilled non-executive director in purpose-driven organisations. Her experience spans public health, community services and education, in addition to professional associations and peak bodies.

She is currently a Board Director of the Timboon and District Healthcare Service, the Victorian Healthcare Association, Emerge Women’s and Children’s Support Network and Solway Primary School Council. She is an experienced committee member in Finance, Audit and Risk; Clinical Governance and Quality; and People, Culture, Remuneration and Governance.

A versatile business transformation specialist, Claire has extensive experience in corporate and clinical governance, change management, strategic business development, and public health. She is committed to working toward equitable access to high quality public services and education.

Current Term of Appointment: 1 July 2023 – 30 June 2026

Ashley Nesseler

Vice Chair and Chair of Clinical Governance, Quality and Credentialing Committee

Ashley is a doctor currently completing her specialist training in General Practice, and was one of the inaugural graduates of the Deakin University Medical School, completing her training at the South West Healthcare Warrnambool Campus and working in the region since.

She has previous experience in research science in the fields of vaccine design and immunology and holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery from Deakin University.

She is also employed in medical education for Deakin University and resides locally with her young family in Princetown.

Current Term of Appointment:  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025

Kieran Donoghue

Chair of Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee

Kieran runs a consultancy firm in the energy sector advising business and government on energy policy. Previously an experienced accountant, Kieran brings financial and audit expertise to the role.

Previously Kieran has been on the board of LiverWELL, including periods as treasurer and president, and is currently the treasurer of the Bayside Glen Eira Kingston Local Learning & Employment Network (BGKLLEN). Originally from the UK, Kieran has lived in Australia for the past 13 years and resides in Melbourne with wife Adrienne who is a teacher.

Current Term of Appointment:  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025

Anthony DeJong

A CPA qualified finance executive Anthony was appointed to the TDHS board in July 2019.

Anthony has spent the last 20 years in senior finance roles in government statutory authorities, across health, energy, sport and transport with a particular focus on regulation and financial sustainability.

Current Term of Appointment: 1 July 2024 – 30 June 2027

Toinette Hutchins

Toinette is a Registered nurse at South West Healthcare and has over 20 years of Emergency Nursing experience. Toinette is also an ALS paramedic with Ambulance Victoria and has been a paramedic since 2009.

She is employed in varying clinical and education roles within Southwest Healthcare, Deakin School of Medicine and Ambulance Victoria. Toinette has a strong focus on interdisciplinary education, facilitation and collaboration and has a Masters degree in Clinical Education.

As a clinician working across these areas, she has an insight and strong desire to support the roles, abilities and future needs of TDHS. She lives in Warrnambool Vic.

Current Term of Appointment: 1 July 2024 – 30 June 2027

Simone Renyard

Board Representative of Consumer Advisory Committee

Simone has lived in the Timboon district for over two decades and operates a dairy farm with her husband Nick. She brings extensive board experience having been the chair of Westvic Dairy for several years and is currently on the board of Emma House. Simone is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors course. Early in her career as a counsellor (psychology) she worked out of the Timboon and District Healthcare Service’s (TDHS) Community Health Centre. Simone has been a member of the TDHS Consumer Advisory Committee for some time and was keen to become further involved.

Current Term of Appointment:  July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025

Janelle Jakowenko

Janelle joins the TDHS board with over 25 years’ experience in the health sector. Her roles have included medical photography and telehealth, and she is currently the Executive Director Operations at Western Victoria Primary Health Network.

Janelle’s expertise in healthcare reform, financial sustainability and change management, is supplemented by her tertiary training including Master degrees in eHealthcare and Business Administration (MBA). Her drive is to continually improve the way complex organisations work to ensure they remain purpose-driven.

Having grown up in a country town not too dissimilar in size and rurality as Timboon, she understands first-hand the barriers to health for those living far from big cities.

Current Term of Appointment: 1 July 2024 – 30 June 2026

Leah Champion

Leah Champion is a seasoned leader with over 15 years of experience in leadership, marketing, advertising and business development. As the Director of People & Culture at Luminary, Leah excels in leading strategically and driving change management initiatives. She is adept at fostering high-performing cultures. Her empathetic approach and strategic insights have been instrumental in shaping organizational success and supporting global teams.

Living locally, Leah sees this board position as a valuable opportunity to contribute back to her community.

Current Term of Appointment: 1 July 2024 – 30 June 2026

James Farrugia

James is a lawyer who practises in the areas of employment, industrial relations and occupational health and safety law.   

He has experience providing legal services to private and public sector organisations across various industries and he looks forward to providing his legal perspective to the TDHS Board. 

James regularly visits southwest Victoria to see family and to enjoy the beautiful scenery the region has to offer. 

Current Term of Appointment: 1 July 2024 – 30 June 2027