2025 WA one-day conference speakers

Speaker bios will be added and updated as they are made available.

Amy is an EI and human behaviour specialist, delivering emotional intelligence insights & workshops across Australia and the international markets.

As a Wiley published Author and a media personality across television, radio and print, Amy’s mission is to break down misconceptions around E.I. and help as many people as possible to increase their emotional intelligence.

Combining her balance of tough love and infectious energy, using custom- developed tools and systems, Amy creates purpose-driven teams who get results!

Euan is an experienced health leader, having held senior roles in academia, health services, and government. He served as Secretary of the Victorian Department of Health from November 2020 to February 2025, and was Chair, Health Chief Executives Forum, from April 2024 to February 2025. Prior to his appointment as Secretary, Euan was the inaugural CEO of Safer Care Victoria (2017-2020), and before that an academic and health service leader. He was the Carl Wood Professor (2006-20) and Head of Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Monash University (2013-20), and Head of Women’s and Neonatal Services at Monash Health (2006-16). Euan has overseen and led health system change at scale including Victoria’s health response to the COVID pandemic, implementation of the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, reform in public pathology and planned surgery, and system governance reform. He also has experience of implementing clinical service changes at the level of an individual health service. Euan has published over 400 original scientific papers and 15 book chapters. He has an h-index of 77 with over 20,000 citations.

WA Health Director General Dr Shirley Bowen is a skilled physician with extensive experience across all aspects of health service delivery. Shirley is passionate about person centred care and delivering excellent health care to the people of Western Australia.

Prior to her appointment as Director General in May 2024, she served as North Metropolitan Health Service Chief Executive and CEO of St John of God Subiaco Hospital.

Throughout her career, Dr Bowen has demonstrated leadership across public and private health sectors, holding notable positions, including Chief Medical Officer of the Australian Capital Territory, Executive Director of Fremantle Hospital and Dean of the School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame Australia. In these roles, she advanced healthcare standards, fostered medical education and led innovative research and community services.

Dr Bowen holds dual Fellowships in Infectious Diseases (FRACP) and Sexual Health medicine (FAChSHM) underscoring her extensive clinical experience. She also holds an honorary fellowship in Medical Administration (FRACMA). Her professional journey reflects a commitment to excellence in patient care, focusing on compassionate and evidence-based medicine.

As Director General, Dr Bowen will ensure healthcare services are timely, accessible and grounded in the latest evidence-based practices. Additionally, she will support and empower the health workforce in their pursuit of excellence, building a robust and resilient healthcare system for Western Australia.

Associate Professor Bernadette Eather is the Chief Nurse and Clinical Services Director for Ramsay Australia. In this role she oversees Ramsay Health Care’s Clinical Governance, Patient Safety and Clinical Quality Program including facility accreditation. As Chief Nurse, she leads the Ramsay Nursing and Midwifery Academy work on the development of a comprehensive nursing and midwifery career progression pathway. Prior to her role in Ramsay Health Care, she was the State Director of Patient Safety for NSW Health. She has worked in health care for more than 30 years in a range of clinical, operational, and clinical governance roles. She spent the majority of her clinical career as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Intensive Care. She also holds a Masters in Health Management, and has recently completed a Masters in Health and Medical Law at the University of Melbourne. Bernadette is passionate about patient safety and she has a Doctorate from the University of Technology Sydney; with her research focussed on Patient Safety and Clinical Quality Systems in the acute care setting.

Mr Kim Collard – Balladong/Wadjuk Elder of the Noongar Nation has had a significant impact on indigenous communities and wider Western Australian society alike. Throughout the years, Kim has devoted himself to his professional and philanthropic endeavours, touching the lives of many in the process.

After working as a boilermaker, then as a Western Australia police officer, Kim joined academia and spent 10 years at Curtin University. Kim went on to establish two of Australia’s largest Indigenous-owned businesses, Kulbardi and Kooya Australia Fleet Services, which have flourished commercially for the past decade. Through his businesses, Kulbardi and Kooya, Kim has created job opportunities for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

In addition to these impressive academic and entrepreneurial feats, Kim has always been committed to giving back to the community. In 2014 Kim founded The Bibbulmun Fund, a unique Indigenous-led philanthropic initiative designed to facilitate positive change by Aboriginal people, for Aboriginal people. The Bibbulmun Fund has raised over $1.4 million, supporting 19 charitable organisations across Australia, focusing on Aboriginal education, leadership, entrepreneurship, work readiness programs, youth diversionary programs, elder’s camps, disaster relief, and programs encouraging Aboriginal self-determination.

Mr Kim Collard – Balladong/Wadjuk Elder of the Noongar Nation is an inspiration to his community, whose work is instrumental in providing opportunities for First Nations peoples to uplift themselves and their communities.

Judith Barker joined the Royal Flying Doctor Service Western Operations (RFDS) as Chief Executive Officer in October 2022. Judith is accountable for the sustainability and success of this iconic and innovative organisation that has been trusted by the community for almost a century to provide life-saving aeromedical and primary health services to the people of Western Australia.

Judith brings more than 25 years’ experience and leadership in health and emergency services to harness the opportunities and future direction of the RFDS.

With extensive experience in managing complex projects and building productive stakeholder connections, Judith is deeply committed to strengthening the capability and capacity of the RFDS and enriching it through diversity.

Prior to joining the RFDS, Judith was CEO of St John NT for four years. She has previously worked in executive roles with SA Ambulance Services Director of Service Performance and Improvement and Acting Chief Operating Officer.

Judith began her career as a paramedic in Western Australia. She holds roles on health advisory committees including the Australian Stroke Alliance Prehospital Stroke Council. Judith is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Bachelor Degree in Health Science Management and a Masters in Business Administration.

Judith was awarded an Ambulance Service Medal in the Australia Day Honours in 2023.

Dr Michael Page serves and advocates for doctors, patients and the community of Western Australia as President of Australian Medical Association (WA), a role he has held since June 2023. He is Chief Executive Officer of Clinipath Pathology, a Sonic Healthcare practice, and a chemical pathologist with active clinical and research interests in lipid disorders.

Renae is the State Lead of Silverchain WA, the largest and most trusted home care provider in the State. Renae is a member of the Silverchain national Group Executive and is responsible for the home-based health and aged care that Silverchain provides both in the metropolitan and regional areas to over 25,000 Western Australians. Renae also leads the Silverchain National Contact Centre portfolio. With a background in human resources, industrial relations, strategy and operations, Renae is passionate about leading with integrity, access to a better homecare system for all Australians and Silverchain’s highly skilled community care workforce. Prior to joining Silverchain Group, Renae held executive and senior management roles with service delivery organisations, including the WA Police and global private sector organisations. Renae is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and her qualifications include a Master of Business Leadership (with Distinction), a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management and a Bachelor of Business (HR and IR).

Rhiannon Clarke is a two-time Paralympian and elite para-athlete, currently training for the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships. As the fastest female para-athlete with a physical disability in Australia, she holds the Australian and Oceania records in the T38 100m, 200m, and 400m. Rhiannon’s athletics journey began in 2014, leading to significant achievements on the international stage, including two Commonwealth Games medals and three World Championships medals. At just 15 years old, she became the youngest para-athlete from any nation to medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, securing silver in the T38 100m. In 2019, she became the first Australian female with cerebral palsy to run a sub-13-second 100m. Beyond her athletic career, Rhiannon is a passionate advocate for equal opportunities and recognition in para sport. She has been recognised for her leadership and contributions to the community, including being a finalist for the Western Australian of the Year and receiving the Variety International Disability Sport Award. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Biological Science, majoring in Wildlife Conservation at the University of Western Australia, Rhiannon is dedicated to both environmental conservation and sporting excellence.

Peta is a highly regarded Psychologist, Founder, Coach, and thought leader in helping individuals and teams maximise their potential. In over 30 years of consulting and publishing internationally, she has worked with C-Suite leaders, advised Boards, and conducted over

50 000 1-1 conversations with people in their finest and toughest moments. Her achievements include co-founding the One Million Lives and World’s Greatest Mental Health Check in Initiatives, leading the world’s first biometric assessment of mental health trials and driving culture change in the resources industry in North America.

Her leadership roles include Snr Vice President, Managing Director and Executive Manager roles in ASX listed companies across Resources, Health, Clinical and elite sports contexts to name a few.

A sought after speaker, Peta is currently the CEO of Performance Story, is on the Advisory Board of the superannuation industry’s mental health NFP, and is Deputy Chair of the Board at the WA Institute of Sport.

Mary Anne Stephens is an experienced Non-Executive Director who spent more than 20 years in senior executive roles within the Financial Services, IT, Aged Care and Not-for-profit sectors. She has extensive experience in strategy, finance, IT, risk management, audit, and corporate governance. Mary Anne spent most of her career in the Financial Services sector in Australia and the United States, having been a Chief Financial Officer for the Lumley Group as well as RAC Insurance.

Mary Anne is currently Chair of Diabetes WA, Chair of Venues West, and a Non-Executive Director of HBF Australia. She holds a Master of Accounting degree, is a Fellow of CPA Australia, a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management (WA) and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Graeme is currently the Chairman and CEO of the Hall & Prior Health & Aged Care Group, a large aged care provider operating 40 aged care homes in Western Australia & New South Wales. This is a family owned organisation employing 4,000 staff and caring for 2,500 elderly and vulnerable people.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Western Australia and is a chartered accountant.

Graeme is currently on a number of boards including : President of the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) (UN Auspice Organisation based in Toronto); a Director on the Board of Baycrest Seniors Care (Toronto, CA); Chairman Alzheimer’s Research Australian; Former Committee Member, National Aged Care Advisory Council (this was a Ministerial appointment 2019 – 2023; Chair, Economic, Financing & Markets Advisory Subgroup of NACAC 2019 -2023; Member WHO (World Health Organisation) Global Network on Long-term care (GNLTC) ; Former Director of the Australian Aged Care Workforce Industry Council.

Along with his passion for the industry he has an innate understanding of the issues facing aged care; his commitment to supporting research and education and significant sector investment, including designing and building new, world-class aged care homes that respond to Australia’s growing demand for quality aged care choices in both workforce and care outcomes.

Graeme has a clear vision for universal access to best practice and care outcomes in the Australian aged care sector. He is passionate about improving the quality of aged care services through education, workforce enablement, and the use of technology to implement evidence based practice. Graeme’s focus is on knowledge creation to ensure better evaluation, planning and delivery of care services.

Schellie-Jayne Price (SJ) is the AI partner at Stirling & Rose, a law firm and emerging technology policy institute. As an award-winning technology lawyer, SJ has built machine learning models and supported organisations in their AI implementation, compliance and governance. She sits on numerous AI Advisory Boards and Committees, including the WA Data Science Innovation Hub (WADSIH). SJ lectures at Murdoch University on technology and the future of law and is a thought-leader on the nature of critical infrastructure and supporting legal and governance frameworks required for the AI infused future.

Tim was born in Canberra and grew up on Christmas Island, where he fell in love with LP records of orchestral music, and ‘The Beatles’. He studied percussion in Sydney, Denmark and Germany, and joined WASO in 1985 – where he performed over 3,000 concerts during his 28 years as Principal Percussionist. Tim has performed with all of Australia’s fulltime orchestras, and played percussion concertos with WASO, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, and in Germany. He holds two Masters degrees, is a Fulbright Scholar and Churchill Fellow, won the Australian Award for Teaching Excellence in 2015, and was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2021 for his services to music. Seventy-five of Tim’s former percussion students are now enjoying fulltime careers as professional musicians. Tim loves music’s ability to touch our hearts and souls, to create meaning and beauty in our lives, and to bring people and communities together. He is married to WASO violist Rachael Kirk.

Luke Dix is a dynamic and results-driven healthcare executive with extensive expertise in tertiary hospital management. Currently serving as the Acting Executive Director for Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group and is the substantive Service Director for Perioperative and Clinical Support Services at Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospital Group. Luke has a proven track record in strategic and operational leadership. He is a transformational leader, known for fostering high-performing teams, cultivating strong stakeholder relationships, and embedding a culture of safety, quality, and innovation. Luke is recognised for driving organisational growth, optimising service delivery, and ensuring excellence in patient care through evidence-based practices. Luke’s background as a Registered Nurse, including various nursing leadership positions, ensures Luke has clinical credibility and a deep understanding of both the direct-care workforce and the operational complexities of large healthcare organisations. Luke is committed to delivering sustainable outcomes that enhance hospital performance and patient experiences.

Alex Jenkins is the Director of the WA Data Science Innovation Hub and Chair and founder of the Curtin AI in Research Group. With an extensive background in AI, Alex is dedicated to advancing the use of AI across Australian business, academia, and the public sector. His work emphasizes leveraging AI to enhance education and improve lives, driving innovation and practical applications in diverse sectors. Alex is committed to ensuring that Australia remains at the forefront of AI adoption, elevating WADSIH to a national thought leader in AI and fostering collaboration to promote AI’s transformative potential for societal benefit. He is also known for his impactful TEDx talk, “An AI Tutor for Every Child,” highlighting the potential of AI in revolutionizing education.

Robert Toms is the Chief Executive for the North Metropolitan Health Service (NMHS) located in Perth, Western Australia.

With 14,000 staff and a budget of $2.8B, NMHS is one of the largest health services in Western Australia. The health service provides a comprehensive range of adult specialist medical, surgical, mental health and obstetric services across three tertiary hospitals and two secondary hospitals including Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Osborne Park Hospital, Graylands Hospital and Joondalup Health Campus.

Prior to this role, Rob was the Chief Executive at Health Support Services (HSS) which provides a range of shared services to the Western Australian public health system including end-to-end ICT services, supply chain management, procurement, purchasing, workforce and employment support and financial services.

Originally from London, Rob has held several executive roles in the utilities, mining, management consulting and consumer sectors in Australia and the UK. It was through these roles that he gained experienced and expertise in the fields of leadership, corporate strategy, business transformation, change management, cultural development and operational excellence.

Rob holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Business Administration from Nottingham Trent University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of West London. He is also a graduate of the London Business School Emerging Leaders Program, the Harvard Kennedy School Leadership Program, an Associate Fellow of the Australian College of Health Service Management and a qualified Company Director.

Professor Carlo Marra is the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Health Sciences at Curtin University. He has held leadership roles as Dean of Pharmacy at the University of Otago and Memorial University, and as Professor and Director of CORE at the University of British Columbia. His research focuses on the epidemiology of medicines and the efficient use of health care resources to improve outcomes.

Carlo holds a BSc in Pharmacy, a Doctor of Pharmacy, and a PhD in Health Care and Epidemiology from the University of British Columbia. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship in arthritis epidemiology and pharmacoepidemiology at the Arthritis Research Centre of Canada. A recognized expert in health economics and pharmacoepidemiology, he has published nearly 300 articles and secured over $10 million in research funding.

Charles Poulsen is Microsoft Australia’s national chief technology officer for healthcare and human services. He leads a team of healthcare technology strategists that focus on public/private health, health insurance, and human services segments. His team helps customers and partners to meet their business objectives using Microsoft technology. In Charles’ over 10 years at Microsoft he has focused on healthcare, education and government industries. Prior to Microsoft, Charles spent many years working across Australia, Asia, UK and Europe in technology solution architecture, consulting and development covering technology spaces such as automation, integration, information security, and application development.

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2025 WA one-day conference speakers

Speaker bios will be added and updated as they are made available.

Amy Jacobson

Professor Euan Wallace AM

Dr Shirley Bowen

A/Prof Bernadette Eather

Kim Collard

Judith Barker ASM

Dr Michael Page

Renae Lavell

Rhiannon Clarke

Peta Slocombe (M.Psych)

Mary Anne Stephens

Graeme Prior

Schellie-Jane Price

Tim White OAM

Luke Dix

Alex Jenkins

Robert Toms

Prof Carlo Marra

Charles Poulson

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