COORDINARE, the South Eastern NSW PHN, is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Board Members, plus a new Chair of the Community Advisory Committees. 

Julie White, COORDINARE’s Independent Board Chair, said having the right people to guide the organisation is vitally important to realise COORDINARE's vision of one coordinated regional health system that promotes healthy choices and supports resilient communities. 

“Dr Starmer and Professor Bonney’s appointments to COORDINARE's Board is important for the organisation; as they are both highly regarded in the health services and education sectors and bring valuable perspectives to the Board,” said Ms White. 

“Dr Starmer will also Chair the Southern NSW Clinical Council, which provides expert and strategic advice to COORDINARE's Board on a range of clinical issues in Southern NSW.  

"As a PHN, we work to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the primary health care system, supporting GPs and other healthcare professionals to provide better care. We also work to strengthen connections between primary care and the broader health system and to provide coordination and navigation services to improve access to care, particularly for priority groups. 

"These Board appointments strengthen general practitioner, medical research and education input and representation on our governance structures, which assists us to ensure that decisions, investments and innovations are relevant and aligned to local care needs," said Ms White. 

Dr Neil Starmer is a longstanding rural general practitioner who has served the Moruya community for over 26 years. A co-owner and principal at a large general practice in Moruya, he has a special interest in opioid agonist treatment, aged care, and palliative care. Dr Starmer is actively involved in medical education, supervising both medical students and GP registrars. Prior to his career in rural medicine, he served for a decade with the Royal Australian Navy, where he developed strong organisational and leadership skills that continue to inform his clinical and professional work. 

Professor Andrew Bonney has more than 30 years of experience as a general practitioner on the South Coast of NSW. He is Roberta Williams Chair of General Practice and Associate Head of School Research Strategy in the University of Wollongong's Graduate School of Medicine. Andrew's goal is to foster quality, equity and sustainability in primary care through education and research, with a focus on regional and rural Australia. 

Ms White also announced Patrick Reid's appointment as Chair of COORDINARE's Community Advisory Committees. These Committees provide a community perspective on how best to improve health and wellness in South Eastern NSW, how best to engage health consumers and communities to have a say on projects and commissioning activities, as well as insight into identified health issues. 

"Mr Reid has been a member of our Board and Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee for a number of years. His new role with the Community Advisory Committees will provide a community perspective on primary health care in South Eastern NSW, ensure strategies for engaging with regional communities and help us understand local health needs," she said. 

Patrick Reid is a former CEO of aged care provider, IRT Group, and former Chairman of the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI). A Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), Mr Reid is also a registered pharmacist and community pharmacy owner. 

Mr Reid will replace Leanne Wells, former Chief Executive Officer of the Consumers Health Forum of Australia, as Chair of the Community Advisory Committees.  And Dr Starmer will replace Dr Amanda Barnard as Chair of the Southern NSW Clinical Council. 

“We would like to acknowledge our outgoing Chairs. Both Leanne Wells and Dr Amanda Barnard have provided valuable input and governing guidance over their terms. Their commitment to our vision and purpose has benefitted our organisation and has contributed to better health outcomes for our communities,” Ms White said. 

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