The Mind Australia Group is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Christine Bennett AO as a Board Director.
Professor Bennett AO, MBBS, FRACPS, Master Paed, is a specialist paediatrician and has over 40 years of health industry experience in clinical care, strategic planning, business operations, and senior management in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. Professor Bennett is Deputy Vice Chancellor and Head of Campus, Sydney, The University of Notre Dame Australia.
In 2008, Professor Bennett was appointed by the Prime Minister to be Chair of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission, which provided advice to governments on a long term blue print for the future of the Australian health system and aged care. Professor Bennett has maintained an active leadership position as a commentator and strategist on health reform in Australia and internationally and was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2014 Australia Day Honours.
Mind Australia Group Board Chair Professor Allan Fels AO said the appointment of Professor Bennett complements the renewal the Board has undergone this year following the merger of Mind Australia and One Door Mental Health.
“Professor Bennett is a highly respected advisor and strategist in the health sector who will bring important expertise as the Mind Australia Group consolidates its strategic goals as a truly national mental health provider,” he said.
This year, Mind Australia Group also farewells Board Director Jeremy Coggin, who steps down after over 10 years of service on the Boards of Mind Australia and The Haven Foundation.
Jeremy has worked on boards with a mental health mission since 2012, starting at mental health carer ARAFMI Victoria through to its merger with Mind Australia. He is currently president of Mental Health Carers Australia, the only national group solely concerned with advocacy on behalf of mental health carers, and is also the carer board member of national advocacy peak, Mental Health Australia.
Mind Australia Group Board Chair Allan Fels AO said Mr Coggin has been a passionate advocate on the Board for embedding the voice of consumers, family and carers, and service providers at the heart of the organisation’s decision making.
“Mr Coggin has played an important role in ensuring that Mind and The Haven Foundation are sector leaders in developing and delivering lived experience led support services. His contribution will live on in the work of the Mind Australia Group,” he said.
“On behalf of my fellow Board Directors and Mind and The Haven Foundation, I thank Jeremy for his commitment and diligence over so many years. It is greatly appreciated and he will be greatly missed.”