Board of Directors

Vesna is a seasoned legal practitioner based in Geelong, currently serving as the Chief Legal Counsel and Governance and Risk Officer for the City of Greater Geelong. With a strong interest in construction and capital works, Vesna brings extensive public sector experience in corporate governance to the role. Vesna holds a Graduate Certificate in Corporate Governance and Risk Management and has recently completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors course, further enhancing their expertise in the field.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours), a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery, and a Master of Business Administration. He has been a Fellow of the Australasian College of Emergency Physicians since 2016.Chris has extensive experience as an Emergency Physician and Aeromedical Retrieval Physician, having worked across metropolitan, rural, and remote settings, as well as internationally in the UK, Iceland, and the Pacific Islands. His career also includes significant contributions to clinical governance as a Medical Director for several prehospital event medical services providers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chris provided expert advice and tailored solutions to ASX200 companies, addressing both medical and business impacts of the crisis.Outside of his professional achievements, Chris is navigating the joys and challenges of fatherhood with his lively daughter, who brings a smile to his face every day. He feels fortunate to have a bit less hair to pull out as he adjusts to this new chapter in his life.

Claire is an experienced radiation therapist with a strong background in clinical and operational leadership. Currently, Claire oversees the daily management of a radiation oncology center. Holding a Master’s in Health and Human Services Management and a Master’s in Business Administration, Claire combines advanced clinical knowledge with strategic acumen. Residing in Melbourne, Claire enjoys spending time with family along the surf coast.

Angela is an experienced CPA with a Bachelor of Commerce, currently serving at Lorne Accounting Group. Based in Winchelsea, Angela is dedicated to giving back to the community, holding the position of Secretary for the Winchelsea CFA and having previously been a member of the Winchelsea Primary School Council.

Ben has been a proud resident of the Surf Coast Shire for the past seven years, where he enjoys reading, riding, and planning his next holiday. With a robust career in the health care industry, he brings a wealth of experience in hospital management, aged care, disability services, and health care. He holds a Graduate Diploma of Business Administration from Deakin University (2013-2017), and he is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (2012). He completed his Bachelor of Nursing at Monash University (2000-2002). Currently, Ben serves as the General Manager West at Home@Scope, a position he has held since January 2021. His role encompasses various skills including workplace organization, stakeholder engagement, project planning, business case preparation, and budgeting. Before this, he was the Chief Executive Officer at Cohuna District Hospital from July 2018 to January 2021. He has also held significant positions at Barwon Health, including Acting Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer and Co-Director Operations Aged Care, demonstrating his expertise in executive management, strategy, and operations. Ben has been actively involved in community and professional organizations. He was a Board Member of the Rochester Hospital Board, Secretary of the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club, and a Rotarian. Ben’s past roles include Board Chair at REDHS and Regional Business Manager at Benetas, reflecting his extensive background in health services management and community engagement.

Coralie is a health care professional with a commitment to quality, equity, and sustainability in health. With a background as a Registered Nurse, her career has spanned intensive care, general practice, specialist medical management, pre-clinical research, and occupational health. She currently works at WorkSafe Victoria, where she oversees the management of health care providers and leads the development of policies and services that support the recovery of injured workers. Coralie is passionate about building strong systems through good governance and positive workplace culture. A Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Coralie also serves as President of Duck For Cover, a nationwide not-for-profit organisation supporting independent artists. Her community involvement includes past roles with Meredith Kindergarten, Golden Plains Hockey Club, and the Teesdale Recreation Reserve. Coralie divides her time between Geelong and her farm in Barwon Downs, where she enjoys the natural beauty of the Otways and the chance to recharge.

Kym has a Bachelor in Business (Economics) and a Masters in Health Science.He is passionate about rural health services providing safe quality care through clinical leadership, and compassionate care to the local community and those that access the service on a needs basis.Kym has previously held a number of management positions in the region, therefore has a broad view of the regional needs and challenges that the community face now and in the future. He has also held Senior management positions in the Grampians and Loddon-Mallee Regions.Kym previous held a position on the Maternity & Newborn Network (Safer Care Vic) for four years, and Australian College of Critical Care Nursing (ACCCN) (Victorian Branch), representing rural and remote perspective. Currently the chair of the Workforce Advisory Panel for ACCCN (National). Previously a member of the Emission Reduction Policy Branch of the Australian College of Nursing.Kym has held Board Director position at East Grampians Health Service since December 2019. 

Melika Sukunda is a highly experienced finance professional with a strong background in public sector financial management and private sector accounting. She is currently the Chief Financial Officer at Nillumbik Shire Council, where she oversees the Council’s finance, procurement, asset management and strategic waste and circular economy functions. Prior to entering local government, Melika held senior roles across audit, taxation, and business services in a number of accounting firms across Melbourne. This breadth of experience has given her deep insight into financial compliance, strategic financial planning, and risk governance in both private and public sector contexts. Melika is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) course. Her appointment to the Board of Hesse Rural Health reflects her commitment to applying her financial expertise in service of community-focused organisations.

Simone brings a wealth of experience and a deep dedication to our community. A resident of Winchelsea for over 20 years, she currently lives on a small property in the area. Professionally, Simone is engaged with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Change Action, where she specializes in the water sector. Her expertise extends to public policy, stakeholder and community engagement, and public sector governance. Simone is committed to improving facilities and services for Winchelsea and its neighbouring districts. She has a personal passion for aged care, actively supporting older relatives, and advocates for the health benefits of connecting with nature, particularly along the Barwon River (Parwan in the Wadawurrung language). Simone’s diverse background and dedication to community well-being make her a valuable addition to the Hesse Board.