The Rural Northwest Health (RNH) Board has appointed Ashley Ubrihien as Chief Executive Officer. He will commence in the role on 5 October 2026.
Ashley joins RNH from Centacare Kimberley, where he is Chief Executive Officer. He is an accomplished leader with more than 20 years across health, aged care and community services in the public and private sectors, and a strong background in strategic leadership, operations and stakeholder engagement. His previous roles include senior hospital and aged care leadership across regional and remote Australia. Ashley holds a Master of Public Health and is completing a Doctor of Philosophy in business management, and he brings a genuine commitment to rural and regional communities.
RNH Board Chair, Dr John Aitken, said Ashley was an outstanding appointment for the health service and the communities it serves.
“Ashley is a highly capable and respected leader who brings a powerful combination of strategic insight, executive experience and a genuine commitment to people and to rural communities,” said Dr Aitken.
“He has led successfully in large and complex organisations, including across health, aged care and community services, and the Board is confident he is the right person to lead RNH into its next chapter and to build on the momentum already underway.
Ashley said he was pleased to be joining RNH at an important time for the organisation and the region.
“It is a great honour to be appointed as the next CEO of Rural Health Northwest,” said Mr Ubrihien.
“Having grown up in a dairy farming community in southern New South Wales, I have a deep and enduring connection to regional communities. This role provides a meaningful opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to supporting world-class health care for the communities Rural Health Northwest serves.”
“Over the coming months, I look forward to working closely with the RHN Board, staff, volunteers, and communities to better understand local health priorities and how the organisation can continue to respond to community needs.”
Dr Aitken also paid tribute to Lois O’Callaghan for her leadership as interim Chief Executive Officer.
“Lois has done an outstanding job. Since taking on the role in February 2026, she has brought stability and steady leadership through an important period for RNH, kept the organisation focused, and supported our people every step of the way.
“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Lois for everything she has done. She leaves RNH in a strong position, and we are deeply grateful for her contribution.”
Lois O’Callaghan said it had been a privilege to serve as interim Chief Executive Officer.
“I have valued the chance to lead RNH and to work alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers and partners, and to connect with communities right across the region. It is that community spirit and volunteerism that make RNH special, and I have every confidence the organisation will go from strength to strength under Ashley’s leadership,” she said.
Lois and Ashley will be working closely together to ensure continuity for staff, patients, residents and the community.