Board Directors

Veena is a graduate of the AICD and co-founder of a health promotion company. Veena has extensive experience within health, disability and primary healthcare. A Science graduate with an MBA, Veena has led e-health and LEAN healthcare projects. She is passionate about health equity and the opportunities that the NDIS can provide to residents of rural northwest Victoria.

Veena is Chair of an early childhood intervention service and has completed a values based leadership program with the Sisters of Mercy. She mentors women in management roles and provides strategic advice to business startups.

Chris was born in Warracknabeal and raised on the family farm at Areegra completing his primary and secondary schooling locally before departing for university. A science graduate with an MBA, Chris has worked in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector for almost 20 years across a number of increasingly senior commercial roles in Australia and the UK.  Passionate about improving health outcomes for rural communities through the delivery of quality and accessible healthcare, Chris is proud to be on the board of Rural Northwest Health.

Namita has worked in the hospital sector for over 17 years, ranging from metropolitan Melbourne to Far North Queensland. A hospital Pharmacist, with a Masters of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Namita is passionate about healthcare quality and safety, and centering it around the patient experience. Namita is proud to be serving on the board of Rural Northwest Health and is committed to working alongside the CEO and Executive Team in providing the best care to the local community

Katherine was appointed CEO of Abound Communities in Dec 2023, following five years as a Senior Executive with Mercy Health, and previous senior leadership positions at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Austin Health in operational, quality and safety and clinical roles.

Katherine holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Radiations, beginning her career as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist working in clinical, educational, and quality roles in public and specialist health services.

After completing a second qualification in Business Administration Katherine worked in operational and quality roles in not-for-profit health and aged care organisations.

Katherine is excited to serve on both the Rural Northwest Health board and BreastScreen Victoria’s Board Quality Committee.

She has a passion for building inclusive services and believes strong consumer engagement is critical for improving outcomes for all consumers.

A familiar face around the Wimmera, Jan trained as a registered nurse at St John of God Ballarat before working as a nurse, and later the Director of Nursing, at Rainbow Bush Nursing Hospital.

Accepting the role of Executive Director of Aged Care at West Wimmera Health Service, Jan would go on to become the Executive Director of Clinical Services at the Nhill campus, a role which saw her travelling back and forth along the highway for over 20 years.

With a passion for aged care, Jan believes good care is something small communities should be able to rely on. Having strong connections to the Rainbow and Yaapeet districts to this day, Jan is excited to be part of the RNH Board.

With a strong connection to Western Victoria, Michael brings a deep commitment to improving healthcare in regional communities like Warracknabeal and Hopetoun.

As the founder of VYTLS, Michael has led the development of digital health solutions, including IoT-enabled patient monitoring systems designed to improve access and outcomes in rural settings. His career spans healthcare, law, and workforce strategy—particularly through his work with The Placing Company – to address regional workforce shortages.

Michael offers expertise in healthcare governance, legal advisory, and operational innovation, supported by his experience advising health organisations on regulatory compliance and workforce management.

Recognised as a G20/B20 Changemaker and recipient of the Healthcare Leadership Award 2020, Michael was named among the “100 Most Impactful Healthcare Leaders in India”.

With a background as a commercial lawyer and strategic advisor, he brings a practical, results-driven approach to supporting regional health services, and is excited to be given the opportunity to be on the board of Rural Northwest Health.

John DeLorenzo is an experienced executive with a strong background in manufacturing operations, export logistics, and corporate governance.

Currently the Manager of Midway Geelong, overseeing Australia’s largest high-quality woodfibre processing and export facility, John has had over 25 years’ experience in senior leadership roles, including key management positions at Midway Limited, Softwood Plantation Exporters, and AKD Softwoods.

He holds an MBA from Deakin University and a range of qualifications in accounting and leadership, including a Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting and an Executive Certificate in Corporate Governance.

A Fellow of the Institute of Public Accountants, a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a Certified CEO with The CEO Institute, John’s long-standing commitment to community includes previous board leadership roles with Colac Area Health, Sacred Heart Primary School, and Trinity College Colac and he is excited to be joining the Board at Rural Northwest Health.

Patriece Shelly is an accomplished senior healthcare leader with over two decades of experience spanning public and private sectors.

Currently serving as the Divisional Director of Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care Services at Western Health, Patriece leads multi-site operations encompassing emergency departments, urgent care centres, and intensive care units with a strong focus on performance, governance, and strategic planning.

Her career includes significant leadership roles at Western Health and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, where she has driven major improvements in patient care models, access to services, and operational efficiency. Patriece is known for her values-based leadership, strategic thinking, and success in leading high-performing teams through periods of transformation and growth.

Holding a Master of Nursing Science from The University of Melbourne, a Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management/Industrial Relations from RMIT, and qualifications as a Registered Nurse, Patriece is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has completed numerous executive and leadership development programs.

Patriece is excited by the opportunity to contribute her experience and insights as a member of the Rural Northwest Health Board of Directors.

Dr Katherine Graham is an experienced General Practitioner and public health advisor with a strong background in clinical education, health systems policy, and regional healthcare leadership. She holds an MBBS, FRACGP, a Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant.

Currently practising at Natimuk Surgery and Lister House Clinic, Dr Graham also serves in multiple roles at the Western Victoria Primary Health Network, including Public Health Clinical Advisor and Healthpathways Clinical Editor.

She has also played a key role in shaping pandemic response strategies, developing clinical pathways, and advising on Long COVID care nationally and, with over two decades of medical experience spanning general practice, emergency care, public health policy, and education, brings a comprehensive understanding of both frontline clinical work and system-wide strategy.

Dr Graham has also contributed to academic literature and served on numerous advisory committees across state and national levels.

Katherine is looking forward to joining the Board at Rural Northwest Health and contributing to the future of healthcare in the region.