CATS CHIEF JOINS BARWON HEALTH
GEELONG Cats chief executive Brian Cook is the new Barwon Health chairman and he says he’s ready for the challenge.
Mr Cook, who has been the Cats’ key football administrator since 1999, will officially step into the role at Geelong’s largest health care provider from July 1.
However, the 61-year-old former VFL and WAFL player said the new appointment won’t affect his duties with the Geelong Football Club.
“My role at the Cats remains exactly the same,” Mr Cook told the Geelong Advertiser.
Mr Cook joins at a tumultuous period for Barwon Health, with chief executive Belinda Moyes resigning in late April.
Former Western Health chief executive Alex Cockram has since taken up Professor Moyes’ role in the interim, but the search continues for her permanent replacement.
Mr Cook said he was confident in the ability of the Barwon Health board, and would be relying on expert advice from its talented team of health professionals.
“It’s a huge challenge for me, there’s no doubt about that, I’m the first to admit that,” he said.
Mr Cook replaces longserving Barwon Health chair John Stekelenburg, who announced earlier this month he would be stepping down.
Dr Stekelenburg was appointed chair of Barwon Health in 2011. Under his management, Barwon Health was twice named Victoria’s Regional Health Service of the Year.
But the provider posted a $13.8 million deficit in 2015-16, prompting the State Government to appoint its own troubleshooter to the board and carry out an independent financial audit.
Mr Cook said Barwon Health’s prospects had “much improved” and he was looking forward to leading the provider over the coming years.
“It’s in a pretty good place,” he said.
Mr Cook’s appointment was announced alongside eight other Victorian Health Service Board chairs, who will each serve three-year terms.
Six of the appointees were women, bringing the number of female chairs in the Victorian health sector to 74 per cent.
Health Minister Jill Hennessy said the new health care leaders would ensure Victorians got the care and support they deserve.
“I think it’s a huge challenge for me, there’s no doubt about that, I’m the first to admit that.” BRIAN COOK