Who are you?

You are passionate about social justice and making a real impact on the health and well-being of rural, remote, Aboriginal and other disadvantaged groups.

You believe that the role of charities is not just to do things for people in need, but to empower people with the knowledge and skills to control of their own health future.

You are committed to the human rights of all people, and believe that everyone is entitled to the highest quality care, and that no person or group should experience discrimination because of their race, sexuality, gender identity, marital status, age, disability or class. Actually, you don’t just believe this, you can show how you have worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone has a fair-go throughout your career.

You have worked at a senior governance or leadership level in health, social welfare, social justice, regional development, Aboriginal services or a similar field in government, business or the NGO sector.

You are strategic and creative thinker. You understand that delivering high quality health and social care to rural, remote, Aboriginal and other disadvantage communities is not easy, and that success if more than just one-off programs. You know this requires a strategic shift in the way the system works, and you know how this can occur and who can help.

You have the networks and influence to help the Foundation engage with the right people to achieve lasting outcomes for disadvantaged people.

You are passionate about community-led and controlled health and social care. You understand how this can transform the way we plan for, and deliver, health care. You are familiar with concepts like social justice, Integrated People Centred Care, Continuity of Care, Community-Led Planning, and Strengths Based Development.

You have a good idea about where the opportunities lie and are comfortable using your government, business or academic networks to help us to build capacity and expand our reach and financial resilience.

You see the board as a team, and you are team player. But you don’t do groupthink.

As a director, you see yourself as a critical friend. Your instinct is to use your knowledge, skills and expertise to help your fellow directors on the board, and management, make good decisions. You have the humility and maturity to understand how to get your point across effectively while making people feel supported.

You understand that a good board is a team where different skills, knowledge and experience complement each other. For you, it's all about collaboration.

You make it your goal to build mutual respect and trust, because you know that trust is essential if you and your fellow directors and management are going to feel comfortable sharing difficult information, challenging one another’s conclusions coherently, and adjusting your views and interpretations in response to intelligent questions and alternative perspectives.

You have a strength of character to put forward your views constructively and stick to them, but also the humility to change your views when presented with evidence.

You know that governing a charity is inherently risky. Let's face it, the role of charities is to do the things that governments and business simply cannot do. This makes you risk aware, but not uncomfortable with taking on risk where it serves the longer-term needs of the people we serve. You know that our biggest risk is failing to achieve long-lasting and sustainable change, and letting down the people who rely on us for their basic needs.

You know your legal obligations as a director having completed an AICD or GIA program, or because you have substantial experience in a similar role, but you also know that qualifications don't automatically make people ethical, committed or capable. You get that there is not a one-size-fits-all governance model, and you understand the need to craft a rigorous framework in collaboration with your colleagues that aligns wit the needs of a charity and the people it serves.

You understand that being a member of the Board of the Foundation is a commitment to dedicate yourself and your time to the care and well-being of others.

Vacancies

The Board concluded advertising for its last round of appointments in April 2024. Return to this page for future rounds.

Please read a copy of the Position Description for the previous round if you are interested in what the Foundation is looking for in a director. If you would like to know more about the Foundation, or have thoughts about how you could contribute to the work of the Foundation, please contact Mark Burdack, CEO on 0418 974 988 or the Chair, Richard Anicich AM, on 0404 828 235 for a confidential conversation.

Diversity

We are not your normal business. As a charity committed to health communities, we understand the need to ensure that we provide a workplace that supports a good work/life balance, and which reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We have a fundamental commitment to the appointment of staff and directors from diverse backgrounds. We understand that this gives us a competitive edge.