Media Release: Experienced Health Leader Richard Cheney takes helm at THCFA

15 September, 2025  

The Healthy Communities Foundation Australia (THCFA) has appointed Richard Cheney as its new Chief Executive Officer. 

Richard, who previously worked as THCFA’s Director of Clinical Services, steps into the role with more than 30 years of leadership experience across regional NSW, including pioneering: 

• Australia’s first fully virtual Allied Health service, 

• A virtual Specialist Intellectual Disability service covering 70% of NSW, 

• Innovative pilot programs integrating paramedics into ED teams.

Richard has led work across NSW in the implementation of evidence-based clinical guidelines and protocols in a variety of areas, including emergency care, palliative and end-of-life care, paediatrics, maternity and neonatal care, chronic disease, menopause, and aged care, including dementia care and support. 

He said he is excited to lead THCFA into its next chapter as it approaches 25 years of delivering high quality, sustainable health care and systems in rural and remote communities. 

“My vision is for THCFA to act as a service integrator and the glue within the rural health ecosystem - helping communities access evidence-based care as close to home as possible and working with other providers to close service gaps, building comprehensive health care in rural communities.” he said.  

“That means supporting our staff to work at the top of their scope of practice and ensuring we are always adding value rather than duplicating or competing with existing services. 

“We also plan to grow our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce, who play a vital role in delivering culturally safe care. 

“Our role is to understand, collaborate and deliver care in ways that genuinely work for that community, ensuring that patients are supported in accessing the full suite of care that they need." 

The appointment comes as THCFA continues work on a new Strategic Plan which lays the foundation to deliver more accessible, innovative and collaborative models of care. 

THCFA Chair Kim Webber said the Board was delighted to welcome Richard as new CEO. 

“Richard has a proven track record of innovation in health care which will be invaluable as we continue to build on our strong foundation to deliver greater access and better health for the communities we serve,” Dr Webber said.