News

A new direction has been set for the Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) with the onboarding of Executive Leadership members, Bradley Porter, Chief Operating Officer, Donna Stanley, Executive Manager Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing and Michele Smith, Executive Manager Primary Healthcare Integration and Reform.

As COO, Bradley Porter will lead the Executive Leadership team in a renewed focus on the health and wellbeing of people and communities in the Western and Far West NSW regions. Brad comes from the NSW Ambulance, where he held the positions of  Central West Zone Manager clinical operations and periods of Associate Director Clinical Operations, western Sector and Western Control centre. 

WNSW PHN CEO, Andrew Coe, welcomes the new direction, saying “Brad’s short time in the position is already making an impact.”

“Brad’s wealth of local knowledge and experience across our region, paired with his passion for people’s wellbeing and love of community, is already making a tremendously positive impact on our organisation, and inspiring our staff to strive for even greater improvements in the health outcomes for individuals right across western NSW,” said Mr Coe.

Donna Stanley recently joined WNSW PHN and brings with her a wealth of experience and national recognition for her work in the mental health space. Last year, Donna was recognised for her work and leadership in improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health with the Australian Mental Health Prize for 2022. This followed Donna’s 30 years of service in health and most recently with the Local Health District. Donna continues to proudly advocate for and work towards the improvement of First Nations’ health outcomes.

Executive Manager, Primary Healthcare Integration and Reform, Michele Smith, also recently joined WNSW PHNs’ Leadership Team. A registered nurse with a MA in Health Administration, Michele has recently worked in very remote areas of the Northern Territory, including Ampilitatjwa, Canteen Creek, Borroloola, and Tennant Creek before moving to Western NSW to take up a management role. Michele’s strong focus is patient centred and place-based care, being guided by the principles of participation, protection, and partnership, which strongly align with the strategic aims of WNSW PHN.

Pictured, from left to right: Donna Stanley, Bradley Porter, Michele Smith.