Western Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor the Honourable Jill Hennessy as Chair of the Board, effective 1 July 2024.
Professor Hennessy brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as Victoria’s Attorney-General, Minister for Health, Minister for Ambulance Services and Minister for Workplace Safety, leading a series of ground-breaking reforms in her time in Parliament. She is also an experienced Chair and Company Director.
Quote from Professor the Hon. Jill Hennessy:
“I am honoured to take on the role of Chair of the Board at Western Health. This organisation plays a critical role in delivering high-quality healthcare to our community, and I am committed to working with the Board, executive team, and staff to continue this tradition of excellence as the service enters an exciting phase of expansion.”
Quote from Robyn Batten AM, Outgoing Board Chair:
“I am delighted to welcome Professor Hennessy as the new Chair of Western Health. Jill’s impressive track record at the highest levels of Victoria’s healthcare and legal sectors make her an ideal leader for our organisation. Her dedication to public service and her strategic vision will be tremendous assets as Western Health continues to expand and innovate. It has been a privilege to serve as Chair, and I am confident that Jill will continue to drive Western Health forward with passion and expertise.”
Under the leadership of Robyn Batten AM, Western Health has achieved significant milestones, including the expansion of services, strengthening of community health initiatives, and major capital works. The Board and staff extend their gratitude to Robyn for her dedicated service and outstanding contributions.
Professor Hennessy is also the Chair of the Monash Women’s Health Alliance, Chair of Wellness and Infrastructure, Independent Chair of the AASW and the Vice-Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow at Monash University. She is a Non-Executive Director at the Hudson Institute for Medical Research, Scope (Aust) Ltd, Melbourne Theranostic Innovation Centre (MTIC Pty Ltd) and Precision Molecular Imaging and Theranostics (PreMIT). She is also a strategic advisor to the Susan McKinnon Foundation and an Ambassador for the McKinnon Prize for Political Leadership. Professor Hennessy has previously served on the Board of Western Health and is a proud resident of Melbourne’s West. A passionate Western Bulldogs supporter, she is the Deputy Chair of the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation.
Professor Hennessy holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from Monash University and a Masters of Law (Public and International) from the University of Melbourne. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
