Former MP Lisa Neville appointed chair of Barwon Health

A former MP has landed a new gig on the board of Barwon Health.

Former Bellarine MP Lisa Neville will take on a new position as chair of the Barwon Health board. Picture: Alan Barber

Former Bellarine MP Lisa Neville has landed a new gig as chairwoman of the Barwon Health board, as the executive committee gets a shake up.

Ms Neville previously served as a director on the board and briefly held the chair position before being elected into parliament in 2002.

Until her retirement from politics in 2022, Ms Neville had held ministerial roles in mental health, aged care, and emergency services among others.

Ms Neville said it would be an “honour and privilege” to continue servicing the region in her new role.

“Since retiring from politics, I’ve wanted to find a way to contribute to the community and it feels like a perfect fit to work alongside the excellent and respected leadership and staff at Barwon Health,” she said.

“Helping Victorians lead healthy lives, both physically and mentally, was a key focus of my work as an MP, so I am grateful for an opportunity to continue this commitment to health as board chair of this revered regional health service.”

Ms Neville’s appointment will take effect from July 1, after Brian Cook ends his tenure in the role.

Mr Cook announced he would step down from the role in February this year.

Mr Cook is a former Cats chief executive, and had also served on the Barwon Health Foundation board for two years.

Barwon Health chief executive Frances Diver said the organisation welcomed the state government’s appointment of Ms Neville to the position.

“As we welcome Ms Neville into her new role, we also express our sincere gratitude to the outgoing board chair, Brian Cook, for his outstanding contributions to Barwon Health,” Ms Diver said.

“Since 2017, Mr Cook has provided invaluable guidance and strategic direction during a period of immense growth and change.”

Two board directors, Jason Trethowan and Jennifer Williams, are also stepping down from their roles.

Libby Mears and Shane Solomon have been appointed as new board directors in their place.

Ms Mears has experience in local government and Mr Solomon has a background as a health leader with particular expertise in digital health.

Professor Brendan Crotty has been appointed for an additional term as a board director.

Originally published as Former MP Lisa Neville appointed chair of Barwon Health