Clinical Council

Gippsland PHN is a not for profit organisation that works at a regional level to achieve improved whole of system health care. We work with communities, general practice, allied health, hospitals and other primary and community health providers; to drive, support and strengthen primary health in Gippsland to meet the needs of local communities.

Clinical Council

We are consumer focused and established to reduce fragmentation of care by integrating and coordinating health services and supporting general practice. We leverage and administer health program funding from a variety of sources to commission flexible services to realise our vision of a measurably healthier Gippsland.

A key component of PHN governance is the Clinical Council (CC). The Clinical Council reports on clinical issues to inform PHN Board decisions. This ensures general practice and other health professionals are major contributors to the organisation and working together to drive local health system improvement.

The Clinical Council is tasked to be an advisory body to the Gippsland PHN Board by:

  • Reporting on opportunities to improve medical and health care services through strategic, cost-effective innovation and investment.
  • Ensuring a local population health planning focus in the context of the broader Gippsland region.
  • Providing advice regarding advocacy for local initiatives which support local and national health priorities.
  • Providing advice on service and program design being undertaken by Gippsland PHN
  • Providing advice regarding locally relevant clinical care pathways designed to improve quality, streamline services, and utilise existing health resources effectively.
  • Reviewing and identifying risk relevant to proposed programs and models of care.
  • Providing such other advisory input as the Gippsland PHN Board or Executive may request from time to time.

Clinical Council Members
Dr Mitchell Kraan (Chair)
Dr Letitia Clark (Board sponsor)
Mary Sayers (Board sponsor)
Dr Elisabeth Wearne (Board sponsor)
Andrew Hobby (Board Sponsor)
Joelene Gathercole
Dr Kathryn Brotchie
Denise Escreet
Sharyn Latham
Helen Spicer
Dr Sophie Lindstedt
Dr Lloyd Waters
John Nicolson
Kylie Lancaster
Lindy Thunder
Dr Ajit Nair
Bradley Hogan
Sue Dunkley
Tess Watt

Expression of Interest 2026

Gippsland Primary Health Network is seeking expressions of interest for individuals to join the Gippsland PHN Clinical Council to commence on 1 July 2026, for a three-year term.

A key component of Gippsland PHN’s governance is the establishment of a Clinical Council, reporting on clinical issues that influence the unique needs of Gippsland, and supporting Gippsland PHN to develop local strategies to improve the operation of the health care system for patients in Gippsland.  

The Clinical Council reports directly to the Gippsland PHN Board and comprises 15 members from across Gippsland who will represent the perspectives of clinical and health sector representatives of the primary health system in Gippsland.

The Clinical Council meets at least quarterly and additionally if necessary. Sitting fees are paid to all members.

The committee is tasked with advising, informing and guiding Gippsland PHN Board by:

  • Reporting on opportunities to improve medical and health care services through strategic, cost-effective innovation and investment.
  • Ensuring a local population health planning focus in the context of the broader Gippsland region.
  • Providing advice regarding advocacy for local initiatives which support local and national health priorities.
  • Providing advice on service and program design being undertaken by Gippsland PHN
  • Providing advice regarding locally relevant clinical care pathways designed to improve quality, streamline services, and utilise existing health resources effectively.
  • Reviewing and identifying risk relevant to proposed programs and models of care.
  • Providing such other advisory input as the Gippsland PHN Board or Executive may request from time to time.

Gippsland PHN is seeking Committee Members from a range of backgrounds who represent a variety of clinical and health sector interests aligned to the Gippsland PHN Priorities:

  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing
  • Healthy Aging (people aged 65+)
  • Alcohol and Other Drugs
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing, including Suicide Prevention
  • Health Workforce
  • Connected Care
  • Growing Up Healthy (0-25 years)
  • Chronic Conditions
  • Family Violence
  • Access to Primary healthcare for Marginalised Communities

Are you a clinician, allied health professional or other health champion of the primary health care system?

Do you have experience working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander individuals?

Do you have particular interest in mental health?

If you are, Gippsland PHN would love to hear from you.

Please follow the link below to apply:

EOI Form

All applications close: Sunday, 15 March 2026

If you require any further information, please contact cc@gphn.org.au