Provider News
Catholic Health Australia names O'Brien chair, Bourke deputy
Provider News
Catholic Health Australia names O'Brien chair, Bourke deputy
Provider News
Australian Ageing Agenda · 2 min read · 2 hours ago
Original source
Summarised by Stellar
Key points5 points
- Damien O'Brien becomes CHA chair and Virginia Bourke deputy chair from 31 August.
- O'Brien brings board experience from St Vincent's Health Australia and its subsidiaries.
- Bourke also chairs Mercy Health and serves as Australian Catholic University pro-chancellor.
- Outgoing chair Jenny Parker led CHA through significant reform and strategy development.
- Leadership continuity suggests stable advocacy for Catholic health and aged care providers.
Summary
Catholic Health Australia has appointed Damien O'Brien as chair and Virginia Bourke as deputy chair, effective 31 August. O'Brien, a St Vincent's Health Australia director, praised CHA's advocacy work, while Bourke highlighted challenges and opportunities in health, aged care, and community sectors. The appointments follow Jenny Parker's retirement after eight years, during which CHA strengthened its role as a trusted government adviser. For providers, this signals continued focus on person-centred care and advocacy in aged care reform.