Our Team

The Connecting the Docs Team

The Connecting the Docs team is a dedicated group of professionals committed to fostering meaningful connections between medical practitioners and regional healthcare services. With a focus on candidate care, community onboarding, and ongoing engagement, the team plays a crucial role in not only attracting doctors to underserved regions but also ensuring their smooth integration and long-term success.

The team works closely with health partners to develop tailored solutions for the region’s medical workforce challenges, continuously promoting opportunities within the healthcare system. As the program grows, the team remains committed to nurturing these relationships, advancing community engagement, and supporting both doctors and healthcare providers in their efforts to improve patient care in the region.

Lauren Byrne (Cole)

Director | Connecting the Docs

Steering Committee and Founding Members

The program’s direction is guided by a Steering Committee, made up of founding members who bring a wealth of expertise and leadership in healthcare.

The committee includes Directors of Medical Services and Chief Executive Officers from the region’s key healthservices, all of whom contribute to shaping the program’s goals and strategy. Their combined experience and commitment to regional healthcare make them pivotal in addressing workforce shortages and enhancing access to care across the region.

Dr Annemarie Newth

Executive Director of Medical Services & Chief Medical Officer | Echuca Regional Health

Kellie Byron-Gray

Chief Executive Officer | Kerang District Health

Trevor Adem

Chief Executive Officer | East Wimmera Healthcare
Portrait of Perlin Simon

Perlin Simon

Executive Director Services and Delivery | Mallee District Aboriginal Service
Nabrees

Dr Nabrees Sinnalebbe

Executive Director of Medical Services, Chief Medical Officer | Mildura Base Public Hospital ​
Penny

Penny Wilkinson

Chief Executive Officer | Northern District Community Health

Associate Prof. Rex Prabhu

Executive Director of Medical Services Associate | Swan Hill District Health