Future of Health in the Regions

Professor Jeff Dunn is Chair of Cancer Survivorship at UniSQ and a Professor of Social and Behaviour Science. He is President of the Union for International Cancer Control (based in Geneva) and Chief of Mission at Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Ranked among the top two per cent of scientists worldwide for oncology and clinical medicine by Stanford University, his research has been published in more than 200 publications. In 2014, Jeff was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia for his contributions to cancer control. Diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma in 2022, he continues to advocate for cancer survivors.

Professor Sonja March is the Director of the UniSQ Centre for Health Research and a Founding Chief Investigator of the Manna Institute – Australia’s leading regional mental health Institute. Sonja is a psychologist with over 20 years of experience developing innovative solutions to make mental health assessments and treatments more accessible to Australian families, especially those in regional, rural and remote Australia. Sonja was named Women in Technology’s Research Leader (Science) in 2020 for her work in child and adolescent mental health.

Adjunct Professor Shelley Nowlan has been a registered nurse in Australia for over 34 years. She has been widely recognised for her leadership and contribution to nursing. Shelley is currently the Deputy National Rural Health Commissioner (Nursing and Midwifery) and Chief Nurse Officer for Queensland Health. Shelley has represented Australia at the International Council of Nurses, United Nations, and UNICEF and has advised the governments of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland. She has worked for decades to ensure nurses and midwives are supported to meet the needs of people living in rural and regional Australia.

Ivan Frkovic has been Queensland Mental Health Commissioner since 2017 and brings substantial policy, academic and patient-centred experience to the role, having worked in the Queensland mental health system for over 30 years. With a focus on strengthening partnerships and collaboration, he oversees delivery and implementation of the state’s strategic plan for mental health, alcohol and other drugs and suicide prevention – Shifting minds. Ivan’s experience across government and non-government organisations provides valuable insight to help bring all sectors together to focus on delivering better mental health outcomes for Queenslanders. He has made a significant contribution to community mental health through published papers and articles.

Annette Scott is the Health Service Chief Executive at Darling Downs Health. She began her career as a physiotherapist in private practice before joining the Queensland public health system. Annette has extensive experience managing multidisciplinary health services, including acute inpatient, community, and rural outreach. She led the implementation of award-winning telehealth services and innovative workforce redesign initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Annette served as the COVID Health Incident Commander. She led the regional vaccination rollout, earning a Public Service Medal and recognition on the Queen’s Honour Roll for her contributions.

Dr Tony Bayliss has been practising as a GP in the Ipswich area since 2012. He has served on the Darling Downs and West Moreton Board since November 2017 and as Chair since 2019. He brings real-world skills and experience in clinical matters, corporate and clinical governance, finance and strategy. He has been a practice owner in the region since 2015 and is passionate about improving the health of the Darling Downs and West Moreton communities. He is an active member of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Queensland Faculty Council and the West Moreton Local Medical Association. He is a member of the RACGP Expert Committee – Funding and Health System Reform, which supports the development of primary health care policy.