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Our Board of Directors

Directors are elected for a term of up to three years and may be re-elected to serve for up to nine years. The Board of Directors is accountable to the Minister for Health, and they have well defined responsibilities and a mixed skill set.

Our TDHS Board of Directors currently consists of 9 members.

Frank Carlus

Board of Directors Chair

Frank is a former state public servant with over 32 years’ experience in the Department of Human Services/Department of Health and is passionate about ensuring access to quality services to all who need them. He’s worked in direct care, policy and senior management positions across a range of services and programs, including in Barwon South West region where he led child protection, adoption and permanent care services (late 80s-early 90s).

He holds a Bachelor of Arts and Diploma of Community Studies from Ballarat University (now Federation University), and a Graduate Diploma in Organisational Behaviour from Swinburne University. Frank is an experienced Board Director and is currently also serving on the Boards of Westgate Community Initiatives Group and Hepatitis Victoria. He is a Life Governor of Colac Area Health where he served as a Board Member for 10 years. He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of the Institute of Community Directors.

Current Term of Appointment: 1 July 2024 – 30 June 2027

Ashley Nesseler

Vice Chair

Ashley is a specialist General Practitioner with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, and was one of the inaugural graduates of the Deakin University Medical School, completing her training at the South West Healthcare Warrnambool Campus and working in the region since.

She has previous experience in research science in the fields of vaccine design and immunology and holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery from Deakin University.

She is also employed in medical education for Deakin University and resides locally with her young family in Port Campbell.

Current Term of Appointment:  July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028

Leah Champion

Vice Chair and Chair of People, Culture and Remuneration Committee

Leah Champion is a seasoned leader with over 15 years of experience in leadership, marketing, advertising and business development. As the Director of People & Culture at Luminary, Leah excels in leading strategically and driving change management initiatives. She is adept at fostering high-performing cultures. Her empathetic approach and strategic insights have been instrumental in shaping organisational success and supporting global teams.

Living locally, Leah sees this Board position as a valuable opportunity to contribute back to her community.

Current Term of Appointment: 1 July 2024 – 30 June 2026

Kieran Donoghue

Chair of Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee

Kieran runs a consultancy firm in the energy sector, advising business and government on energy policy. Previously an experienced accountant, Kieran brings financial and audit expertise to the role.

Previously, Kieran has been on the Board of LiverWELL, including periods as Treasurer and President, and is currently the President of the Bayside Glen Eira Kingston Local Learning & Employment Network (BGKLLEN). Originally from the UK, Kieran has lived in Australia since 2009 and resides in Melbourne.

Current Term of Appointment:  July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028

Anthony DeJong

A CPA qualified finance executive, Anthony was appointed to the TDHS Board in July 2019.

Anthony has spent the last 20 years in senior finance roles in government statutory authorities, across health, energy, sport and transport with a particular focus on regulation and financial sustainability.

Current Term of Appointment: 1 July 2024 – 30 June 2027

James Farrugia

James is a lawyer who practises in the areas of employment, industrial relations and occupational health and safety law.

He has experience providing legal services to private and public sector organisations across various industries and he looks forward to providing his legal perspective to the TDHS Board.

James regularly visits southwest Victoria to see family and to enjoy the beautiful scenery the region has to offer.

Current Term of Appointment: 1 July 2024 – 30 June 2027

Janelle Jakowenko

Chair of Clinical Governance, Quality and Credentialing Committee

Janelle joins the TDHS Board with over 25 years’ experience in the health sector. Her roles have included medical photography and telehealth, and she is currently the Executive Director of Operations at Western Victoria Primary Health Network.

Janelle’s expertise in healthcare reform, financial sustainability and change management is supplemented by her tertiary training including Master’s degrees in eHealthcare and Business Administration (MBA). Her drive is to continually improve the way complex organisations work to ensure they remain purpose-driven.

Having grown up in a country town not too dissimilar in size and rurality to Timboon, she understands first-hand the barriers to health for those living far from big cities.

Current Term of Appointment: 1 July 2024 – 30 June 2026

Simone Renyard

Board Representative on Consumer Advisory Committee

Simone has lived in the Timboon District for over three decades and operates a large scale dairy farm business with her husband and son.

She brings extensive board experience having been the Chair of Westvic Dairy for several years and is currently on the Board of the Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre in Geelong.  Simone is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors course.

Earlier in her career as a counsellor (psychology), she worked out of Timboon and District Healthcare Service (TDHS) Community Health Centre. Throughout her working life, she has been involved in many sectors and organisations assisting in research and counselling roles.

Simone was a past member of the TDHS consumer advisory committee and was keen to be actively involved at Board level to ensure the strategy and vision for our consumers and community continued to be delivered locally.

Current Term of Appointment:  July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028

Ellen Podbury

Ellen Podbury

Page last updated: 23 July 2026