08 Nov Local expertise lands top job at TDHS

Timboon resident Rebecca Van Wollingen has been announced this morning as our new chief executive officer.

Ms Van Wollingen has been acting in the role at Timboon and District Healthcare Service (TDHS) since March. Her permanent appointment was announced to staff this morning.

TDHS Board chair Maryanne Puli Vogels said Ms Van Wollingen was a standout candidate appointed on her merits. She said the Board was delighted that someone who lived in the community was so ideally credentialled to take the organisation into the future.

“Bek lives in Timboon and walks to work. She is a local, she has been acting in the role, she has a very strong clinical background, she is well respected by her peers and is extremely passionate about her own local health service,” Ms Puli Vogels said.

“She has achieved so much already as our acting CEO and is building exceptional relationships for TDHS with the Department, our community and other health services in the region” – Board chair Maryanne Puli Vogels.

“Bek’s selection was subjected to a very tight process set by the Department. The shortlisted candidates were interviewed by Colac Area Health CEO Fiona Brew, Jenny Tumbridge from the Department, our Board’s deputy chair Chris Stewart and myself.

“I am excited that Bek now has the opportunity to build on her recent work, to implement our strategic plan and to lead us into a period of stability.”

Ms Van Wollingen said she was excited by the opportunity to put her skills to use at her local health service – the future of which was very much in her heart.

“I am proud to be a part of the Timboon and District Healthcare Service team and look forward to contributing and leading the organisation into the future,” she said.

“Naturally I am really excited about the opportunity to work in, and with, my local community.

“TDHS staff and volunteers are a hardworking and dedicated group – I am looking forward to what we can achieve together.” – New CEO Rebecca Van Wollingen

“I think TDHS is a really well-placed health service and I am looking forward to adding to the great work already done to offer outstanding care and services here in Timboon.”

Ms Van Wollingen will use next week’s TDHS Annual General Meeting to speak to the local community about her passion and vision for the organisation. The AGM will be held at TDHS from 7.30pm on Thursday, November 14.