Cameron Evans to lead health service Board

New East Grampians Health Service Board Chair Cameron Evans is looking forward to building on the strong foundations already in place at the health service.

“For me, it’s about ensuring that EGHS continues to be a trusted, responsive and innovative health service,” Mr Evans said.

“I’d like to focus on strengthening partnerships across the region, supporting our workforce, continuing our strong education focus, commitment to growing our own and ensuring sustainability so that we can keep delivering excellent care into the future.”

Mr Evans was elected Board Chair at the August Board meeting, following the retirement of Ken Weldin, who served as Board Chair for three years and as a Board Director for four years.

“With a strong strategic focus, Mr Weldin guided the health service through the turbulent period when mergers were being promoted,” Mr Evans said.

“He played a significant role in consultations, consistently advocating for the preservation of East Grampians Health Service’s identity. Mr Weldin’s contributions cannot be overstated in achieving the outcome that mergers did not proceed.

“On behalf of the Board, the Executive, and all EGHS staff, I thank him for his strong leadership and dedication over the past three years.”

The transition to Mr Evans as Chair marks an important opportunity for EGHS to embrace and help shape the outcomes of the newly formed Grampians Local Health Service Network (GLHSN). As a member of the GLHSN Chairs Committee, Mr Evans, together with representatives from the seven other Health Services, is working to strengthen collaboration from Beaufort to the border and deep in to the North-West of the State, while ensuring each service maintains its individual identity.

The role of the Board Chair is to lead the Board in setting the strategic direction of the health service, ensuring strong governance, and supporting the CEO and executive team.

“Importantly, it’s about enabling every Board Director to contribute effectively, while keeping the focus on achieving the best possible health outcomes for our community,” Mr Evans said.

Mr Evans joined the EGHS Board in 2021 and has served as Vice Chair of the Board, Chair of the Clinical Consultative Committee, a member of the Governance Committee, Clinical Governance Committee, Finance, Risk, Audit & Capital Development Committee and represented EGHS on the Grampians Local Health Service Network Board Chairs Committee.

He has also served as a Trustee of the Building for the Future Foundation.

“These roles have greatly deepened my respect for the work of our health professionals and strengthened my understanding of both clinical governance and the broader health service landscape,” Mr Evans said.

Mr Evans has spent 25 years in the technology, telecommunications, and business sectors, with a focus on helping organisations use technology to improve efficiency, security, and service delivery.

He currently owns two businesses: AMA Fleet, specialising in telematics and vehicle technology, and AMA ICT, which provides information and cyber security services to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Calling Ararat home for the past 20 years, Mr Evans’ mother grew up in Ararat, his grandfather was Mayor in 1967-1969, and his great grandfather was Mayor in 1953-1954.

Mr Evans has two children, Mackense (19) and Cooper (18), who were both born at Ararat Hospital. He reflects that it has been a joy raising them in a caring, close-knit community where people look out for one another. He feels fortunate that his children have grown up surrounded by strong local values, opportunities, and support, and this deep sense of community is a major reason he is passionate about giving back through his leadership at East Grampians Health Service.

He enjoys swimming, running and cycling and supporting the Ararat Football Netball Club.

“Sport and fitness are a big part of my life, and I enjoy the discipline, resilience, and community that comes with it,” he said.

Mr Evans said he originally joined the EGHS Board because of the vital role the health service played in the health and wellbeing of the community.

With his background in governance, business and technology, he wanted to give back by supporting an organisation that he believed touched many lives locally and contribute in a meaningful way beyond his professional work.

Working with the people in the health service, both staff and fellow Board Directors, is what he enjoys most about his work as a Board Director and now Chair.

“I’ve enjoyed working alongside passionate professionals who are committed to delivering high-quality, safe, and compassionate care,” Mr Evans said.

“Seeing the positive difference EGHS makes every day is a privilege.”

During his time on the Board, Mr Evans has seen the Board strengthen governance practices, oversee significant investment in infrastructure and services, and continue support of a culture of safety and quality care. The Board has also been proactive in community engagement, ensuring decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of the people it serves.

Mr Evans is passionate about Ararat and passionate about the health service.

“I want the community to know that EGHS belongs to them,” he said. “My role, and the role of the Board, is to ensure that every decision we make consistently prioritises the health outcomes of patients, families, and the community we serve. Meeting their needs today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.”