East Grampians Health Service awarded Life Governorship of the health service to former Board Chair Matthew Wood, at the annual general meeting in November.
Matthew came to Ararat in May 2005, transferring as Senior Sergeant, Officer in Charge of the Ararat Police Station and during his time in Ararat, has been a Board Member of the Ararat YMCA, Stewardship Council member of Marian College and an AFL football umpire.
Serving the community his entire life, Matthew worked in Victoria Police for 33 years, resigning in 2012, then becoming the Manager of Risk, Emergency Services and Local Laws with Ararat Rural City Council.
He is currently the Acting General Manager Corporate Services with Council.
Matthew was appointed to the Board of EGHS in 2011 and was Chair of the Board from 2014 to 2018.
After eight years of exemplary service, Matthew retired from the EGHS Board on June 30 2018.
Serving on the Board and having influence in the health of the Ararat and district community has been very fulfilling and satisfying for Matthew. He felt it was a privilege to volunteer as a Board Member; supporting the CEO, Executive team and the wonderful staff and volunteers that make EGHS such a great organisation.
During this time, Matthew never lost sight that the wide range of services delivered by EGHS need to benefit the entire community and his wish is that EGHS continues to prosper into the future, and adapt to the changing paradigm that is health.
During his tenure as Board Chair there were many highlights, including being named Premier’s Medium Health Service of the Year two years running and receiving $4.12 million in funding from the State Government for the Community Health Centre expansion project.
Under Matthew’s progressive leadership EGHS is certainly well placed for the future.
Matthew will always be a passionate supporter and advocate for East Grampians Health Service and was honoured and humbled to be bestowed the award of Life Governor.