New President of the Hospital Board

Mr. Matthew Wood was appointed the new President of the board of East Grampians Health Service on Tuesday 16^th December. Mr. Wood has served as a member of the EGHS Board for three years.

Mr. Wood came to Ararat in 2005 when he was appointed as the Officer In Charge of the Ararat Police Station. During Mr. Wood’s time in Victoria Police he served in a variety of locations and roles around metropolitan and country Victoria.

Mr. Wood holds a Graduate Certificate in Applied Management, an advanced Diploma in Public Safety (Emergency Management), a Diploma in Police Management and a Diploma in Integrated Risk Management. He is currently the Manager of Risk, Emergency Services and Local Laws with Ararat Rural City Council.

Mr Wood has been active in sport all his life, playing squash, running and was a central umpire for the Mininera and Wimmera Football Leagues. Mr. Wood is married to Donna, and their three children have all attended school in Ararat. Mr. Wood describes Ararat to be a fantastic place to live with a strong, caring and friendly community

Mr. Wood believes that our hospital plays an integral role in our rural community. He also said “It’s important to have a strong Board that values the staff, the community it serves, and strives to provide the best quality care.” Mr Wood intends to continue to develop the Board’s strong track record in governance and maintain the enthusiasm amongst the Board members in implementing a new strategic plan from July 1, 2015.

Mr. Wood thanked outgoing Board President Louise Staley who has been elected to the Victorian Parliament as the member for Ripon.

Ms Staley has served as President of the Board for the last two years. She has been committed to EGHS and has strengthened the governance and systems of EGHS. Ms. Staley said that she has “enjoyed being President of the Board and has had fantastic support from the Board and the staff of EGHS.”