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Who we are

Meet our dedicated team and board members at Northern Health Foundation who are caring for your community.     

Our Board Directors

Peter McWilliam

Board Chair

Mr Peter McWilliam brings with him extensive skills in business and management derived from 37 years of experience working at RBM and Paramount Plastic Extrusions, one of Australia’s largest privately owned plastic manufacturing companies. Peter served as General Manager and Company Director within the organisation and its subsidiary Paramount Plastics (Aust.) for 30 years. There, he was able to provide a strong leadership to inspire effective teamwork, planning and organisation. 

Peter understands the importance and value of staff in an organisation’s success, and has many years of experience in implementing training and mentoring programs to maintain organisational viability. He sat on the Australian Standards subcommittee on Building Facades and Glazings in the late 1980’s. Peter also initiated and implemented Australian and International Standards (ISO9001 and 9002) at Paramount Plastics (Aust.) from the mid-1990’s, successfully being audited and retaining accreditation for Paramount Plastics (Aust.) from then until his retirement.

As a resident of the northern suburbs, Mr McWilliam is familiar with its rapid growth and development and the community’s evolving needs. Since retiring in 2010, he is now focused on sharing his business acumen and skills to benefit health services in Melbourne’s north.

Trudi Hay

Deputy Chair

Trudi Hay is a Director of Greencor Group Pty Ltd as well as the Northern Health Foundation’s Community Events Committee Chair.

Trudi has a background in Marketing, Advertising and Events and has been mentioned in State and Federal Parliament for her work in Philanthropy in the Hume area.

Trudi has been a long time supporter of the Northern Hospital, specifically fundraising for Day Oncology for over 10 years.

Chris Turner

Chris Turner is the former Chief Executive Officer for Turosi, a fully integrated poultry operation producing a large range of raw, value enhanced and cooked poultry products, marketed under such brands as La Ionica, Golden Farms, Bannockburn Free Range.

Chris has a wealth of experience running large fully integrated poultry operations from milling/farming, processing, sales and marketing. He is also a past president of the Australian Chicken Meat Federation and the Victorian Chicken Meat Council. He is a current member of The Prime Safe Board and is currently serving his second year on the Northern Health Foundation Board.

Don Campbell

Professor Don Campbell is Medical Director Hospital Without Walls and Staying Well Program, Northern Health, Adjunct Professor of Medicine and Professor (Research) in the Faculty of Art Design and Architecture at Monash University and former President of the Adult Medicine Division of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. Professor Campbell’s clinical and research interests are focused on creating the hospital without walls, and devoted to furthering the role of design and systems thinking in innovation in healthcare delivery. 

He is currently conducting a trial of intranasal heparin to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid-19 in households with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and partner health services, universities and research institutes.

Tricia Lee

Tricia Lee is Director at Riverlee, a privately owned, diversified property group that specialises in development and asset ownership across the commercial, residential and retail property sectors.

Tricia is also Executive Director of the Riverlee Foundation. Tricia holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Monash University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment. She is passionate about making a difference and giving back to the community, hence her involvement in not-for-profits since 2008.

Koby Jones

Koby Jones is the Managing Director of The SILC Group, a specialised financial solutions provider focused on the unique needs of discerning wholesale private, commercial and institutional clients.

He is involved in all aspects of the company’s operations including general management, business development, client interaction, product selection, strategic initiatives, technology, governance, risk and compliance.

Koby holds numerous qualifications including a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting, Commercial Law, Finance) through Deakin University and the Certified Practicing Accountants (CPA) Program.

Santosh Kaur

Santosh has extensive experience in healthcare as a doctor and nurse. Over the last 17 years, she has worked across various settings including hospitals and aged care. Santosh loves aged care as specialty and has worked in various senior management positions.

In her most recent role with the government regulator of aged care, she worked on investigating the clinical complaints. She is the Founder/CEO of SmartHeal, and joined the Board in 2025. 







John Molnar

John Molnar OAM has practiced law for over 30 years, and during that time, became heavily involved in the field of law relating to health service providers and hospitals. He has served on the boards of a number of public and private hospitals, including Northern Health and the Nurses Board of Victoria.

Mr Molnar was instrumental in the establishment of the Northern Health Foundation, and remains a passionate advocate of the Northern Health network, as well as the dedicated medical professionals who work within. Mr Molnar is able to recognise the need for additional funding so Northern Health can meet its commitment to the rapidly growing northern community, and establish itself as a major teaching and research centre.

Associate Professor Cate Kelly

Associate Professor Cate Kelly is an experienced medical and healthcare executive with a background in leadership roles across the Victorian health sector, most recently as Chief Medical Officer at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Cate currently works as a healthcare consultant in Australia and internationally, advising on health system strengthening, clinical governance and clinical leadership. She is also Deputy Academic Lead, Transforming Health Domain at the University of Melbourne.

Cate is a Board Director at Berry Street Yooralla, where she is also Chair of the Quality and Safeguarding Committee. She was appointed to the Northern Health Board in July 2025 and joined the Northern Health Foundation Board in November 2025.

Our Team

Pina Di Donato

Executive Director Public Affairs and Foundation

Pina is an experienced executive leader with a strong background in business, public affairs, marketing, strategic communications, and fundraising.

As Executive Director at Northern Health, she leads initiatives that strengthen community engagement, elevate brand presence, and drive philanthropic growth to support patient care.
 
Born and raised in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, Pina has worked locally for over 30 years and maintains a deep connection to the local community.

Pina holds a Bachelor of Economics and Commerce from the University of Melbourne, an MBA from Melbourne Business School, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). She is also a published author and active not-for-profit board member, known for her passion for storytelling, philanthropy, and purpose-driven leadership.

 

Tatjana Dimoska

Operations Manager

Tatjana joined the Northern Health Foundation team in 2023 and has been a valued member ever since. With more than 16 years of experience at NAB and over eight years at Northern Health, she brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and dedication to her role, supporting the Foundation across administration, finance and day-to-day operations.

Known for her warm, approachable nature, attention to detail and willingness to lend a helping hand, Tatjana plays an important role in keeping the Foundation running smoothly. Her strong background in financial and administrative management, combined with her organisational skills and proactive approach to problem-solving, helps support the successful delivery of the Foundation's fundraising activities and initiatives.

Tatjana holds a Bachelor's degree in Business, majoring in Human Resources and International Business. Her experience, resourcefulness and genuine commitment to supporting those around her make her an integral part of the team.

For Tatjana, being part of the Foundation is about more than the work behind the scenes. She takes great pride in contributing to a shared purpose, knowing that her efforts help support better care and make a meaningful difference for patients, families and the wider Northern Health community.

 

Ralf Sternad

Senior Philantropy Manager

Ralf joined the Northern Health Foundation team in 2026, bringing more than 14 years of fundraising experience across the health, education, environmental, heritage and arts sectors in Australia and the United Kingdom.

With a genuine passion for connecting people with causes that matter, Ralf has dedicated much of his career to building meaningful relationships with donors and inspiring generosity. His experience spans donor engagement, regular giving, Gifts in Wills, donor stewardship and fundraising strategy, with a strong focus on helping people make a lasting difference through their support.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Ralf was Senior Manager Fundraising and Donor Engagement at St Vincent’s Hospital Foundation Victoria, where he led fundraising campaigns and initiatives focused on strengthening donor relationships. He has also held fundraising roles with Mercy Health Foundation, Ormond College at the University of Melbourne, BirdLife Australia, the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and the Handel & Hendrix Museum in London.

At Northern Health Foundation, Ralf brings together his extensive fundraising experience and people-focused approach to nurture existing relationships, build new connections and create opportunities for the community to give back.

For Ralf, fundraising is about more than securing donations. It’s about bringing people together through a shared sense of purpose and helping turn their generosity into meaningful outcomes for patients, families and the wider Northern Health community.

 

Grant Flack

Senior Manager – Events and Community Partnerships

Grant joined the Northern Health Foundation team in 2026, bringing with him more than 30 years of experience across hospitality, events, community sport and stakeholder engagement.

With a genuine passion for bringing people together, Grant has dedicated much of his career to building meaningful connections and lasting relationships. Prior to joining the Foundation, he held senior leadership roles with organisations including RACV City Club and Balgownie Estate, where he led major events and worked closely with businesses, suppliers and community partners.

Grant's commitment to community extends well beyond his professional career. He has held several leadership roles in community sport, most recently serving as President of the Diamond Valley Cricket Association, where he worked alongside 33 clubs, volunteers, sponsors, local government and sporting organisations across Melbourne's north.

At Northern Health Foundation, Grant brings together his extensive experience and passion for community engagement to strengthen relationships with donors, businesses, community organisations and sporting groups. He is particularly passionate about creating opportunities for people to come together, give back and make a meaningful difference.

For Grant, it's about more than bringing people together. It's about building a stronger, more connected community and helping turn generosity into lasting positive outcomes for Northern Health patients and families.

Dr Lahiru Gangoda

Grants and Impact Manager

Lahiru joined the Northern Health Foundation team in 2026, bringing more than 15 years of experience across health and medical research, research funding and strategic development.

With a passion for making a meaningful difference through research and innovation, Lahiru is dedicated to securing funding that supports better healthcare, education, equipment and research outcomes across Northern Health. She enjoys connecting great ideas with the right opportunities and helping turn them into initiatives that make a real difference.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Lahiru was Head of Research Grants and Development at the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA), where she supported major government, philanthropic, international and commercial funding programs. Throughout her career, she has developed a strong ability to bring complex clinical and scientific ideas to life, helping funders understand the value and real-world impact of the projects they support.

Lahiru holds a PhD in Biochemistry and is currently completing an MBA at the University of Melbourne. Combining her scientific background with strategic thinking and a collaborative approach, she plays an important role in building meaningful relationships with funding partners and creating new opportunities for the Foundation.

For Lahiru, the most rewarding part of her work is knowing that behind every successful grant is an opportunity to improve lives. She takes great pride in helping secure support that empowers Northern Health staff, advances research and innovation, and makes a lasting difference for patients, families and the wider community.

Our Patrons and Auxiliary

Bev Carman 
Patron

Bev Carman has been a patron of Northern Health and Northern Health Foundation for over 15 years.

Bev Carman is a long-standing Northern Health Foundation patron who wants to ensure all members of the northern community has access to cancer treatments locally.
When Bev’s daughter was diagonsed with cancer, at the time, Cancer Services was not yet established at Northern Hospital Epping.
Bev rallied her local networks, community members, local councillors and politicians along with the Northern Health medical workforce to lobby state and federal governments to rise to the cause.
Through her tireless efforts and incredible tenacity, Bev was responsible for securing the funding from Government to establish cancer services at Northern Hospital Epping.
Bev’s support and fundraising continues to leave an enduring legacy at Northern Health and within her community, and is still heavily involved in fundraising for Cancer Services. She also sits on our Community Event’s Committee as a valued member.

Her Northern Health Foundation Race Day and Oak’s Day events are popular on our annual events calendar.

She is a passionate advocate for Northern Health and the northern community.

Margie Hill
Patron

Margie Hill has been a Northern Health volunteer and staff member since 2020. 

Her volunteering roles at Northern Health include fundraising, administrative and concierge activities.

Most recently, Margie became a Northern Health Foundation Patron and she is extremely proud to be an advocate, supporter and Patron of the Foundation. 

When Bev’s daughter was diagonsed with cancer, at the time, Cancer Services was not yet established at Northern Hospital Epping.
Bev rallied her local networks, community members, local councillors and politicians along with the Northern Health medical workforce to lobby state and federal governments to rise to the cause.
Through her tireless efforts and incredible tenacity, Bev was responsible for securing the funding from Government to establish cancer services at Northern Hospital Epping.
Bev’s support and fundraising continues to leave an enduring legacy at Northern Health and within her community, and is still heavily involved in fundraising for Cancer Services. She also sits on our Community Event’s Committee as a valued member.

Her Northern Health Foundation Race Day and Oak’s Day events are popular on our annual events calendar.

She is a passionate advocate for Northern Health and the northern community.

Trudi Hay
Patron

Trudi Hay is the Deputy Chair on the Northern Health Foundation Board and Chair of our Community Events Committee.

Trudi has a background in Marketing, Advertising and Events and has been mentioned in State and Federal Parliament for her work in Philanthropy in the Hume area.
She has been a long time supporter of the Northern Hospital Epping, specifically fundraising for Day Oncology for over 10 years including helping to upgrade treatment chairs, privacy screens and scalp cooling machines for Northern Hospital Epping and Craigieburn Centre.
Josie Minniti OAM
Patron

Josie Minniti OAM has been fundraising for over 24 years supporting a number of Hospitals and Cancer Charities during that time.

Josie works within her local community to fundraise as cancer has affected many of her family and community members.
She organises a range of activities to bring the community together with the hope of raising funds to buy medical equipment to be used to improve the comfort of those suffering from cancer.
During this time Josie has raised over $700,000 through her events, raffles and auctions to support both Northern Hospital Epping and Austin Hospital Cancer Units.
Busy Fingers
Auxiliary 

Busy Fingers was founded in 1973 and since that time have been enthusiastic fundraisers and volunteers within the Northern Community.

Their first project was to raise funds to establish independent Aged Care services in the North, fast forward to 2019, they fundraise for the Northern Health Bundoora Centre who provide a range of aged care services and outreach programs to the local community.
The outreach program’s main aim is to provide care and support in the home enabling the elderly to remain in their own homes as long as possible. The Busy Fingers Shop was opened 25 years ago in the Foyer of Bundoora Centre and stocks a wide range of items including hand-made items and donated goods from members and the local community.
The Busy Fingers Shop has raised well over a million dollars since that time and is busier than ever. This dedicated group, led by their current President, Kerry Wall, has raised over $3,000,000 for aged care services and support since 1973 which is an amazing effort and an indication of their dedication to Bundoora and the aged care services that Northern Health provide to the local community.
We are grateful for the support of the Auxiliary in funding medical equipment for our aged care service. Each and every day they have a positive impact on patient care within the Centre and the Bundoora Centre and for that we will be forever grateful.
Northern Knitting Community
The Knitting Guild is a dedicated group of ladies who have been supporting Northern Health and the Foundation for over thirty years.
Bina Connelly, pictured,  is a former Northern Health employee who started at PANCH and that is where she began knitting in 1991 with one of the local volunteers.  When Bina moved to Northern Hospital Epping to work she continued to knit to support our patients to have a positive experience whilst in hospital.
Bina and the team of ladies from the Knitting Guild are using their talent to help the Northern Health Foundation. The items they make are sold at Northern Hospital Epping and in the Busy Fingers Shop at Bundoora Centre.  All the funds go to the Northern Health Foundation to help fund the purchase of medical equipment
Since the Knitting Guild was formed over thirty years ago they have raised more than $100,000 for medical equipment for Northern Health.
Salvation Army Whittlesea Craft Group
Auxiliary 
The Salvation Army Craft Group led by coordinator, Joan Matthews, are long term supporters of Northern Health and the Foundation.
The craft group come together to share in fellowship, connect with others and undertake craft projects to raise vital funds to support their local community, including special projects at Northern Hospital Epping.
The group has funded many projects at Northern Health over the years with their most recent projects including the purchase of Pepi-Pods, a safe sleep space for newborn babies, a children’s car to transport our youngest patients to theatre and  medical equipment for our Women’s and Children’s wards.