February 6, 2026Northern Health has proudly been named Employer of Choice – a recognition that reflects more than policies or programs. It speaks to our people, our culture, and the everyday moments that make Northern Health a place where staff feel valued, supported and connected to purpose.
Behind every award are real stories: people who chose Northern Health, stayed at Northern Health, grew at Northern Health, and continue to shape it.
That’s why we’re launching “Why Northern?”, a series of interview-based articles celebrating the voices of our people and what makes working here truly special.
From career journeys and personal connections to the small things that make a big difference, Why Northern? is about pride, belonging and the culture we’re building together.
Q&A with Pina Di Donato, Executive Director, Public Affairs and Foundation, five years at Northern Health
Q: Why did you choose to work at Northern Health?
A: I choose to work at Northern Health because it is my way of giving back to the community where I was born and raised. While I no longer live locally and now commute, anyone who undertakes a long daily journey knows you need to genuinely love what you do to sustain it. And I truly do. Working at Northern Health gives my work purpose and meaning every single day.
Q: What is your connection to Northern Health?
A: My connection to Northern Health and the local community is long‑standing and multi‑dimensional. I was raised in Lalor, educated locally at St Peter’s Primary School and St Monica’s College, and my family ran a business in the area, so I’ve worked in this community throughout my entire career. My children also spent their early years in Mill Park before we moved closer to the city.
Before joining Northern Health, I served on the Northern Health Foundation Board for ten years, most of that time as Deputy Chair. In 2021, following an unsuccessful search for a Foundation Director, the Board asked whether I would step into the role for six months. What happened next was serendipitous—and here I am, almost five years later.
Q: What does being named an Employer of Choice mean to you personally?
A: Being named an Employer of Choice is more than an award—it’s a responsibility. It’s about delivering on our promises, embracing opportunities to grow and evolve, and doing so collaboratively. Our values say it best: creating a workplace where people feel safe to be their authentic selves, where kindness guides our interactions, and where we work together, regardless of our role, to serve our community.
Q: How would you describe the culture at Northern Health in three words?
A: Welcoming. Down-to-Earth. Family.
Q: What’s one thing Northern Health does really well for its people?
A: Northern Health does an exceptional job of embracing diversity and striving to be inclusive and welcoming. This is reflected not only in our patient cohort but also in our workforce. While there is always more we can do, what matters most is that inclusion is a genuine priority here.
Q: Can you share a moment that made you feel proud to work at Northern Health?
A: There are so many moments that make me proud, particularly those tied to the achievements of my teams. My greatest reward is seeing them step up and grow. Two members of my team came to us through the ‘Explorers Program’, while they were working in other departments. I am grateful that I got an opportunity to meet them and learn more about them. Now they are both working in the Public Affairs team, doing what they love and doing an amazing job!
Some of my proudest moments are when we have the opportunity to showcase Northern Health to the broader community, through events, official visits, overseas delegations, and media engagement, highlighting the incredible work happening across the organisation.
Q: How has Northern Health supported your growth — professionally or personally?
A: My own journey at Northern Health is a strong example of the opportunities available here to learn, grow, and step into new challenges. I’ve been supported to evolve professionally while remaining connected to the purpose that brought me here in the first place.
Q: What keeps you coming back each day? (coffee order counts too 😊)
A: It really is simple—the people. I am privileged to work with a very supportive executive team. More widely, I’m incredibly proud of how everyone works together toward a common goal, regardless of title or role. There’s a strong “can‑do” attitude, and Northern Health truly punches above its weight. We may not always receive the recognition, but we embrace the challenge and celebrate our wins together.
And yes—the coffee helps too. A skinny latte is my go‑to for anyone offering.
Q: What would you say to someone thinking about working at Northern Health?
A: I would say this: Northern Health is a place where you can make a real impact—and where the Chief Executive will say hello to you in the corridor, and get to know your name.
Pictured in featured image (L-R): Tanya Dimovski, Foundation, Christina Xavier, Public Affairs, Danche Trajkovski, Public Affairs, Kim Berger, Foundation, Pina Di Donato, Jessica Reynolds, Public Affairs, Mike Masilamani, Public Affairs and Steve Carnell, Public Affairs.
