As Northern Health steps confidently into a new year, our Executive team has taken a moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead. We asked them two simple but powerful questions: “What accomplishment from 2025 makes you most proud?” and “What’s one change or improvement you’re committed to driving in 2026?”

Their answers paint a picture of a health service that is growing, innovating, and deeply committed to its people and community. Most importantly, they highlight the extraordinary work of our staff — the heart of Northern Health.

Digital Health celebrated teamwork at its best. Executive Director Digital Health, Anthony Gust, said: “Most proud of was the team work showed by the Digital Division. This is summarised by the EMR role out in HITH. The training team provided thoughtful gestures, such as providing lolly bags, to support staff morale… I am also very proud of all the team from closing out 50 Digital projects such as Kilmore EMR to Active Directory separation from Melbourne Health.”

For the Foundation, 2025 was a record-breaking year. Executive Director, Foundation and Public Affairs, Pina Di Donato, shared: “If I had to highlight just one achievement, it would be the distribution of $1.6 million to Northern Health… the highest distribution in our history.”

Our nurses and midwives continued to shine. Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Lisa Cox, said: “The nurses and midwives at Northern Health continued to provide outstanding care and innovative models of care… working together to support each other.”

In Mental Health, compassion and commitment stood out. Executive Director, Mental Health, Belinda Scott, reflected: “My greatest source of pride comes from the Mental Health staff… committed to the implementation of new models of care, so that our consumers receive the right specialist mental health care in the right place at the right time.”

Finance celebrated excellence — with a touch of humour. Chief Financial Officer, Basil Ireland, said: “Source of pride and frustration – we are the most financially efficient service in the State – there should be a prize for it!”

Medical leadership reached new heights. Chief Medical Officer, Professor Prahlad Ho, shared: “To me it is the establishment of Robotic Surgery at Northern Health that will revolutionise surgical and cancer care for patients in the North.”

For many executives, choosing just one highlight proved almost impossible.

Chief Legal Officer, Carolyn Baker, reflected on a defining achievement: “There are so many great accomplishments from 2025. A highlight would have to be the opening of Mernda Hospital – so much hard work went in behind the scenes to deliver this.”

Across Allied Health, the scale of impact was immense. A/Prof Jason Cirone, Chief Allied Health Officer, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the 75,000 interpreting sessions delivered this year, the growth in Allied Health education, our new research grants, the opening of Craigieburn and Mernda Community Hospitals, and our two memorial services. In Aboriginal health, we launched a new Aboriginal Employment Plan, delivered over 1,200 face‑to‑face training sessions, and welcomed new staff to the Narrun Wilip‑giin team.”

For some, 2025 was also a reminder of balance and humanity. Chief Operating Officer, Linda Romano, said: “Balancing my role as Chief Operating Officer and navigating the complexity of health service delivery while supporting my son through his successful transition to high school reminds me that we can excel in both our professional and personal lives when we stay focused on what truly matters.”

And for our Chief Executive, 2025 brought both professional and personal joy. Adjunct Professor Debra Bourne reflected: “Professionally it would be the opening of our two community hospitals in Craigieburn and Mernda… Personally, it would have to be the arrival of my grandson!”

With pride in the past comes determination for the future.

Anthony Gust is committed to deeper collaboration: “To spend more time engaging with the business to identify the most significant challenges, so we can better support frontline staff and improve patient outcomes.”

Pina Di Donato will sharpen our storytelling: “My priority will be to structure our communications so they are more strategic, impactful, and meaningful.”

Lisa Cox is focused on strengthening care for women and families: “Continuing to build the midwifery workforce to support the women and community of Northern Health.”

Belinda Scott is driving consistency and safety: “Regardless of which site or service a consumer attends, they will have access to integrated specialist mental health care at the time they require it.”

Basil Ireland is targeting smarter systems: “More efficient back office processes… opportunities to streamline processes.”

Carolyn Baker is focused on strengthening our digital foundations: “I’m excited by our work in the digital space… ensuring we get the right data governance in place while continuing to foster innovation.”

A/Prof Jason Cirone is looking forward to embedding new services and partnerships: “We will focus on settling into the new Ambulatory Care Centre, and strengthening our partnerships with local Aboriginal health services.”

Professor Prahlad Ho is expanding research and education: “To working closely with our university partners to expand education and research opportunities in 2026.”

Linda Romano is championing our people: “I’m committed to empowering our teams with the right skills, resources, and partnerships…”

And Adjunct Professor Debra Bourne is preparing for one of Northern Health’s biggest milestones yet: “Work on the new Ambulatory Care Centre… paving the way for Stage 2, that will deliver a new emergency department.”

Taken together, these reflections tell a powerful story: Northern Health is moving forward with heart, ambition, and unity. Safe. Kind. Together.