Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer
Contract Type:
Location: New South Wales
Industry: CEO & General Management
Contact Name: Rob Macmillan
Contact Email: rmacmillan@derwentsearch.com.au
Contact Phone: 0421 593 535
Date Published: 28-Apr-2026
Western NSW Primary Health Network
Chief Executive Officer
Based within the region — ideally Bathurst, Dubbo or Orange
Western NSW Primary Health Network is one of 31 Primary Health Networks across Australia, and the largest in NSW, covering over 433,000 square kilometres. Established as Western Health Alliance Limited (WHAL), it is a not-for-profit organisation primarily funded by the Australian Government and works across both the Western and Far West NSW Local Health Districts to strengthen and coordinate primary healthcare where it is needed most. Our region is home to more than 310,000 people, approximately 11.4% of whom identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. We support over 300 General Practitioners operating from 112 practices, and commission a wide range of services spanning mental health and suicide prevention, aged and palliative care, alcohol and other drugs, Aboriginal health and wellbeing, chronic disease management, and urgent and after-hours care.
WHAL is guided by a skills-based Board and an experienced executive leadership team with deep roots in the communities we serve. Our newly released 2026–2030 Strategic Plan sets an ambitious direction anchored in community-identified priorities, delivered through three core pillars: coordination, commissioning and capacity building. Aboriginal health is a defining priority, and we are committed to culturally safe models of care and strong partnerships across our region.
WHAL is now undertaking a formal recruitment process, following the current interim CEO arrangement, to appoint a CEO who will lead the organisation into its next phase. Reporting to the Board, leading a team of 65 through four direct reports and a $60m budget, the CEO will:
We are seeking a CEO from within the broad health or human services setting. You will bring a proven track record of executive leadership in a complex operating environment, with demonstrated capability in managing government funding frameworks, navigating Commonwealth and State health policy, and delivering measurable outcomes through collaboration and commissioning. A community lens is essential — an authentic appreciation for the realities of regional and rural life, and a commitment to becoming genuinely embedded in the communities served. Experience as a CEO is preferred, although strong step-up candidates will be considered.
This is a rare and meaningful leadership opportunity to make a measurable difference to the health, wellbeing and lives of communities across one of Australia’s most expansive and diverse regions. You will lead an organisation with a clear strategic direction, a passionate and capable team, and strong partnerships across the sector.
Please click on the "Additional Information" button, to download a copy of the Candidate Information Pack which includes details about the organisation and how to apply. For more information, please contact Rob Macmillan, Partner Health at Derwent Search at healthservices@derwentsearch.com.au or call 0421 593 535 referencing 34130.
Applications close: Thursday 14th May
Additional Information
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Chief Executive Officer
Based within the region — ideally Bathurst, Dubbo or Orange
Western NSW Primary Health Network is one of 31 Primary Health Networks across Australia, and the largest in NSW, covering over 433,000 square kilometres. Established as Western Health Alliance Limited (WHAL), it is a not-for-profit organisation primarily funded by the Australian Government and works across both the Western and Far West NSW Local Health Districts to strengthen and coordinate primary healthcare where it is needed most. Our region is home to more than 310,000 people, approximately 11.4% of whom identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. We support over 300 General Practitioners operating from 112 practices, and commission a wide range of services spanning mental health and suicide prevention, aged and palliative care, alcohol and other drugs, Aboriginal health and wellbeing, chronic disease management, and urgent and after-hours care.
WHAL is guided by a skills-based Board and an experienced executive leadership team with deep roots in the communities we serve. Our newly released 2026–2030 Strategic Plan sets an ambitious direction anchored in community-identified priorities, delivered through three core pillars: coordination, commissioning and capacity building. Aboriginal health is a defining priority, and we are committed to culturally safe models of care and strong partnerships across our region.
WHAL is now undertaking a formal recruitment process, following the current interim CEO arrangement, to appoint a CEO who will lead the organisation into its next phase. Reporting to the Board, leading a team of 65 through four direct reports and a $60m budget, the CEO will:
- Provide visionary strategic and operational leadership, embedding the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan across the activities, teams and culture of the organisation;
- Lead the executive leadership team in developing and embedding innovative and evidence-informed approaches to primary healthcare coordination, commissioning and capacity building and ultimately playing a decisive role in shaping the health of 310,000 people across the region;
- Engage and build collaborative relationships with General Practitioners, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), Local Health Districts, Rural Doctors Network NSW, all levels of government, and the communities we serve;
- Champion Aboriginal health as a priority, advancing culturally safe models of care in genuine partnership with Aboriginal communities, ACCHOs, and the WHAL Aboriginal Health Council;
- Lead the development and implementation of WHAL’s commissioning framework, overseeing the effective and accountable deployment of Commonwealth and State funding to deliver measurable health outcomes;
- Provide management of the organisation’s financial position, ensuring sound fiscal management, appropriate reserves, and a sustainable operating model that supports delivery of mission and services;
- Represent the organisation effectively at local, regional and national levels, shaping policy dialogue and advocating for the health needs of rural and remote communities;
- Ensure robust governance, risk and compliance frameworks are in place, including cultural safety, work health and safety, and clinical governance;
- Model and reinforce WHAL values, fostering a high-performance culture built on trust, accountability and respect, where staff feel valued and motivated.
We are seeking a CEO from within the broad health or human services setting. You will bring a proven track record of executive leadership in a complex operating environment, with demonstrated capability in managing government funding frameworks, navigating Commonwealth and State health policy, and delivering measurable outcomes through collaboration and commissioning. A community lens is essential — an authentic appreciation for the realities of regional and rural life, and a commitment to becoming genuinely embedded in the communities served. Experience as a CEO is preferred, although strong step-up candidates will be considered.
This is a rare and meaningful leadership opportunity to make a measurable difference to the health, wellbeing and lives of communities across one of Australia’s most expansive and diverse regions. You will lead an organisation with a clear strategic direction, a passionate and capable team, and strong partnerships across the sector.
Please click on the "Additional Information" button, to download a copy of the Candidate Information Pack which includes details about the organisation and how to apply. For more information, please contact Rob Macmillan, Partner Health at Derwent Search at healthservices@derwentsearch.com.au or call 0421 593 535 referencing 34130.
Applications close: Thursday 14th May
