Australasian College of Health Service Management - One Day Rural Leadership Conference
Country SA PHN Newsletter April 2026
Country SA PHN staff were delighted to attend and hold key roles at the inaugural Regional Conference held by the Australasian College of Health Service Management SA Branch in the picturesque Clare Valley on Friday 27 March.
This sold-out event supported by Country SA PHN brought together health leaders from across South Australia to explore key challenges and opportunities facing regional and rural health services.
The day commenced with a Welcome to Ngadjuri Country by Mel and Parry Agius. This was followed by an inspirational presentation by keynote speaker Professor Stephen Bolsin OAM - setting the scene for effective leadership in healthcare.
Country SA PHN Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Delaney facilitated the first session on the theme of Values Driven Leadership. Country SA PHN Executive Manager Strategic Engagement Emma Young delivered an inspiring presentation entitled ‘Values at the Heart of Health Leadership.’ Emma highlighted the importance of leading with authenticity and aligning personal and organisational values to drive positive culture and performance.
There were a range of informative and thought-provoking presentations on Regional Health Leadership throughout the day including: (under the theme of Leading Growth Through Innovation) CEO of Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service Steve Sumner presented ‘Moorundi – Our Community Controlled Journey’. Sonder’s Deputy Chief Executive Sarah Fraser and Kiara Hillam Executive Manager, People and Culture conducted a dynamic presentation demonstrating ‘How Data Made Us Better: Systems Leadership and Care.’
Country SA PHN commissions a robust educational program to support the continuing professional development of our primary health providers. But this conference was an opportunity to support the professional development of our primary health service administrators and leaders. We were delighted to be joined by representative from General Practice, the Country SA PHN Clinical Council and other commissioned service providers.
We extend our thanks to the Australasian College of Health Service Management for hosting such a valuable event, providing an opportunity for professional growth, strengthening networks, and contributing to the future of regional healthcare.
Country SA PHN staff in attendance:
Suzanne Delaney – Chief Operating Officer (and facilitator on the day)
Emma Young – Executive Manager Strategic Engagement (and presenter on the day)
Chez Curnow – Executive Manager Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Strategy
Mel Bond – Senior Manager Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Strategy
Julie Di Rito – Manager Primary Care and Digital Support Mark Ascencio – Manager Information Systems
Wendy Pearse – Program Lead Aged Care Integration
(From L-R) Emma Young – Executive Manager Strategic Engagement (and presenter on the day), Chez Curnow – Executive Manager Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Strategy, Mel Bond – Senior Manager Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Strategy, Emma Keylock – Senior Manager Commissioning, Suzanne Delaney – Chief Operating Officer (and facilitator on the day), Sally Patten – Senior Manager Strategic Engagement, Julie Di Rito – Manager Primary Care and Digital Support, Wendy Pearse – Program Lead Aged Care Integration, Mark Ascencio – Manager Information Systems(From L-R) Katie Martin - Clare Medical Centre, Julie Di Rito - Manager Primary Care and Digital Support, Country SA PHN, Julie Lewcock - Clare Medical Centre, Kirstie Pym, Debbie Clare and Tracey Marshall - Mannum Medical, Kylie May, Rachel Watts - Kadina Medical & Associates(From L-R) Julie Di Rito - Manager Primary Care and Digital Support, Country SA PHN, Kirstie Pym, Tracey Marshall and Debbie Clark - Mannum Medical CentreSteven Sumner - Chief Executive, Moorundi Aboriginal Health Service, Julie Di Rito - Manager Primary Care & Digital Support, Country SA PHNMandy Smallacombe - Manager Primary Health Care, Amber Chennells-Webb, Business Manager GP Clinic Port Augusta from Royal Flying Doctor ServiceJulie Di Rito – Manager Primary Care and Digital Support, Chez Curnow – Executive Manager Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Strategy, Country SA PHNEmma Young – Executive Manager Strategic Engagement, Country SA PHN (and presenter on the day)Suzanne Delaney - Chief Operating Officer, Country SA PHN (and facilitator on the day)Professor Stephen Bolsin OAM, Emma Young - Executive Manager Strategic Engagement, Country SA PHN
