It has been almost eight years since I was formally a part of the Your Community Health (then Darebin Community Health) team, but I have remained an active supporter of our work.
That’s why I’m delighted to be able to return to the organisation as the Interim Chief Executive Officer.
Whether it has been attending Annual General Meetings or community markets in the garden at the East Reservoir health centre, I am always so impressed by the passion and commitment of the staff, volunteers and community members who are truly dedicated to improving the well being of the local community – and having a lot of fun whilst they’re at it!
That’s something that has not changed over the years. And it makes us who we are.
I was first a Director of Northcote Community Health in 1979 and then Director and Chair of Darebin Community Health, for 10 years up until January 2012. I know the long and proud history of the organisation. I’ve also seen it adapt and evolve over the years – but always keeping the community at its heart.
That’s why I’m excited to be back.
My connection to the community extends beyond the organisation as well. I served as a local Councillor in Northcote for nine years until 1994, with two terms as Mayor. I have a strong connection to this region and look forward to working with all members of our community, to ensure that the passion, vision and values that have guided the organisation over the past 45 years remain central to our planning for the future.
As you will know, Your Community Health and EACH have announced their intent to pursue a merger – and I look forward to leading this process and ensuring it achieves our mutual goals.
I am fully committed to listening to the needs of our community members and working alongside you to ensure we are well positioned to continue to deliver quality services across Melbourne’s north. Whilst my title is Interim CEO, I am here for as long as it takes!
Both myself and the Leadership Team welcome your ongoing feedback and input – so there will be many forums and opportunities for you to have your say on the future of the organisation. But in the meantime you can always leave feedback via our website.
Philip’s biography
Phillip Bain was CEO of Plenty Valley Community Health in the City of Whittlesea for four years until its merger with Dianella Community Health. He continues to be involved with numerous Boards and activities in the health sector. He was recently appointed Chair of the Community Health Taskforce to review the community health sector in Victoria.
He previously served as a Board Director of the North West Melbourne Primary Health Network (2016-2018), and is a member of the Board of QIP Quality Assurance, Northern Health, and NORTH Link. He is Chair of the Hume Whittlesea Primary Care Partnership, and a member of the planning committee of the proposed Whittlesea Community Hospital. He is alsoa member of Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s Northern Metropolitan Partnership.
Phillip has a background in primary care management and governance. He was CEO of the Goulburn Valley Medicare Local from 2011 to July 2014. Prior to that he worked for 13 years as CEO with the Northern Division of General Practice in Preston (Vic).
He has served on numerous Boards in TAFE and within the health sector and was until recently a Commissioner of the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC). He was a member of the Board of Northcote Community Health and its successor, Darebin Community Health. He ended his most recent term as Chair of Darebin Community Health in January 2012, after 10 years.
Early in his career he worked five years until 1993 as a Ministerial Adviser to then Federal Health Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Brian Howe.
