HEALTH SERVICE MANAGER APPOINTED FOR NORFOLK ISLAND

I am pleased to announce that Liz Unkles has been appointed as the new manager of the Norfolk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Service (NIHRACS), following a merit-based process.

The NIHRACS Manager is appointed under the Norfolk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Act 1985 (NI). The power to appoint the NIHRACS manager sits with the relevant Australian Government minister, currently Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain MP.

The selection panel for the manager recruitment included senior departmental and Queensland public health officials and myself, as on-island representation.

Ms Unkles brings extensive experience in clinical and health administration roles on Norfolk Island and in Queensland.

As a Norfolk Islander and current NIHRACS staff member, Ms Unkles also brings passion for delivering health services fit for the local community, and an understanding of the particular factors influencing the delivery of health care on island.

The Government thanks current manager Ms Kath Boman for her hard work and many contributions, since she was originally appointed to the role of NIHRACS manager in 2017 on secondment from the NSW public health system.

Ms Boman will continue in the position of NIHRACS Manager until 28 June 2024. Ms Unkles will commence the role on 1 July 2024.

I congratulate Ms Unkles on her appointment to the position of NIHRACS Manager and know she will work closely with the Department and Queensland to ensure the ongoing delivery of safe and quality health and aged care services on Norfolk Island.

I would also like to recognise Ms Boman’s significant contributions. She has led NIHRACS through significant change and uncertainty, including responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition of a state partnership from New South Wales to Queensland.

George Plant, Administrator of Norfolk Island

20 May 2024