Executive Leadership
Darren Midgley - Chief Executive Officer
RN.BN, Dip. Mgt, Grad. Dip. Bus. Admin, MBA, GAICD
A Registered Nurse with clinical and business acumen, Darren is well-regarded within health and business circles. Darren commenced in the role of Chief Executive Officer of Sunraysia Community Health Services in October 2023 after a longstanding association with the organisation firstly as a Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Nurse in 1996 and later as a Board Director from 2017 until 2023. Prior to his appointment at SCHS, Darren served as CEO at Rural Care Australia for over 13 years, overseeing the growth of Chaffey Aged Care, and opening of Generations Early Learning, one of regional Australia’s first shared site intergenerational early learning services. Darren’s extensive background as a Registered Nurse informs his leadership approach, emphasising the importance of delivering innovative services that empower communities and address the social determinants of health. Darren is a graduate researcher with LaTrobe University’s John Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research and is currently undertaking a Professional Doctorate in Public Health. Darren's research will explore the development of an evidence informed co-designed Intergenerational Program within a shared-site rural residential aged care and early learning service. Darren currently sits on LaTrobe University’s Mildura Regional Advisory Board and is driven by his ambition to build a bright, diverse, and successful future for his community through growing social, intellectual, and resource capital and addressing population health inequities. Darren holds a Master of Business Administration, Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, Diploma in Management, Bachelor of Nursing, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Darren is highly regarded for his expertise in health, strategic planning, business development, marketing, leadership and governance.
Janet Hicks - Chief Operating Officer
Master of Enterprise (Executive), Professional Certificate in Health System Management, Critical Care Certificate, Bachelor of Applied Science (Nursing), RN
Janet joined the SCHS executive team in early 2023, bringing with her a wealth of senior leadership experience in healthcare operational management, performance improvement, and clinical governance. Janet’s extensive skills have informed her significant experience in pivotal roles within the health sector including the high profile roles of Acting CEO of Robinvale District Health Service and Chief Nursing & Midwifery Officer at Mildura Base Public Hospital. Throughout her career, Janet has demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing health outcomes for the local community. Janet’s broad understanding of the intricacies of healthcare systems informs her decision making and her dedication to implementing strategies that drive positive change. Janet is committed to fostering leadership capability within SCHS and recognises its vital role in achieving sustainable healthcare excellence. Janet's dynamic leadership style, and her extensive health care expertise are widely recognised within the health sector and she leads SCHS’ operations with a solid commitment to the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care.
Ben Chatfield - Chief Corporate Officer
Grad Dip Charted Accounting, B. Commerce, B. Economics, Member Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia
Ben commenced in the role of Chief Corporate Officer at Sunraysia Community Health Services in November 2023. With Over 20 years of senior financial leadership experience in an array of industries including Financial Services, Agriculture and Transport, Ben brings a unique blend of financial expertise and strategic vision to the executive team. Throughout his career, Ben has demonstrated exceptional leadership, guiding organisations through periods of growth and transformation. Ben is a celebrated change agent with a demonstrated ability to optimise financial performance, drive efficiency and profitability while mitigating risks. Ben is driven to deliver improvements in corporate services and performance with a focus on organisational sustainability.