CHIEF EXECUTIVE
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
Far West Local Health District
The Far West Local Health District acknowledges the traditional owners of the lands within its boundaries including the Barkandji, the Muthi Muthi, the Wilyakali, the Ngiyampaa, the Wadigali, the Malyangaba and the Wangkumara.
We acknowledge and pay respects to the Elders past and present and their ancient wisdoms. We also acknowledge the Aboriginal community members who are part of our communities today.
Executive Summary
- Contemporary, visionary and inspirational leader
- Committed to shaping world class care and excellence in service delivery
- Collaborative and experienced in stakeholder engagement and partnerships
- Energised about making a difference in NSW’s most remote Local Health District
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Far West LHD is geographically the second largest of the 15 Local Health Districts (LHD) across NSW. Providing health care for 30,000 people living across 194,949 km2, including those in the Silver City of Broken Hill. Far West LHD has the most dispersed population of any in NSW, and the highest proportion of Aboriginal residents (12%).
With a strong focus on evidence-based, quality, integrated healthcare the LHD enjoys collaborative relationships with other key agencies in the district, the broader NSW Health network and our cross border partners, particularly Victoria and South Australia.
Strategically the LHD is well placed to grow and develop to better meet the needs of its community, and this includes confirmed investment for a new Hospital at Wentworth, a new emergency department, a new mental health unit, and dialysis services.
THE ROLE
The Board are now seeking a Chief Executive (CE) who will play a crucial role in providing strategic leadership, direction, and management for the Far West Local Health District (LHD). Together with the Board, the CE ensures sound governance, enabling the LHD to meet its statutory operating and reporting requirements while delivering agreed-upon services within budget and achieving specified performance standards and strategic objectives
The broader range of skills, capabilities and attributes to be considered as an applicant for this significant leadership role are detailed in the Role Description but can be summarised as:
- Strong record of achievement in management at executive level in a significant and geographically dispersed organisation delivering health, human or other complex services.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the health sector, in particular administration of the public health system.
- Understanding of the challenges of providing healthcare services in regional, rural and remote locations.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
Rhodie Miller | Paul Ingle HardyGroup Chief Executive Officer |
M. +61 (0)422 816 557 | M. +61 (0)402796125 |
The Far West Local Health District covers 194,949 square kilometres and is geographically the second largest Local Health District in NSW.
Bordering South Australia, Victoria and Queensland, Far West LHD is located in one of the most sparsely populated regions of NSW, characterised by breathtaking panoramas, historic towns, and a rich Indigenous culture.
With 30,000 residents, Far West LHD has the most dispersed population of any in NSW and the highest proportion of Aboriginal residents (12%). Providing equitable access to quality emergency, acute, community and population health service across our communities requires ingenuity and a commitment to putting the patient at the centre of our services. Our workforce is at the heart of the services we provide. We are committed to attracting and developing staff across our District.
FWLHD encompasses the four local government areas (LGAs) of Broken Hill, Central Darling, Wentworth and Balranald and incorporates the traditional lands of seven Aboriginal nations of the Barkandji, Muthi Muthi, Wilyakali, Ngiyampaa, Wadigali, Malyangaba and Wangkumara peoples.
Broken Hill Health Service redevelopment plan
Map of public hospital locations within FWLHD
Vision, Values, & Priorities
Chief Executive Unit
The Chief Executive works closely with the Board and the Executive Leadership Team to ensure our Local Health District delivers consistently high patient care, supported by enhanced local input from clinicians and the community. Local decision-making is at the forefront of how the Far West LHD functions, led by a professional Board and LHD Executive Team.
Our core values of Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment ensure that we are living well together and working collaboratively to improve the health and wellbeing of rural people whilst making meaningful gains in Aboriginal health and delivering world class rural health care.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
At Far West LHD, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and flexible environment which reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote the employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with a disability, the LGBTIQ+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and would like assistance with your application or to obtain more information on how to apply, please visit The Stepping Up Initiative.
Role Specification
The Chief Executive (CE) provides pivotal strategic leadership, direction and management of the Far West Local Health District (LHD) and, with the Board, is responsible for sound governance to ensure the LHD fulfils its statutory operating and reporting requirements and meets its obligations to deliver agreed services within budget and which meet specified performance standards and strategic objectives.
- Provide effective leadership and management of the LHD to ensure the effective performance of its statutory functions, systems are in place to comply with WHS and other statutory obligations, and that the LHD has the capacity, structure and practices to enable it to:
- provide safe, quality healthcare
- operate within its allocated budget
- meet Ministry of Health creditor and other financial KPIs
- provide timely and accurate reporting to the Ministry on current financial status and workforce data
- provide timely, accurate annual reporting and preparation of financial statements and high quality electronic financial data for submission to the Audit Office
- Oversee the implementation of effective clinical and corporate governance frameworks, ensuring the Board receives sufficient timely and accurate information to enable it to discharge its role in the governance of the LHD, and that clinical governance systems are in place to ensure that the services of the LHD’s facilities meet the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards and continually improve patient outcomes
- Lead the negotiation of the LHD Service Agreement with the NSW Government, implement the agreement and other NSW Government priority policies and programs, report on performance against the agreed performance monitoring measures in the Service Agreement, and ensure that the Board is fully consulted and briefed
- Lead the establishment and maintenance of effective systems endorsed by the Board to ensure that the LHD’s resources are applied equitably to meet the needs of the community, and that community and clinicians’ views are considered in decision making within the LHD
- Direct the development of a strategic/clinical services plan for the LHD and an operational plan to guide the delivery of services on an equitable and balanced basis
- Effectively lead and manage the LHD to achieve a range of workforce, financial, quality and accountability aims and standards; and lead the development of workforce, financial and business plans, strategies and budgets to ensure accountability and efficient provision of health services and the long term operational and financial viability of the LHD
- Lead the development and strengthening of clinical linkages within the LHD, and between LHDs, to ensure resources are used on an effective and equitable basis for the benefit of the people of NSW; and develop structures to ensure greater involvement by local communities and clinicians in planning health service delivery needs
- Effectively contribute to the delivery of health services across the State by working with other LHDs and the Ministry of Health in planning streamlined administrative structures across the State to deliver additional resources for direct patient care; to support and contribute to broader regional and State-wide clinical service networks; and develop and maintain linkages with health organisations and administrative entities of the NSW public health system
The NSW public sector capability framework applies to all NSW public sector employees. The capability framework describes the capabilities (knowledge, skills and abilities) needed to perform a role. The full list of behavioural indicators against the capabilities below are in the Role Description.
1. Display Resilience and Courage: Be open and honest, prepared to express your views, and willing to accept and commit to change
2. Act with Integrity: Be ethical and professional, and uphold and promote the public sector values
3. Communicate Effectively: Communicate clearly, actively listen to others, and respond with understanding and respect
4. Work Collaboratively: Collaborate with others and value their contribution
5. Deliver Results: Achieve results through the efficient use of resources and a commitment to quality outcomes
6. Think and Solve Problems: Think, analyse and consider the broader context to develop practical solutions
7. Demonstrate Accountability: Be proactive and responsible for own actions, and adhere to legislation, policy and guidelines
8. Finance: Understand and apply financial processes to achieve value for money and minimise financial risk
9. Manage and Develop People: Engage and motivate staff, and develop capability and potential in others
10. Inspire Direction and Purpose: Communicate goals, priorities and vision, and recognise achievements
The incumbent requires:
- Strong record of achievement in management at executive level in a significant and geographically dispersed organisation delivering health, human or other complex services.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the health sector, in particular administration of the public health system.
- Understanding of the challenges of providing healthcare services in regional, rural and remote locations.
- Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline or equivalent relevant experience.
To be eligible for employment in this role you must be an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work in Australia.
Major challenges currently associated with the role include:
- Leading in a highly demanding and complex environment with front-line exposure to a multiplicity of stakeholders and vested interests, including operating under the scrutiny of public and media groups, politicians, representatives of health workers and other lobby groups.
- Ensuring the health service plan for the local population is implemented appropriately, so that residents can access appropriate treatment when needed and as close as possible to where they live, in the face of significant national and international workforce supply issues within the health sector.
- Operating in rural and remote regions where the delivery of appropriate healthcare is dependent on a network of healthcare agencies operating across NSW, Victoria and South Australia.
- Operating within budget, while at the same time meeting the growth in demand for health services and being responsive to the changing needs and priorities of the community.
Direct reports = 15
Indirect reports = 790 (approx. FTE count)
Decision making
The Chief Executive has substantial day-to-day autonomy in directing and managing the LHD’s activities and deploying its resources within the overall budget allocation. This includes the resolution of local industrial problems and the creation of jobs below senior executive level (including setting their grading), and appointment of senior staff.
The overall budget for the LHD is determined by the Minister for Health on advice from the Ministry of Health. Expenditure authorisation is unlimited within the approved budget and subject to fiscal, accounting, governance and other conditions established by Government and any conditions determined under the governance arrangements with the Board. The approval and budget for major capital projects is also determined by the Government.
Significant proposed changes to health services within an LHD must be notified to the Secretary, NSW Health.
Conditions of employment of health service personnel are determined by relevant industrial instruments or by Ministry of Health policies and determinations.
Reporting line
The Chief Executive is accountable to the Board for giving effect to the annual LHD Service Agreement, effective planning for the LHD, maintaining effective clinical governance processes and systems within the LHD, meeting the LHD’s public reporting requirements, providing effective consultative mechanisms in relation to LHD activities and decisions, disseminating information and responding to inquiries about LHD activities and issues of public interest or importance.
The Chief Executive is accountable to the Minister and Secretary, for the CE’s role, with the Board, in the governance of the LHD and for ensuring an effective contribution by the LHD to the NSW public health system.
As a member of the NSW Health Executive Service in the service of the Crown, the Chief Executive is accountable to the Secretary for the proper exercise of functions delegated by the Secretary including the effective management of employees of the NSW Health Service and the provision of safe, fair and mutually respectful workplaces within the LHD.
An attractive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful applicant, ranging from $320,991 - $357,145 per annum, inclusive of super.
Annual Budget: $167 million (2024-25 budget)
Service Location: Broken Hill, NSW
Classification: Band 2, Health Service Senior Executive (HSSE)
Additional information
- 1.This recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar future roles (ongoing or temporary) that may arise over the next 18 months.
- 2.Please note the selection process will include a range of comparative assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role.
The closing date for applications is Friday, 1 November 2024
The reference number to include in your application is H24_4950
Note: Please use the online platform to submit your application. It will not be accepted via email.
If you require assistance in submitting your application online, please get in touch with Executive Search Coordinator, Bradie Hammat: M: +61 (0)417 882 900 / E: [email protected]
Your application must include:
- 1.Cover letter addressed to the Principal Consultant;
- 2.A written response addressing the Essential Requirements; and
- 3.An up to date copy of your Curriculum Vitae.
It Is standard practice for HardyGroup to acknowledge receipt of your application no later than the next business day. We request that if you do not receive the acknowledgement, you contact the search coordinator listed above as soon as possible after the 24-hour business period and arrange to resend your application if necessary.
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Rhodie Miller
HardyGroup Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)422 816 557
E. [email protected]
Paul Ingle
HardyGroup Chief Executive Officer
M. +61 (0)402 796 125
E. [email protected]
LIVING AND WORKING IN FAR WEST NSW
The Broken Hill and Far West NSW region is an enchanting part of Australia, offering a lifestyle that beautifully combines community spirit, natural wonders, and rich culture. For anyone considering making this area their home, the advantages are abundant.
One of the most rewarding aspects of living here is the deep sense of community. Small towns like Broken Hill, Wilcannia, and Balranald foster close-knit neighbourhoods where people genuinely know and look out for each other. Life moves at a slower, more relaxed pace, giving you time to connect with your surroundings and appreciate the everyday moments.
Housing in this area is remarkably affordable compared to the big cities, making it an attractive option for those looking to buy property or escape the high costs of urban life. Picture owning a home or land amidst the stunning outback landscape—without the heavy price tag.
Nature is a constant presence here, with the rugged beauty of the outback right at your doorstep. Vast open spaces, the red earth beneath your feet, and breathtaking desert sunsets are part of the daily experience. The peace and quiet found in places like Tibooburra or White Cliffs, where you can immerse yourself in the solitude of the outback, is something few people get to enjoy.
Lake Cawndilla, Menindee
Historic towns such as Broken Hill and Wilcannia are rich in Australia’s heritage. Old mines, river ports, and heritage-listed buildings tell the stories of days gone by. In White Cliffs, you can experience the fascinating world of opal mining, fossick for gems, and explore the unique underground homes that give this quirky town its charm.
Another highlight of the area is the junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers at Wentworth, where you’ll find stunning views and a range of water-based activities. Whether you enjoy boating or simply relaxing by the riverside for a peaceful picnic, this spot is a must-see.
Sunset before a downpour in White Cliffs
If you’re passionate about art and culture, Broken Hill is a true gem. As Australia’s first heritage-listed city, it’s brimming with vibrant galleries, distinctive sculptures, and a thriving artist community. The local Indigenous heritage adds even more depth, with towns like Wilcannia offering a strong connection to ancient traditions.
Both locals and visitors are drawn to the region for its unique blend of natural and cultural attractions. The Menindee Lakes, with their serene water landscapes, provide a refreshing contrast to the surrounding arid outback and offer the perfect spots for fishing, birdwatching, and camping. For those with an adventurous spirit, the wide desert plains and rugged hills around Tibooburra and Sturt National Park are ideal for bushwalking, 4WD trips, and stargazing beneath some of the clearest skies you’ll ever see.
Clock tower in Broken Hill
In short, the Broken Hill and Far West NSW region offers a striking contrast of outback landscapes, art, history, and nature. If you’re looking for a place that offers affordable living, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community, there’s no better place to call home.
ABOUT US
HardyGroup’s (HG) mission is simple
Find and Grow Great Leaders - and we have been doing exactly that for more than 30 years in public and private health, primary, community and aged care as well as the broader public service.
Our synergistic business model of Executive Search and Recruitment integrated with Executive Leadership and Learning is our unique point of difference.
It ensures our clients can count on us for the lifecycle of their organisations leadership journey and why we are regarded as the leading trans-Tasman partner agency by clients.
When engaging HG you can be confident in a deeply personalised experience and service as nothing matters more to us than relationships and results.