EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BUNDABERG & RURALS
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
Wide Bay Hospital & Health Service
We acknowledge and pay respect to the Aboriginal Traditional Owners and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, people, consumers, and staff, past and present, on whose land we provide health services.
Executive Summary
- Lead integrated hospital and rural health services across Bundaberg and the North Burnett region.
- Shape future models of care and workforce innovation within a high-performing regional health service.
- Build a connected, values-driven culture delivering care, connection and compassion for all.
THE OPPORTUNITY
This is an outstanding opportunity to join one of Queensland’s most dynamic regional health services at a time of significant growth and transformation. Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS) provides high-quality care to more than 219,000 residents across Bundaberg, the North Burnett and Fraser Coast regions. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Executive Director – Bundaberg and Rurals will lead major hospital and rural operations, playing a pivotal role in advancing equitable access, embedding innovation and technology, and ensuring safe, compassionate care for every patient and community.
THE ROLE
The Executive Director – Bundaberg and Rurals provides strategic and operational leadership across Bundaberg Hospital and its rural facilities in Childers, Biggenden, Gayndah, Mundubbera, Eidsvold, Monto, Gin Gin and Mt Perry. Responsible for more than 1,500 staff and a $292 million budget, the role oversees acute, sub-acute, aged care, and community health services. It carries accountability for clinical governance, financial sustainability and workforce capability, and requires a leader who can translate strategy into results—strengthening performance, fostering collaboration across disciplines, and delivering excellence in patient experience and outcomes.
HOW TO APPLY
The closing date for applications is Thursday, 6 November 2025.
For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact:
Sarah Buckler
HardyGroup Principal Consultant
HardyGroup
M. +61 (0)429 486 740
Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service
The Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service.
Care, Connection, Compassion for all.
Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS) provides health services to a fast-growing regional area. To find out more about Queensland Health, visit www.health.qld.gov.au. The Health Service covers the coastal stretch from Agnes Waters in the north to Maryborough and Hervey Bay in the South and includes the accompanying rural hinterland. Included in WBHHS are Hervey Bay and Maryborough Hospitals and Bundaberg Hospital, the main referral centres, with health facilities at Gin Gin, Childers, Biggenden, Eidsvold, Mundubbera, Gayndah, Mt Perry and Monto. The WBHHS serves a population of approximately 219,000 residents.
Across the Health Service, a range of specialty services are provided including acute care, surgical, medical, maternity, mental health rehabilitation and aged care services. Hervey Bay and Bundaberg Hospitals provide care in some major adult specialties and provide support to the surrounding smaller rural hospitals in the Health Service.
The Health Service has a number of Multipurpose Health Services that provide access to integrated health and aged care services to smaller communities. WBHHS promotes the use of Telehealth, which enables patients to receive quality care closer to home via videoconferencing technology, reducing the need for travel and increasing access to specialised healthcare for people in regional and rural communities.
The Health Service provides a variety of primary and community health services including oral health, child health, school health, health promotion, environmental health, aged care and rehabilitation, aged care facilities, sexual health services and drug and alcohol services. WBHHS also provides a comprehensive and fully integrated mental health service to residents in both the community and acute care settings.
Our Vision is to operate with care, connection, and compassion for all, and our Purpose is to compassionately care and connect with the Wide Bay community and our staff to provide excellence in regional health services.
The Wide Bay is well known for its relaxed lifestyle, natural beauty and local attractions. Bundaberg is located at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef with access to coral islands and scuba diving. Possibly the most famous beach in Bundaberg is Mon Repos. Located 15kms east of Bundaberg, Mon Repos is known for having the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the eastern Australian mainland and is considered one of the two largest loggerhead turtle rookeries in the South Pacific Ocean. For a taste of the Australian bush, Cania Gorge, located in the hinterland west of Monto, is popular for bushwalks and abseiling. The Fraser Coast includes the world-heritage listed K’gari (formally known as Fraser Island), which has a unique and unspoilt landscape including rainforests with abundant freshwater lakes and crystal-clear creeks. From July to November, during their annual migration, Humpback whales take time out in the protected waters of Hervey Bay. The whales perform a variety of behaviours providing a spectacular display for visitors and locals.
The land within the WBHHS region encompasses the following Tradition Custodian Groups: Butchulla; Bylee; Gooreng Gooreng; Gurang; Kabi Kabi; Taribelang Bunda; Wakka Wakka and Wulli Wulli.
Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service respectfully acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians, both past and present, of the area we service. We also declare our commitment to reducing inequalities in health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in line with the Australian Government’s Closing the Gap initiative.
Artist impression of the New Bundaberg hospital
We're working on a project to build a bigger and better Bundaberg Hospital on a new site at Thabeban.
Our project is one of the largest in Queensland and includes:
- more beds and operating rooms
- new medical and surgical wards
- more health care services.
The new hospital will serve our growing and ageing community and further supports our vision, purpose and values.
Wide Bay Hospital & Health Service Values
We worked with our staff to create a shared value system we all believe in.
Each value is supported by core behaviours, guiding what we do, how we act, and how we treat our patients and each other.
Together our values mean ‘C.A.R.E Through patients' eyes.
Watch our organisational values and behaviours video to learn more.
Our Strategic Directions & Strategic Plan
Our Strategic Directions:
- Optimise and transform: enhance and transform health services to improve patient outcomes.
- Equity and access: service delivered are equitable and accessible to the community.
- Embed technology: Increase access to virtual care through embedded technology. Foster partnerships: partner with diverse stakeholders to better serve the community.
- Nurture and future-proof workforce: strengthen our workforce to ensure care, connection and compassion for all.
Our Strategic Plan is to make sure we provide ‘care, connection and compassion for all’. Our strategy explains our goals, main issues and our commitment to:
- providing quality health care to the Wide Bay area
- future-proofing our hospital and health services
- respecting human rights when we make decisions
- recognising First Nations peoples and the traditional custodians of the lands we work and live on when we provide health care.
Our strategy also supports the Queensland Government’s strategy for ‘good jobs, better services, and great lifestyle’. You can learn more about the strategy on the Queensland Government website.
Read our Strategic Plan for 2022–2026 [PDF 845.94 KB] to learn more.
Role Specification
The Executive Director – Bundaberg and Rurals provides strategic and operational leadership across Bundaberg Hospital and its rural facilities in Childers, Biggenden, Gayndah, Mundubbera, Eidsvold, Monto, Gin Gin and Mt Perry. Responsible for more than 1,500 staff and a $292 million budget, the role oversees acute, sub-acute, aged care, and community health services. It carries accountability for clinical governance, financial sustainability and workforce capability, and requires a leader who can translate strategy into results—strengthening performance, fostering collaboration across disciplines, and delivering excellence in patient experience and outcomes.
- Lead integrated hospital and rural health services across Bundaberg and the North Burnett region.
- Shape future models of care and workforce innovation within a high-performing regional health service.
- Build a connected, values-driven culture delivering care, connection and compassion for all.
This is an outstanding opportunity to join one of Queensland’s most dynamic regional health services at a time of significant growth and transformation. Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS) provides high-quality care to more than 219,000 residents across Bundaberg, the North Burnett and Fraser Coast regions. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Executive Director – Bundaberg and Rurals will lead major hospital and rural operations, playing a pivotal role in advancing equitable access, embedding innovation and technology, and ensuring safe, compassionate care for every patient and community.
The ED will be responsible for the following Key Results Areas:
- 1.Management and Leadership
- 2.Operational Planning
- 3.Finance
- 4.Activity
- 5.Human Resource
- 6.Clinical Governance
- 7.Corporate Governance
- 8.Occupational Health & Safety
View the full scope of these in the Position Description.
Other key responsibilities:
- Fulfil the responsibilities of this role in accordance with the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service values outlined above.
- To comply with the obligation to act and make decisions in a way that is compatible with human rights and, when making a decision, to give proper consideration to human rights as required by the Human Rights Act 2019.
Qualifications & Experience
- Highly Regarded:
- Appropriate and relevant tertiary and / or business qualifications are desirable and will be highly regarded.
- Desirable Experience:
- Appropriate management and leadership experience and advanced training in business or healthcare.
- Broad understanding of health care issues, including the role of academic medicine with researchers, practitioners and educators.
- Thorough knowledge of modern management principles, practices and methods.
- Considerable knowledge of a university hospital/ health and knowledge precinct.
Employment Conditions
It is a condition of employment that the incumbent must be able to fulfil the following mandatory requirements of the role:
- Blue Card: Potential applicants are advised that the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Act (2000) requires Queensland Health to seek a ‘working with children check’ from the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian prior to appointment to this position. Your appointment to the position is subject to the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian issuing you with a favourable suitability notice. Queensland Health will meet the cost of this check and future renewals.
- Aged Care: "Potential applicants are advised that Section 63-1A of the Aged Care Act 1997 requires Queensland Health to: (a) Seek a criminal conviction record report from the Australian Federal Police; and (b) Conduct a search of bankruptcy records; and (c) Conduct previous employment and referee checks". Your appointment to the position is subject to a favourable aged care service clearance. Queensland Health will meet the cost of this check.
- Queensland Disability Worker Screening: Potential applicants are advised that from the 1st February 2021, the National Disability Insurance Scheme Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) requires Queensland Health to seek a Queensland Disability Worker Screening check prior to appointment to this position. Your appointment to the position is subject to the NDIS Commission issuing you with a favourable suitability notice. Please visit the website for further information: https://workerscreening.communities.qld.gov.au/
- Locations: This position requires the incumbent to work at other facilities within the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service.
- Licence to Operate Vehicle: This position requires the incumbent to operate a class C motor vehicle and an appropriate licence endorsement to operate this vehicle is required. Proof of this endorsement must be provided prior to the commencement of duty.
- Hepatitis B Vaccination: Health Care Workers in Queensland Health whose occupation poses a potential risk of exposure to blood or body fluids must be immunised against Hepatitis B according to the National Health and Medical Research Council Australian Immunisation Handbook and the Queensland Health Infection Control Guidelines.
- Vaccination of Preventable Diseases: It is a condition of employment for this role for the employee to be, and remain, vaccinated against the following vaccine preventable diseases during their employment: measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox) and pertussis (whooping cough). Existing staff that are engaged prior to 1 July 2016 are not subject to this condition of employment unless they apply for a role with VPD requirements that is with a different Queensland Health entity (i.e. one HHS to another HHS, Department to a HHS, or HHS to Department)
- Tuberculosis (TB): It is a condition of employment for this role for the employee to be assessed for their risk of TB. Existing staff that are engaged prior to 14 December 2018 are not subject to this condition of employment unless they apply for a role that is with a different Queensland Health entity (i.e. one HHS to another HHS, Department to a HHS, or HHS to Department). To find out more about Queensland Health, visit www.health.qld.gov.au. Should existing staff be concerned about their TB status, they should consult their GP or contact the Metro South Clinical Tuberculosis Services on (07) 3176 4141 or (07) 3176 4166 for advice.
- Pre-Existing Injury or medical condition: Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS) takes seriously its legislative obligations to manage the risks associated with pre-existing injury or medical conditions of prospective employees. Further to WBHHS’s obligation under Section 18 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, whereby employers are required to provide and maintain, so far as practicable, a working environment that is safe and without risks, Section 571 of the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (WCR Act) enables prospective employers to give a prospective worker a written notice:
- Requesting that the prospective worker disclose any pre-existing illnesses or injuries of which they are aware, which could be reasonably aggravated by performing employment related duties; and
- Informing the prospective worker that a failure to disclose or a false or misleading disclosure means that the employee may not be entitled to compensation under the WCR Act for a work-related aggravation of the pre-existing illness or injury.
You will be assessed on your ability to demonstrate the following key attributes. Within the context of the responsibilities described above, the ideal applicant will be someone who can demonstrate the following:
- 1.Strategic and Performance-Driven Leadership
Demonstrated ability to translate organisational strategy and health service plans into effective operational outcomes, ensuring alignment with system-wide goals and performance priorities. - 2.Visionary and Transformational Leadership
Proven record of leading complex change, inspiring innovation, and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across health service teams and functions. - 3.Comprehensive Resource and Governance Management
Highly developed skills in managing financial, human, and physical resources within a governance framework to ensure effective, efficient, and sustainable service delivery. - 4.Strategic Analysis, Planning, and Problem-Solving
Demonstrated ability to analyse complex issues, balance competing health service demands, and apply sound judgement to inform strategic planning and decision-making. - 5.High-Level Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the capacity to build and maintain effective partnerships, influence outcomes, and lead engagement across internal and external stakeholders within a dynamic healthcare environment.
This role has been assessed with the following delegations:
1. Human Resource delegation – Level 5 as per the WBHHS Human Resource Delegations Manual
2. Financial Delegation – Level 7 as per the WBHHS Financial Delegations Manual
The total remuneration package range is from $202,404 - $220,983 p.a. pro rata, inclusive of:
- Up to 12.75% employer superannuation contribution
- Annual leave loading 17.5%
- Salary packaging
- Corporate discounts through our ANZ@work program.
Salary Packaging
To find out whether or not your work unit is eligible for the Public Hospital Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) Exemption Cap please refer to the Salary Packaging Information Booklet for Queensland Health employees available from the Queensland Health Salary Packaging Bureau Service Provider – RemServ at http://www.remserv.com.au. For further queries regarding salary packaging RemServ’s Customer Care Centre may be contacted via telephone on 1300 30 40 10.
Additional benefits:
- We support a healthy work life balance and offer flexible and family friendly work arrangements including:
- part time work
- flexible rosters and variable working hours
- rostered days off
- working from home.
- We’re committed to professional development - developing our employee’s skills and making sure our staff are engaged with interesting and rewarding work. We offer:
- career opportunities across different medical specialties
- ongoing mentoring
- training and research programs including medical specialty training programs
- leave and financial assistance for study.
- We're committed to our staff's health and wellbeing. We offer a range of programs including:
- discounted private health insurance at Bupa and Medibank
- access to a free onsite gym and pool at Bundaberg hospital
- free employee assistance program (EAP).
Service Location
Bundaberg Hospital and other facilities within the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service.
Pre-employment screening
Pre-employment screening, including criminal history and discipline history checks, may be undertaken on persons recommended for employment. The recommended applicant will be required to disclose any serious disciplinary action taken against them in public sector employment, as well as any other availability information that could preclude them from undertaking the role. Roles providing health, counselling and support services mainly to children will require a Blue Card. Please refer to the Information Package for Applicants for details of employment screening and other employment requirements.
Health professional roles involving delivery of health services to children and young people.
All relevant health professionals (including registered nurses and medical officers) who in the course of their duties formulate a reasonable suspicion that a child or young person has been abused or neglected in their home/community environment, have a legislative and a duty of care obligation to immediately report such concerns to the Department of Child Safety. All relevant health professionals are also responsible for the maintenance of their level of capability in the provision of health care and their reporting obligations in this regard.
Disclosure of Previous Employment as a Lobbyist
Applicants will be required to give a statement of their employment as a lobbyist within one (1) month of taking up the appointment. Details are available here.
Probation
Employees who are permanently appointed to Queensland Health may be required to undertake a period of probation appropriate to the appointment. For further information, refer to Probation HR Policy B2 HR Policy B2 - Probation (health.qld.gov.au).
No Smoking Policy
From 1 January 2015, it is against the law to smoke at all public and private health facilities, and for five metres beyond their boundaries. These laws include all staff and patient residential areas on healthcare facility land.
The closing date for applications is Thursday, 6th November 2025.
The reference number to include in your application is H25_5289
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, Sarah Prebble: M: +61 (0)430 219 787 / E: sprebble@hardygroupintl.com
Your application must include:
- 1.Cover letter addressed to the Principal Consultant;
- 2.A written response addressing the key selection criteria; a maximum of 2 pages outlining your alignment with the key capabilities, knowledge and experience in the context of you achieving the key accountabilities / responsibilities as contained in 5. Selection Criteria / Key Capabilities
- 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:
Ms Sarah Buckler PSM
HardyGroup Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)429 486 740
LIVING AND WORKING IN BUNDABERG, QUEENSLAND
The City of Bundaberg and the spectacular surrounding Coral Coast is located 360km north of Queensland’s capital city of Brisbane and enjoys a sub-tropical climate. With a population of 100,000 people in the region, Bundaberg is a bustling provincial capital with beautiful heritage buildings scattered amongst modern, eclectic, dynamic architecture, resting on the banks of the glorious Burnett River.
A short 10-minute drive brings you to the beautiful Coral Coast, the seaside enclave of Bargara and the first point of entry to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
The Bundaberg region enjoys an equable climate, a relaxed and inviting lifestyle, affordable cost of living, modern shopping facilities, an abundance of enviable tourism destinations, loads of fresh produce and diverse economic opportunities. Combine this with the friendliness of locals, excellent access to childcare and educational facilities, enviable recreational and sporting facilities, growing café culture and you have a superb place to visit, live and enjoy.
The Bundaberg region offers a refreshing change to the hustle and bustle of city life. It eliminates the commute and is all about truly regaining the work-life balance, giving you the opportunity to appreciate and enjoy life.
Why not make the move to Bundaberg today?
What’s It Like Living in Bundaberg, Queensland?
The best way to describe Bundaberg is that it’s a big city with a small-town vibe. Bundaberg living features the best of both worlds — access to all the amenities and infrastructure of a major city while still being connected with the local community.
It’s a family-friendly environment with lots to see and do, with stunning outdoor locations and beaches being the highlight of most weekend plans. There’s a sense of connectedness in the community here that most capital cities miss out on, with neighbours and shopkeepers who know your name as you go about your daily activities.
It’s the perfect location for those who are looking for a semi-rural lifestyle and want modern living conveniences alongside a local slice of paradise.
Local Schools and Higher Education
Bundaberg, Queensland, offers a diverse range of excellent schooling options that cater to the needs of its growing community. Families can choose from various public and private schools, each providing high-quality education with a strong emphasis on student well-being. Notable institutions, such as Bundaberg State High School and St. Mary's Catholic College, are renowned for their academic achievements and supportive learning environments. Additionally, the area features several early childhood education centres and vocational training options, ensuring a comprehensive educational pathway from preschool through to secondary education. With a commitment to fostering a love for learning, Bundaberg's schools also offer extracurricular activities, sports programs, and community engagement initiatives that enrich students' overall educational experiences.
The University of Southern Queensland (USQ)
The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) provides an extensive array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, such as education, health, and engineering, serving both local and regional students. Situated in Bundaberg, the campus offers flexible study options, including online learning, which enhances accessibility for a wider range of learners. Furthermore, Bundaberg's close proximity to larger cities like Brisbane, along with the presence of regional campuses, allows students to tap into more comprehensive university resources and programs. With a strong emphasis on practical learning and community involvement, higher education in Bundaberg creates a nurturing environment for students to cultivate their skills and prepare for rewarding careers.
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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.