DISTRICT DIRECTOR MENTAL HEALTH, ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
Northern NSW Local Health District
Northern NSW Local Health District acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters where we live and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend this respect to all Aboriginal people.
Executive Summary
- Shape the future direction of Mental Health, Alcohol & Other Drug care across Northern NSW
- Lead across a diverse network of contemporary services, both inpatient and community care
- Partner at system level to deliver genuinely integrated community-based care
THE OPPORTUNITY
Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is seeking an exceptional senior leader to take on the pivotal role of District Director, Mental Health, Alcohol & Other Drugs.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, this role leads a well-established, multi-site MHAOD service spanning inpatient services at Tweed Valley Hospital, Lismore Base Hospital and Byron Central Hospital, and community teams located in local towns and services across the geographical footprint. The role would have responsibility for strategic direction, operational delivery, and system-wide transformation in one of the most unique and rapidly growing regions of NSW.
You will have the mandate to shape and implement new models of care, strengthen partnerships with primary care and community organisations, and lead virtual care and home-based service innovation — improving access, experience and outcomes for a diverse range of communities across Northern NSW.
THE ROLE
- Strategic leadership of MHAOD services across the District, ensuring safe, high-quality and high-performing care
- Driving future models of care, including digitally enabled virtual and in-home mental health support and innovative alcohol and other drug interventions
- Working collaboratively across primary care, NGO partners, government and key regional stakeholders
- Maintaining and enhancing the existing positive work culture through targeted staff retention, recruitment and well-being initiatives
THE CANDIDATE
You are an experienced and courageous health system leader with deep operational, governance and service delivery expertise. You excel in navigating complexity, influencing at senior levels, creating psychologically safe teams and leading reform at scale. You bring a contemporary mindset for digital enablement and integrated care.
This role offers significant strategic impact, visibility, autonomy and the opportunity to lead meaningful change for communities that rely on a high performing MHAOD service system.
For further information or to request a confidential briefing pack, please get in touch with:
Rhodie Miller
HardyGroup Principal Consultant
m. +61 (0)422 816 557
e. rmiller@hardygroupintl.com
NNSWLHD provides a diverse range of public healthcare to over 300,000 residents across the district through 12 hospitals and multi-purpose services, 21 community health centres and other facilities.
NNSWLHD covers a large area in north-eastern NSW extending from Tweed Heads in the north to Tabulam and Urbenville in the west and to Nymboida and Grafton in the south, an area of 20,732 square kilometres.
In 2011 the estimated population within NNSWLHD was 288,241 and is projected to increase by an estimated 16.3% by 2031.The population of persons aged 65 years and older is expected to increase by approximately 71% in the same period.
People of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage make up 5.2 per cent of the population in Northern NSW compared to 3.4 per cent for all NSW*.
The District delivers a broad range of health services in state-of-the-art facilities, with access to general and specialist services. Staff are connected to best-practice medical care throughout Australia thanks to a growing network of training opportunities and relationships with local and metropolitan tertiary education providers.
NNSWLHD is undertaking major capital projects at several facilities, which will support staff and clinicians in providing excellent care to the District’s communities well into the future. Continued developments in Information Communication Technologies and Integrated Care have also resulted in improved patient outcomes and hospital services.
*Statistics sourced from the June 2021 Australian Census.
Our Purpose: Work together to deliver quality health outcomes across our communities
Our Values:
Collaboration is working willingly and actively together to achieve goals and improve levels of service to NSW Health. Collaboration means seeking the input of others, both from within the Northern NSW Local Health District and from external partners, while always considering the impact on our teams.
Openness is a state of mind, enabling colleagues to share ideas and communicate clearly. We strive to be approachable, actively listen and encourage others to contribute and speak up. We offer and receive constructive feedback. This ensures others feel their contribution is valued, even when there are disagreements.
Respect is a reminder to treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves. It is important to be mindful of each other’s capabilities, regardless of role or grade. We care about the different perspectives and backgrounds in our workplace and are thoughtful of our impact on others.
Empowerment enables a sense of purpose in our work. It is achieved through taking responsibility for our performance and behaviour. We celebrate our achievements. We also reflect upon things which may not have met expectations and learn from that experience. In doing so, we create a positive environment in which people are encouraged to grow, develop and succeed.
Richard Seamark, Clinical Director of Richmond Clarence Mental Health Service, on working in Northern NSW LHD.
Role Specification
- The District Director, Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs is the senior operational manager for Mental Health Alcohol and Drug (MHAOD) Services across Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD).
- Accountable for the delivery of high quality, efficient and effective MHAOD services; and the provision of high level strategic and performance advice to the Chief Executive and Board on key matters related to this.
- Responsible for the implementation and coordination of new models of MHAOD services to improve health outcomes and patient experiences; and enabling enhanced patient outcomes through intentional collaboration with key system partners particularly those delivering primary and community care.
- The District Director has day-to-day autonomy in directing, leading and managing all MHAOD services, including deploying its resources within the overall operational budget allocation and strategic priorities for the LHD.
- As part of the strategic leadership team, the District Director will determine organisation wide MHAOD strategic direction and prioritisation of strategic and operational plans and projects.
- The portfolio involves complex change management challenges as part of operational delivery and implementing key initiatives in accordance with NSW Health and NNSWLHD priorities. As part of this, the District Director ensures that health service provision Key Performance Indicators (KPls) and benchmarks related to relevant services are met and services are maintained.
- Overall decision making and accountability limits will be determined in conjunction with the Chief Executive.
- Lead and direct the governance (Clinical and Corporate) of NNSWLHD MHAOD Services
- Support professional governance across the NNSWLHD that is consistent with NSW Health and LHD policy, including all services that involve the use of the Mental Health Act (declared facilities and ED's)
- Lead the development and implementation of clinical governance, planning, policy, service review and evaluation, accreditation, clinical redesign, patient flow and innovation to support efficient and effective patient care; and promote continuous quality improvement within MHAOD services.
- Ensure a culturally and psychologically safe work environment through the active empowerment of staff, listening to diverse perspectives, and working in partnership with with teams to advance shared goals and objectives.
- Work collaboratively with agencies supporting the future medical, nursing and allied health workforce to identify innovative models to recruit and retain a fit for purpose, empowered future health workforce
- Collaborate and consult with the Chief Executive and Executive team to ensure that the strategic clinical and operational objectives of the District are met; the application and utilisation of activity based funding within the LHD; and the development, implementation, and monitoring of the annual business plan
- Manage and lead local executive and management structures to achieve activity and financial performance targets
- under the Annual NNSWLHD Service Agreement with the Ministry of Health (MoH). This includes the management and support of the development of operating and capital expenditure budgets and business plans to ensure costs of operation are monitored and prioritised activities are completed
- Ensure that health service provision KPl's and benchmarks related to relevant services are met and services are maintained; and that the Hosted Services SLA is supported and required performance and objectives are met.
- 1.Tertiary qualifications in an appropriate health field and postgraduate qualifications in management
- 2.Comprehensive clinical and operational management experience within a complex health care environment
- 3.Demonstrated understanding of the role and function of public hospitals, mental health facilities, alcohol and other drug and community health services within the Australian and NSW health systems
- 4.Demonstrated understanding and experience in the provision of health service delivery via a clinical streams model and structure
- 5.Demonstrated superior communication skills in a complex health delivery environment
- 6.Demonstrated experience in establishing effective clinical and corporate governance structures in a health setting
- 7.Demonstrated experience in creating and maintaining a work environment that is both culturally and psychologically safe; where staff are empowered and encourage to innovate practice.
- 8.Valid unrestricted drivers' licence for use in NSW/Australia and willingness to travel in the course of employment
Board and Committees of the Board
Maintain consultative relationships. Provide advice, direction, and support. Manage sub committees of the Board for Community and Consumer input.
Chief Executive, Executive Leadership Team and other LHD leadership positions
Maintain collaborative and consultative relationships. Work closely, to achieve plans, strategies and performance agreement goals. To inform, monitor and plan clinical streams.
Direct Reports
Liaise in a managerial and advisory capacity to ensure the effective and efficient functioning of the portfolios of responsibility. Ensure barriers to implementation of sound clinical governance principles at the workplace are overcome. Clarify direction ; lead discussions and make decisions; propose and implement solutions to issues; provide guidance and regular updates on key projects.
Executive Sponsor/Membership of Committees
Represent the Divisional portfolio and organisation as required. Provide advice, input and direction to both NNSW LHD and Ministry of Health committees.
Ministry of Health
Maintain collaborative relationships. Provide expert advice, information and resolve matters as required. To continue representation of the LHD at strategic Ministry of Health meetings.
Government and non Government Organisation's, Primary Health Networks, Media, Volunteers and Community Representatives, Industrial and Professional Organisations and Universities
Maintain consultative and collaborative relationships. Provide strategic advice, and monitor KPI's.
Please discuss with HardyGroup Consultant
- Developing an appropriate balance between the need to address immediate operational issues and the need to plan strategically, with regard to longer term implications and objectives. Providing a strategic planning process and business plan to meet the current, and future health needs of the community
- Responding and participating proactively to changes in Government and Ministry of Health policy, health legislation, procedures and practices and to changes in health service delivery to the community
- Facilitating the engagement and input of a wide range of stakeholders internally and externally to NNSWLHD and across government with diverse interests and competing priorities
Service Location: Northern NSW region
Classification: Health Mgr Lvl 6. The role is a Tier 2 position.
Inpatient Units & Bed Numbers
Child & Adolescent MH Service – 8
Lismore Adult MH – 24
Older Persons MH (Richmond) – 10
Byron MH (Sub-Acute) – 20
Tweed Adult MH – 25
Riverlands AOD – 10
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Tertiary qualifications in an appropriate health field and postgraduate qualifications in management
- Valid unrestricted drivers' licence for use in NSW/Australia
Responsibilities under WHS - Supervisor
As a leader you are expected to support the organisation achieve the aims of the safety management system, to establish and maintain a positive health and safety culture in the workplace and to consult with workers and others when making decisions that may impact upon the health, safety and welfare of those in the workplace.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Professional Behaviour and Communication: All employees are required to achieve, uphold and model a high standard of professional behaviour and communication.
- Any conduct on your part, whether during or outside business hours, which has the capacity to affect or damage the professional reputation of NSW Health, or your ability to uphold that reputation or image, could lead to disciplinary action, including dismissal
- Appropriate professional behaviour incorporates all levels of interpersonal behaviour, including formal and informal communication with colleagues, patients and carers
All employees are responsible for:
- Complying with all current NSW Health and NNSWLHD policies, including the NSW Health Code of Conduct
- Complying with profession-specific Code of Ethics/Code of Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice
Workplace Culture: Your workplace behaviours and practices are expected to:
- Proactively contribute to a positive, productive and safe workplace culture
- Adhere to the CORE values of Collaboration, Openness, Respect and Empowerment identified in the NSW Health Workplace Culture Framework
Privacy: All employees are expected to comply with personal information protection principles and health privacy principles as per the NSW Health Privacy Manual for Health Information, NSW Health and NNSWLHD privacy policies and procedures, and relevant legislation:
- Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW)
- Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW)
Performance: All employees will:
- Have a performance agreement with their manager, linking individual performance objectives and role requirements to corporate objectives
- Participate in an annual performance appraisal
- Be responsible, with the support of their managers, for proactively developing their own performance to meet expectations and achieve objectives
- Actively contribute to their performance management by having open and honest conversations with managers and colleagues and providing and receiving constructive feedback
Quality Improvement: NNSWLHD complies with the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards. All employees are expected to:
- Be aware of and comply with their responsibilities under the Standards
- Actively participate in quality improvement initiatives within their teams
- Participate in organisation-wide quality improvement activities as required
Workplace Health & Safety: All employees have responsibilities under the Workplace Health & Safety Act of 2011. Signing the Position Description confirms you understand the responsibilities relevant to your role.
Risk Management: All employees are expected to notify into the incident management system any incidents and patient complaints which occur in your own area (both clinical and corporate incidents).
Executive and Senior Managers will:
- Champion a risk management culture in your area of responsibility, embedding risk management into governance committees, planning and performance activities, financial and workforce management, operational service delivery, project management, corporate service and other support functions
- Update the NNSWLHD Risk Register (Enterprise Risk Management System), escalating risks to your manager which are beyond your capacity or authority to manage
The closing date for applications is Sunday, 30 November 2025
The reference number to include in your application is H25_5298
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: bhammat@hardygroupintl.com
Your application must include:
- 1.Cover letter addressed to the Principal Consultant;
- 2.A written response addressing the key selection criteria; 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. rmiller@hardygroupintl.com
LIVING AND WORKING IN
NORTHERN NSW
Northern New South Wales offers a lifestyle that combines natural beauty, vibrant communities, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Northern New South Wales offers a lifestyle that combines natural beauty, vibrant communities, and a laid-back atmosphere. With a subtropical climate, the region enjoys warm summers and mild winters, making outdoor activities a year-round possibility. Some of Australia’s most renowned surfing beaches, such as Byron Bay, Ballina, and Kingscliff, line the coast, attracting surf enthusiasts from across the globe. The local beaches not only boast incredible waves but also spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Beyond surfing, the area’s creative pulse is palpable, with flourishing arts communities that support painters, woodworkers, ceramists, and musicians. Places like Lismore and Byron Bay host annual festivals celebrating everything from film to music and visual arts, ensuring a rich cultural experience.
The North Wall, Ballina, is a great spot for spotting dolphins
Further north, Tweed Heads offers a blend of coastal and riverside living, with easy access to pristine beaches and the picturesque Tweed River, perfect for fishing, boating, and water sports. Nearby, Murwillumbah, with its stunning views of Mt Warning (Wollumbin) and the surrounding World Heritage-listed rainforests, has a thriving arts community and regularly hosts cultural events like the Tweed Valley Banana Festival.
The beautiful Black Cockatoo
Richmond Valley, including towns like Casino and Evans Head, blends rich agricultural land with coastal beauty, offering a diverse range of experiences from country markets to quiet beach escapes. Lennox Head, renowned for its stunning surf breaks and relaxed village atmosphere, is a favourite for surfers and families alike, with Lake Ainsworth providing a peaceful retreat for kayaking and picnics.
Cows on farmland in Kyogle
Whether it's hiking through rainforests, whale watching along the coast, or immersing yourself in the vibrant arts scene, Northern NSW offers an unparalleled lifestyle. The region's blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and strong community spirit makes it a truly special place to live and explore.
Nobby's Creek in the Tweed Valley
Each town within Northern NSW has its own unique character. Grafton, known as the Jacaranda City, transforms into a purple wonderland during its annual Jacaranda Festival. Maclean, the Scottish Town of Australia, keeps its heritage alive with events like the Highland Gathering, which has been running for over a century. Casino, celebrated as the Beef Capital of Australia, is a haven for food lovers, with the region producing some of the best beef in the country. Weekend farmers markets are a staple, offering fresh, locally grown produce from avocados and macadamias to artisan cheeses and organic meats.
Mt Wollumbin (Warning) from The pinnacle Lookout, Border Ranges National Park, NSW.
Kyogle, located on the edge of the Border Ranges, is known for its natural beauty and close-knit rural community. Surrounded by rainforests and waterfalls, it offers excellent opportunities for bushwalking and wildlife watching. In the Upper Clarence region, charming villages like Bonalbo are gateways to rugged outdoor adventures, with scenic drives and campgrounds that make the most of the area's unspoiled environment.
Wategos Beach with Byron Bay Lighthouse in background
Mullumbimby, nestled in the Byron hinterland, is a hub for alternative lifestyles and creativity. With a strong sense of community and a weekly farmers market that showcases the best local produce, it attracts those seeking a laid-back, sustainable lifestyle. The surrounding hills are dotted with organic farms, wellness retreats, and art studios, making it a unique destination within the region.
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.