Shane Dawson to step down as Bellarine Community Health CEO

THE chief executive officer of Bellarine Community Health (BCH) will retire at the end of next month.
The provider of community health services on the Bellarine Peninsula announced last week that Shane Dawson’s three-year contract at BCH had ended.
“I have decided after considerable thought that it is now time to leave Bellarine Community Health,” Mr Dawson said.
“I agreed to come to BCH for an initial three years in August 2017 for the opportunity to work in, and give back to, the community that I planned to live in.
“Having recently built a home on the Bellarine and completed my contract term, it is now time to realign life’s focus and enjoy my retirement as a resident on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula.”
He said it had been a privilege to be CEO of Bellarine Community Health, and he was extremely proud of the staff and the range of achievements he had overseen during his time at the helm of the organisation.
“Some of these include the finalisation of the Point Lonsdale Redevelopment, establishing private dental services, the redevelopment of Portarlington and establishment of a GP clinic, securing funding for a new health and wellbeing hub in Ocean Grove, strengthening critical palliative care services for our communities and rebuilding internal systems to bring BCH into a modern workplace.
“I wish the BCH board and staff a bright and exciting future in meeting the health needs for the communities of the Bellarine Peninsula.”
BCH chair Fay Agterhuis expressed her thanks to Mr Dawson.
“Shane has made very significant contributions to Bellarine Community Health over the past three years,” she said.
“Shane has provided leadership and vision through some difficult and challenging times, working tirelessly to rebuild community trust and confidence in the organisation. At all times the health needs of our communities have been front and centre of Shane’s work.
“Shane’s determination to modernise the organisation and relentless focus on updating and implementing new IT platforms and
greater cyber security for BCH has been excellent and we sincerely wish him the very best for the future.”
On Tuesday, the board announced it had appointed former board director Garry Ellis as interim CEO, effective immediately.
Mr Ellis has more than 30 years of experience as a finance professional in the health and community service sectors, and recently retired from full time work. His most recent role was as chief financial officer of genU.
“The Board is confident Mr Ellis will provide strong leadership while we undertake an extensive, nationwide recruitment process for a new chief executive officer,” Ms Agterhuis said.