Catholic Health Australia appoints new Chair and Deputy Chair

Catholic Health Australia (CHA) has announced the appointment of a new Chair and Deputy Chair to lead Australia’s largest network of health, aged care and community service providers.

Damien O’Brien and Virginia Bourke were elected to the positions after a period of deliberation and reflection.

“It gives me great pleasure to inform you that the Board of Catholic Health Australia has unanimously elected Damien O’Brien as Chair of the Board, and Virginia Bourke as the Deputy Chair,” said Acting Chair Steve Teulan.

Damien joined the CHA Board in 2026. He has been a director of St Vincent’s Health Australia and its subsidiary Boards since November 2019.

“I have enormous respect for Catholic Health Australia and its purpose and mission. Its policy, advocacy and media work is extraordinary and sets the bar for the community at large in advocating for person-centred care,” Damien said.

“It will be an honour to work alongside my colleagues to deliver the healing ministry of Christ on behalf of CHA’s members and those in the community who need our services the most.”

Virginia Bourke has been a CHA Board Director since 2020. She is currently Chair of Mercy Health and Pro-Chancellor of Australian Catholic University and has particular expertise in the governance of charitable not-for-profit organisations.

“I am honoured to be chosen as Deputy Chair of an organisation whose members are so committed to their mission to serve the most vulnerable in our community,” Virginia said.

“There are many challenges and opportunities facing our members across the health, aged care and community sector, and I look forward to working with the Board and the CHA team in continuing our important advocacy role.”

Mr Teulan paid tribute to Jenny Parker who recently retired as Chair and as a director of Catholic Health Australia after eight years with the peak body.

“Jenny’s contribution over this period has been substantial. Under her leadership, CHA strengthened its standing as a trusted adviser to government during the most significant period of reform in a generation,” he said.

“She guided the organisation through leadership transition and the development of a new strategy that keeps mission at the centre of CHA’s work. Jenny also deepened collaboration among our members and strengthened CHA’s relationships across the Church.

“Her service to CHA sits within a much longer commitment to the broader Catholic sector, spanning Catholic health, education, and community services over many years. The Church’s ministries in Australia are stronger for her generosity, skill, and faithfulness.

“We wish Jenny every blessing for the future.”

Damien and Virginia will take up their roles on 31 August.

More information on the CHA Board is available at https://cha.org.au/cha-board