News
New CEO announced for Rural Health West
Friday February 7, 2025
Rural Health West has a new Chief Executive Officer starting later this month.
Professor Catherine Elliott (photo courtesy of The Kids Institute) brings a wealth of experience in executive leadership, clinical practice, research, and health service delivery, with a strong commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes for rural and regional communities.
Prof Elliott joins Rural Health West following her tenure as Deputy Executive Director and Director of Research at The Kids Research Institute Australia, where she led efforts to enhance research excellence to improve the health and development of children.
Prior to this, she held roles as Professorial Chair of Allied Health and Kids Rehab at Curtin University and with the Child and Adolescent Health Service.
Her extensive experience includes consumer involvement, commercialisation and innovation, as well as health and disability service delivery.
AMA (WA) President Dr Michael Page congratulated Prof Elliott, and wished outgoing CEO Tim Shackleton well after his nine years in the role.
“Rural Health West, with whom we are co-located at 10 Stirling Highway, is a great friend of the AMA (WA), with an ever-deepening relationship based on the crucial role of advocacy for rural medicine and our rural doctors,” Dr Page said.
“We congratulate Prof Elliott on her appointment, and acknowledge the exceptional credentials that have led to her appointment. We look forward to enhancing the experience of rural doctors and the rural community with her.”
Dr Page concurred with Rural Health West Board Chair, Hon Terry ‘Tuck’ Waldron, who described Mr Shackleton as “a true champion for rural health over many years”.
Under Mr Shackleton’s guidance, the organisation has played a critical role in supporting the rural health workforce and advocating for sustainable healthcare solutions in regional Western Australia, through initiatives such as the Regional Health Professionals Network, the multidisciplinary expansion of the Rural Health West conference, and strengthened cross-sector partnerships and collaborations.
“The AMA (WA) has had a close relationship with Tim, and benefited greatly from his leadership in different forums. Many of our members attended the first WA Rural GP Health Summit last year, and enjoyed the opportunity to discuss the issues facing rural GPs, and work towards solutions in a constructive and supportive environment,” Dr Page said.
Prof Elliott said she was excited to take on the role and looked forward to working with the team at Rural Health West to support rural health professionals and communities.
“I am honoured to step into this role and to continue the vital work of ensuring rural communities have access to high-quality healthcare.
“I look forward to collaborating with our partners, stakeholders, and the dedicated team at Rural Health West to address the challenges and opportunities in rural health,” Prof Elliott said.
