Board & Executive Team -

Board & Executive Team

Meet the RivMed Board

Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation’s Board is made up of community-elected Directors and skills-based Directors, bringing together strong community representation, cultural knowledge and professional expertise to guide the governance and strategic direction of RivMed.

Judy Johnson

Chairperson

Aunty Judy Johnson is a respected Wiradyuri Elder with more than four decades of experience in Aboriginal community leadership, governance, health, housing, land rights, education and cultural advocacy across the Riverina.

A founding member of the Griffith Local Aboriginal Land Council and Three Ways Aboriginal Housing Corporation, Aunty Judy has held numerous leadership and governance roles within Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations throughout her career.

Aunty Judy joined the RivMed Board in November 2024 and was unanimously elected Chair. She brings extensive governance experience, cultural knowledge and a strong commitment to community control, accountability and improving health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal people, families and communities.

Max Lyons

Deputy Chairperson

Max Lyons brings extensive experience working with Aboriginal organisations and communities, with a strong commitment to continuing to build his knowledge and skills.

Max is currently a First Nations Adviser at Charles Sturt University and has previously held roles with Australian Unity Aboriginal Home Care, including Service Coordinator and Community Access Coordinator.

Through his professional and community experience, Max brings valuable knowledge of Aboriginal services, community engagement and support to the RivMed Board.

Bernard Higgins

Director

Bernard Higgins is a proud Wiradyuri man, born in Wagga Wagga and raised in Leeton, while maintaining strong family connections to the Wagga Wagga community.

Bernard returned to Wagga Wagga in 2013 and studied at Charles Sturt University, completing a Bachelor of Animation and Visual Effects, a Bachelor of Science (Honours) First Class, and a Graduate Certificate in Wiradyuri Language, Culture and Heritage.

Bernard brings his strong connection to community, culture and education to his role on the RivMed Board.

David Mandel

Independent Director

David Mandel is an Independent Director of the RivMed Board, bringing extensive business, executive leadership and governance experience across ASX-listed, private and not-for-profit organisations.

Based in Melbourne, David has contributed to Boards across the health, medical technology, biotechnology, software and FMCG sectors. His experience includes nine years on the Board of The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, as well as governance experience within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations.

David brings strong clinical governance and business expertise to RivMed, with a focus on supporting culturally safe, accountable and effective healthcare for community.

Professor Hasantha Gunasekera

Independent Director

Professor Hasantha Gunasekera is Professor of Paediatric Priority Populations at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, and has worked as a paediatrician for more than 25 years.

Has has worked in Aboriginal health since 2000, with particular interests in Aboriginal ear health, refugee health and improving lifelong health outcomes for children. He helped establish HEALS (Hearing Earhealth And Language Services), partnering with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services across NSW, including RivMed since 2013.

Has brings extensive clinical, academic and advocacy experience to the RivMed Board, along with a strong commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of First Nations children and families across the Riverina.