Dear Colleagues,
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Institute for Health Transformation All Members Day on 1 December. With more than 100 attendees, the day was a fantastic celebration of our shared commitment to improving health outcomes. Highlights included the launch of the Health Voices Victoria strategic plan, an inspiring showcase of research from IFM, IISRI and SEBE, and valuable discussions with partners including Diabetes Victoria, Cancer Council Victoria, Barwon Health and Western Health.
We were proud to celebrate excellence through the Impact and EMCR Awards and to honour Diane Russack as she retires, thanking her for her remarkable contributions and dedication over the years. A special thank you to the organising team for delivering such a well-run and engaging event.
Over the past nine months as Acting Director of the Institute for Health Transformation, I have had the privilege of supporting a passionate and deeply committed team through a period of growth, challenge, and innovation. This role has offered me a unique vantage point to witness the breadth of our collective impact, from advancing research that addresses health inequities to forging new partnerships that amplify our reach and relevance. I have been inspired by the commitment of our members and partners, and I have gained a deeper appreciation for the complexity of driving systemic change in health and social care.
Personally, leading IHT has been both humbling and energising. I’ve learned that the Institute’s strength is its members, and staying grounded and committed to the communities we serve. As I reflect on this chapter, I am grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to IHT’s journey, working with committed Domain Leads and our dedicated Operations Team. I am excited about the path that lies ahead with our two new Co-Directors, Professors’ Kathryn Backholer and Suzanne Robinson, following the announcement by Deakin Distinguished Professor Rachel Huxley, Executive Dean. These appointments signal a dynamic new phase for IHT, poised to amplify its influence, broaden its scope, and fast-track its mission to improve health outcomes through evidence, innovation, and collaboration.
Professors’ Robinson and Backholer will commence their roles on 1 January 2026 for a 12-month term initially.
In the third quarter of 2026, in collaboration with the Co-Directors and the Faculty of Health, there will be a review of the Institute’s future leadership requirements to ensure continued success and alignment with DIH’s strategic direction.
Welcome from our two co-directors:
A warm welcome to our latest IHT members:
Full Members
- Catherine Nagle, Chair Midwifery (Barwon Health) QPS
Upgrade to Full Membership
- Tari Forrester-Bowling, Associate Research Fellow, GLOBE
Associate Members
- Melissa Blake, Lecturer, QPS
- Nataliya Ilyushina, Lecturer, DHE
- Lesley Hendy, Associate Research Fellow, GLOBE
- Lisa Ely, Associate Research Fellow, DHE
Thank you for your support and engagement over the past 9 months.
Season’s greetings, and best wishes for a peaceful, prosperous, and inspiring year ahead.
Professor Trish Livingston
Acting Director, Institute for Health Transformation
Affiliate Professor of Supportive Technology in Cancer Treatment
University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences
Director, Special Projects, Deakin University, Faculty of Health
Go back to the December 2025 Newsletter
