Speakers 2025

Conference Speakers

We are delighted to welcome the following speakers to the Day Hospitals Australia National Conference 2025. Additional speakers and panellists will be added to the program as they are confirmed.

Find out more about our speakers by clicking on their name below

Keynote Speakers & Conference MCs

Your hosts are the Founders of Great Talk, Troy & Zara Love, two of Australia’s most versatile performers and coaches.

With 30 years experience each as actors, comedians, speakers, facilitators, radio hosts and entertainers, Troy & Zara have shared a mic or stage with some amazing names including Heath Ledger, The Black Eyed Peas, Chris Rock, Jennifer Garner, Matthew McConaughey, Richard Branson and Destiny’s Child.

And with over 10,000 appearances on-stage, online, on radio and screen to a collective audience of more than 10-million, Troy & Zara know a thing or two about performance. As coaches, they worked with professional speakers, thought leaders and influencers to help them to shape, share and deliver their message for making the world a better place. We hope you will “love the Loves” too!

Building and maintaining resilience 

Dr Dan Pronk, a leading expert in building resilience, brings a wealth of medical and military experience to this session. With a background in medicine, military service, and leadership, Dr Pronk has become a sought-after speaker on mental health and resilience. He will share insights from his personal experiences, including his time serving in the Australian Army, and offer practical strategies for enhancing mental toughness, particularly in high-pressure environments. Dr Pronk’s session will focus on resilience-building techniques, informed by his work in trauma care, his bestselling book The Resilience Shield, and his commitment to supporting mental well-being across both medical and tactical fields.

 

About Dr Dan Pronk

Dan entered into the Australian Army in 2001 on a scholarship to study medicine. Upon graduation he completed his internship and first year residency in civilian hospitals before posting to his first Army unit and quickly moving into Special Operations following successful completion of the Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment selection course. Dan spent the last five years of his service working between the SAS and the 2nd Commando Regiment and saw operational service in Timor Leste and Afghanistan. Dan was awarded the Commendation for Distinguished Service for his leadership in combat during his second of four operational tours of Afghanistan.

Following leaving the army in 2014 Dan has held positions as a remote mine site doctor, a ship’s doctor, the Deputy Medical Superintendent of a regional hospital, and the Medical Director of the South Australian Prison Health Service. He serves as the Medical Director for the private medical company TacMed Australia. Dan currently works part time in the Emergency Department of a regional hospital in between remote medical support tasks including support of reality TV shows including SAS Australia and Alone Australia.

Dan holds a Bachelor of Exercise Science, A Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, A Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, a Master of Business Administration, and has completed an Associate Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of Medical Administrators. He is an instructor on the Royal Australian College of Surgeons’ Early Management of Severe Trauma course, a former board member of the Australian Tactical Medical Association, and a former Independent Medical Advisor to the Department of Home Affairs.

The Mindful High Performer

Harness the power, purpose and performance of a refreshed mind. Chelsea will guide you to perform at your best without feeling stressed and overwhelmed. You will uncover the power of emotional flexibility and adaptability to build resilience and grit and will learn techniques to boost creative thinking and improve gut health to better your overall physical and mental performance.

This session is especially relevant to professionals in the day hospital sector, where maintaining mental clarity, resilience and wellbeing is essential to delivering high-quality, patient-focused care in a fast-paced clinical environment.

About Chelsea

Chelsea is a dynamic force in the world of mental health and mindfulness. As a psychology postgraduate, international motivational speaker, and author of The Mindful High Performer, Chelsea brings a wealth of expertise to organisations striving to thrive. With over a decade of corporate experience prior to founding EQ Minds in 2016, Chelsea equips individuals with practical tools to manage their mental health and achieve success in both their personal and professional
lives. Her dedication to mental health advocacy shines through in her work as a proud ambassador for The Gidget Foundation.

Chelsea’s unique combination of corporate know-how, psychological acumen, and mindfulness expertise has established her as a leading authority in her field. She continues to inspire and empower individuals and organisations worldwide, fostering mental wellbeing and performance in today’s increasingly complex world.

Turning Customers into Advocates

Good brands have satisfied customers. Great brands have raving fans. Decoding the science of advocacy, Amanda explores why your existing customer base is possibly the greatest hidden asset in any business and outlines a plan to create a brand that customers willingly and enthusiastically rave about. She presents a customised approach for harnessing brand advocacy in a post-digital age and why the combination of high tech and high touch is the next frontier in brand disruption.

This session offers valuable insights for day hospitals seeking to strengthen patient loyalty, build community trust, and position themselves as leaders in consumer-centred healthcare.

 

About Amanda

Amanda Stevens is a renowned thought leader on the customer experience.

She combines current consumer insights with fascinating research into buying behaviour, delivering organisations and business owners powerful strategies for connecting with their customers. Amanda has a double degree in consumer psychology and marketing. She has consulted to some of the country’s biggest brands, including LendLease, Microsoft, Procter and Gamble, and even the Australian Liberal Party.

Current Work:
Recognised as one of the most entertaining Speakers on the circuit, Amanda has presented at over 700 conferences in 14 countries. She combines practical strategies with a mesmerizing storytelling style, leaving audiences with memorable messages and actionable insights. Amanda is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), one of the highest accolades awarded by the Professional Speakers Association of Australia. She has shared the stage with Sir Richard Branson, and Sir Bob Geldof and in 2014 was the supporting speaker for Condoleezza Rice at the Global Leadership Summit.

Amanda is a former Young Australian of the Year (Career Achievement, NSW) and in 2003 was awarded the prestigious Centenary Medal by the Governor-General for Business Innovation.

William (Bill) Prentice is the chief executive officer of the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) and the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association Foundation (ASCAF). ASCA is the national organization representing the interests of approximately 5,700 ambulatory surgery centers in the US, and provides advocacy, education, benchmarking and staff training for its many members.  Under his tenure, ASCA has achieved record membership numbers, significantly increased revenue while reducing expenses, developed a number of new membership programs and services and dramatically strengthened its advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and with relevant federal
agencies.

Before joining ASCA, Mr. Prentice was a senior executive at other national and state associations, a lobbyist at both the federal and state levels and vice president of a contract lobbying and public affairs firm in New Jersey. He
started his career on Capitol Hill, where he worked for both a member of Congress and on the staff of a House committee.

Bill holds an undergraduate degree in political science from The George Washington University, a master’s degree in government administration from the University of Pennsylvania and a law degree from Rutgers School of Law-Newark.

Presenters & Panellists

As the Executive Chairman of the largest Day Hospital Endoscopy Group in Australia and a practicing physician, Dr. David Badov brings extensive clinical expertise, medical insight, and business acumen to the Board. With a career spanning nearly two decades as Head of Gastroenterology at a major public hospital, he has proudly overseen clinical services, business operations, and governance for Centaurus Healthcare Direct Endoscopy Day Hospitals group, while simultaneously supporting public healthcare services.

Dr. Badov has successfully translated clinical skills into building diverse and significant medical enterprises, including one of the largest Day Hospital groups in Victoria, a NATA-accredited histopathology company, and ventures in primary healthcare, medical supplies, corporate and executive health. His ability to bridge cutting-edge medical advancements with business innovation has resulted in a proven track record of bringing medical ideas to market and driving industry growth.

Driven by a deep commitment to the Australian health system, Dr. Badov believes that the current commercial challenges faced by private day hospitals can be overcome through constructive collaboration with the government and health reform. His vision is to implement long-lasting reforms that safeguard the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of private healthcare in Australia.

As an experienced founder, CEO, and chairman of a network of five Day Hospitals, as well as a director of multiple healthcare-related businesses, Dr. Badov brings strong commercial acumen and leadership to the Board of Day Hospitals Australia. His passion for medical leadership, entrepreneurship, and education is further demonstrated through his role as a Senior Lecturer at Monash University, where he is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of medical practitioners.

David was seconded to the Board of Directors of Day Hospitals Australia in February 2025.

Margaret Banks BSc, Grad Dip (Physio), MHA, Grad Cert Management, Dip AICD, FACHM has worked with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care since July 2006. In this time she has worked with stakeholders, consumers and jurisdictions on the development of National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards and a program of systematic accreditation reform for the implementation of the NSQHS Standards.  Most recently, the focus has been on the development of version 2 of the NSQHS Standards.

Prior to this appointment Margaret worked with the Department of Health and Ageing, the Australian Health Workforce Advisory Committee and the NSW Health Department on matters relating to workforce. She has also worked as a physiotherapist for 9 years in both Australia and Papua New Guinea, and held an Adjunct Professorship with the University of Technology Sydney.

Nick Coatsworth is an infectious disease physician, a respiratory physician, a practitioner of disaster and humanitarian medicine, and a senior public administrator. Nick has led not-for-profit boards, Australian Medical Assistance Teams, government agencies and hospitals, whilst retaining his frontline role as a public hospital physician. Nick provides a clear, credible voice for the health of the Australian community as one of Australia’s most recognised medical spokespeople. Nick is a Clinical Associate Professor at the Australian National University Medical School, and a PhD scholar at the School of Regulation and Governance. His thesis examines Australia’s pandemic governance arrangements and their influence on crisis decision making in the early phase of the COVID 19 pandemic. In recognition of his service to medicine and the community Nick received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Western Australia, his alma mater, in 2022.

Judith has extensive experience in the hospital and the healthcare sector, having worked primarily in private hospitals over the last 25+ years. Judith’s current position is the Director of Healthcare Management and Partnerships at Bupa.
Prior to this, Judith was the Director – Revenue and Health Fund Relations at St Vincent’s Health Australia and prior to that she held senior positions including National Director Private Hospitals at Calvary Healthcare, Deputy CEO, CFO and CIO at Cabrini Healthcare, and Director of Finance at St Andrew’s Hospital.

Natira is a seasoned technology executive leader with 20 years of experience spanning healthcare, fintech, and human capital management. Renowned for her customer-centric approach, Natira has consistently driven transformative outcomes by aligning cutting-edge technology with the evolving needs of businesses and individuals.

Currently serving as the Leader of Healthcare Technology for Civica, Natira plays a pivotal role in advancing digital healthcare solutions. Her expertise in SaaS technology and business transformation has positioned her as a trusted leader in navigating complex challenges and delivering impactful results.

Her leadership is characterised by a relentless focus on innovation, operational excellence, and empowering teams to reach their full potential, driven by shared purpose and customer care. She fosters a culture where every individual feels valued, inspiring collaboration to deliver exceptional solutions and service.

Beyond her professional achievements, Natira is deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, particularly in empowering female leaders. Her dedication to mentorship and community engagement reflects her belief in the power of collaboration and shared growth.

Natira’s dynamic career and unwavering passion for technology and people make her a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the industry. She continues to inspire audiences with her insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of technology-driven solutions.

With more than 20 years’ experience across public, private, and not-for-profit healthcare, Paul Fenton brings a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in delivering high-quality, accessible care within diverse clinical settings, including day hospitals.

Since 2020, Paul has served as CEO of Icon Cancer Centre Australia and New Zealand, leading the division through a period of strategic growth and transformation. Under his leadership, more than 12 new cancer centres have been established across Australia and New Zealand, with a strong focus on improving access for patients in regional and outer metropolitan areas.

A qualified radiation therapist by background, Paul brings firsthand clinical insight to his executive leadership. He spent nearly 14 years at Barwon Health in Geelong before taking on senior leadership roles with Austin Health and Epworth Radiation Oncology, where he was instrumental in expanding regional services.

Paul joined Icon Group in 2016 and now leads a network of over 40 cancer centres, including 15 operating under a day hospital licence. These are located across a variety of settings, including standalone sites and others integrated within broader health precincts. He is responsible for driving new business opportunities, enhancing operational performance, and embedding a culture of leadership, clinical excellence, and sustainability.

A strong advocate for collaboration, Paul works closely with government, health services, and advocacy groups to improve care pathways and build sustainable cancer services. His vision is simple: to ensure that every patient, no matter where they live, can access world-class care, close to home.

Rodney is currently the Chief Financial Officer of SMS Healthcare

Rodney has in excess of 20 years’ experience in the health sector primarily in CFO roles with the inherent financial and commercial management skills necessary to succeed in those roles.   He has developed strong skills in other areas including stakeholder management, risk management, legal, project management and governance.  He brings value to the Board and in representing the interests of Day Hospitals Australia’ members.

Rodney’s previous roles include General Manager of Day Surgeries at Vision Eye Institute (VEI) and Chief Financial Officer at Nexus Hospitals.

Rodney holds a Master of Business Administration (AGSM), Bachelor of Commerce, Chartered Accountant.

Rodney has been Treasurer for the Day Hospitals Australia Board of Directors since October 2019 and was appointed as the external committee representative for Day Hospitals Australia on the ACSQHC Private Sector Committee on 1 February 2020.

Jane Griffiths (BAppSc (Dist), MCNA, AIMM, RN) was appointed to the inaugural CEO position of Day Hospitals Australia on 1 July 2014. Previously she was the Day Hospitals Australia President from 2010 to 30 June 2014 and served on the Board of Directors and the former Management Committee of Day Hospitals Australia since 2008.

Prior to this, she was the Business Manager/DON of Perth Dermatology Clinic and conducted JG Consulting. Prior to that Jane was the Business Manager of The Women’s Clinic Day Hospital for 7½ years, McCourt Street Day Surgery for 7 years and Nursing Coordinator, Perioperative Services at St John of God Hospital Subiaco for 10 years. Whilst a Senior Nursing Executive at St John of God, Subiaco Jane was sent on 7-week sabbatical to the USA in 1997 to explore latest trends in same day surgery visiting California, Illinois, & Pennsylvania.

In 2021 Jane was appointed as one of the three Australian representatives on the International Association of Ambulatory Surgery (IAAS) General Assembly.

Jane is passionate about same day surgery and care.

Priscilla Guy is the General Manager of Monash House Private Hospital, where she leads with a passion for building high-performing teams, fostering professional development, and evolving workplace values and behavioural expectations. She is currently spearheading a cultural transformation initiative focused on planning for success, mutual support, and ensuring that every process enhances the patient journey.

With over 25 years of clinical experience as a Registered Nurse and 17 years in nursing and operating theatre management, Priscilla brings a deep understanding of healthcare operations to her leadership role. Recognising the importance of expanding her leadership capabilities, she completed a Master of Leadership at Deakin University, where her research centred on empowering leadership across all levels of nursing.

Priscilla’s unique leadership approach has driven rapid growth at Monash House while maintaining an exceptional patient experience. She is committed to building an agile, values-driven team that prioritises collaboration and patient-centred care. Her decision-making is always guided by the impact on patients, ensuring that every individual feels seen, heard, and cared for throughout their day-surgery journey.

Brian Kelleher is the  Assistant Secretary of the Private Hospitals Branch in the Department of Health, Disability and Aged Care. Brian has served other roles in the Department including leading the Digital Health and Health and Aged Care Payments teams.

Prior to joining the Department in late 2016, Brian worked at the Department of Communications in a number of program and policy roles including spectrum and telecommunications policy.

Adj. A/Professor Tina Janamian PhD, MBA, MMedSc, GCELead, GAICD, BSc, C.Decs is the Group CEO of AGPAL Group of Companies, including Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited, Quality Innovation Performance (QIP), QIP Consulting, Care Opinion Australia, and CFEP Surveys. She is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Queensland, a Fellow of the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua), and serves on the ISQua Accreditation Council, contributing to national and global patient safety and accreditation initiatives.

With over 20 years of senior leadership experience, Dr Janamian specialises in healthcare system improvement and primary care reform. She is a champion of accreditation and quality assurance, ensuring that healthcare organisations meet and exceed rigorous safety and performance standards. She integrates patient and provider feedback with evidence-based, innovative models of care to enhance safety, quality, and equity across the healthcare sector.

Dr Janamian is a Board Director for several national health organisations, including the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA), Central Queensland Hospital Foundation, and CheckUP Australia. She also plays a key role in health policy and academic research, driving initiatives that shape sustainable, high-quality, and integrated healthcare systems that enhance safety, equity, and patient outcomes across Australia.

The Hon. Associate Professor Anthony Lynham BMed (Hons) FRACDS (OMS) FRCS Ed was appointed Board Chairperson of Day Hospitals Australia in February 2025.

Associate Professor Lynham is a practicing Maxillofacial Surgeon, experienced company director and Board Chair. As well as his surgical experience, Associate Professor Lynham has been a QLD Government Minister and has served as Board Chair for Gladstone Ports Corporation, Workcover QLD and SEQWATER. Associate Professor Lynham has served as a Board Member for the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service, and the Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise, along with several other medical committees.

Dr Danielle McMullen is an experienced healthcare leader and is the President of the Australian Medical Association. She is skilled in systems design, medicines regulation, advocacy and leadership. She has a passion for connected healthcare systems and is a member of the Australian Digital Health Agency Board. Dr McMullen is also a GP by day who strives to provide comprehensive, patient-centred care to her patients.

Jennifer is the Chief Executive Officer at personalEYES and Parramatta Eye Centre. Having previously held positions such as Chief Executive Officer and Director of Clinical Services in Private Hospitals. With over 20 years of experience in the private health sector, 15 of these have been in leadership roles, Jennifer has engaged with teams in developing an organisational culture that supports a patient-centered model of care. With a focus on staff engagement, Jennifer believes that a positive patient experience is the direct result of strong organisational culture.

By engaging with her team and fostering an understanding of the key drivers to the business Jennifer has been able to support the team in making operational efficiencies and developing strategic partnerships.

Through Jennifer’s leadership as Director Clinical Services, Gosford Private Hospital won recognition as an ‘Outstanding Employer of Choice’ (2018 and 2019 Gosford-Erina and Coastal Chamber of Commerce Awards), with Awards for ‘Excellence in Innovation’ (2018 Central Coast Business Awards) and ‘Excellence in Sustainability’ (2019 Central Coast Business Awards/Finalist 2019 NSW Business Awards).

Tim (BSocSci, Juris Doctor, MAICD, MAAPM) currently serves as the Managing Director of Hobart Eye Surgeons, and has recently launched and become the Managing Director of the Hobart Eye Surgeons Day Surgery, a testament to his commitment to innovative medical administration and the advancement of day hospitals as an essential element in the delivery of safe, high quality, cost efficient, patient centred care.

Holding a Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Social Science, Tim’s prior professional experience includes serving as the National Head of Legal Services at an international boutique law firm that specialised in employment law and industrial relations.  As this was a uniquely structured membership-based law firm, Tim understands the importance of delivering value for members.

With a strong belief in the unique role of day hospitals as vital to the sustainability of the Australian healthcare system, Tim advocates for collaborative efforts with overnight facilities and the broader public health sector to enhance clinical outcomes.

Tim is also the TAS Member Director on the Board of Directors of Day Hospitals Australia.

Customer Success Manager, Billings+ and VoiceBox Intelligent Transcription (VBIT), Avant Practice Solutions

Lena Wallish leads two key services at Avant Practice Solutions: Billings+, which supports practices with end-to-end medical and surgical billing, and VoiceBox Intelligent Transcription (VBIT), a cutting-edge solution that enhances the efficiency and accuracy of medical documentation.

With more than 16 years of experience in the health, wellness and fitness industry, Lena has led teams and projects across a range of healthcare settings. She holds a Master of Health Administration from La Trobe University and combines operational expertise with a strong background in psychology and evidence-based practice.

Lena’s strengths lie in customer relationship management, leadership, and service delivery. She is passionate about empowering healthcare professionals by simplifying billing and documentation—so they can focus on what matters most: delivering excellent patient care.

Bianca is a very experienced Registered Nurse with over 34 years experience in clinical, leadership, management and personnel management roles within the Perioperative Suite.  Being married to a Naval Officer has provided the opportunity to gain experience in public, private, in-patient and day hospitals in WA, NSW, ACT, QLD and in the United Kingdom.

Bianca has worked in the Day Hospital sector in management roles, including General Manager and Director of Nursing at RiverCity Private Hospital in Brisbane for eight years, with a strong record of highly adaptable and effective leadership, commitment, achievement and integrity.  Prior to this role, two years as the Project Manager – Elective Surgery Access Plan Coordinator, ACT Health provided insight into the challenges of the public health system in managing waiting lists, stakeholder consensus, workforce planning and scarcity of resources.

Bianca is currently the Director of Nursing at the University of Western Australia Day Hospital & Senior Lecturer – School of Allied Health – Podiatric Medicine and Surgery.  This role enables her to work clinically, maintaining her desire to interact with patients and carers and to support students in their academic and clinical endeavours.  Bianca is passionate about governance, risk management and quality so is also a National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards and ISO auditor with Global Mark.

Bianca joined the Board of Directors in 2024, and was previously the Queensland Chapter Chair.

Please note: Speakers are subject to change at any time. Check this page regularly for updates and information as it becomes available.