Western Australian Health Translation Network
Governance and Board
How WAHTN sets its direction, represents its partners and oversees its work.
How WAHTN is governed
WAHTN operates as an unincorporated joint venture between its Partner Organisations. The Membership Council brings the partners together to guide WAHTN’s strategic direction. The Board is accountable to the Council and oversees WAHTN’s operations through delegated responsibilities.
Board · Membership Council · Committees · Meeting records
Membership Council
All Partner Organisations are represented in the body that guides shared strategic direction.
Board
Accountable to the Membership Council, with delegated responsibility for overseeing and managing operations.
Board
The Board brings together representatives from WAHTN’s partner sectors, alongside consumer, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and Centre Agent representation.
Professor Steve Webb
Chair
An intensive care specialist and clinical trial researcher, Steve brings experience in designing and conducting research that informs patient care. His roles include Group Co-Director of Research at St John of God Health Care and Professor of Critical Care Research at Monash University.
Professor Gerard Hoyne
University sector representative
Gerard is Associate Dean Research in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery and Health Sciences at the University of Notre Dame Australia. His research focuses on immune responses in allergy and autoimmunity.
Steve Arnott
Medical research institute sector representative
Steve is CEO of the Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science. He brings experience in strategic management, finance, innovation, policy development and research commercialisation.
Robert Toms
Public health care sector representative
Robert brings experience leading complex organisations, developing corporate strategy and improving operational performance. He joined North Metropolitan Health Service in 2024 after serving as Chief Executive at Health Support Services.
Professor Desiree Silva
Private health care sector representative
Desiree is Professor of Paediatrics at Joondalup Health Campus and the University of Western Australia. Her work includes research leadership and the ORIGINS study, with interests in child development and family wellbeing.
Tim Leen
WA Department of Health representative
Tim is Executive Director, Research and Innovation at the WA Department of Health, leading the Office of Medical Research and Innovation. His experience spans research, digital health, mental health and health system transformation.
Dr Lauren Goldie
Centre Agent representative
Lauren is Pro-Vice Chancellor (Health and Medical Research) at the University of Western Australia. She brings experience in biomedical research, research strategy and leadership across higher education, academic healthcare and the biopharmaceutical sector.
Professor Rhonda Marriott AM
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples representative
Rhonda is Inaugural Pro Vice Chancellor of the Ngangk Yira Institute for Change at Murdoch University. Matrilineally descended from the Nyikina people of the Kimberley, she champions co-designed research and partnerships with Aboriginal communities to inform policy and practice.
Rael Rivers
Consumer representative
Rael brings lived experience as a research partner, associate investigator and advisory committee member. She is Executive Manager, Strategic Programs at Respiratory Care WA and supports clear communication and meaningful consumer involvement in research.
Dr Debra Turner
Ex officio
WAHTN’s General Manager contributes operational leadership and experience in research, health policy and strategic planning. Read Debbie’s team profile.
Membership Council
The Membership Council comprises representatives from every WAHTN Partner Organisation. It guides strategic direction, promotes collaboration across the partnership and provides a forum for sharing information and sector updates.
Read Membership Council minutes →
Content to confirm: Add the approved description of how representatives are nominated, how decisions are made and the Council’s current meeting arrangements. Confirm the current membership register before publication on the main website.
Committees
2026 Reaccreditation Strategic Advisory Group
The group provides strategic advice and oversight for WAHTN’s 2026 NHMRC Research Translation Centre accreditation process.
Professor Steve Webb · Ms Melanie Wright · Professor Lauren Goldie · Ms Rael Rivers · Professor Rhonda Marriott · Ms Melissa Vernon · Professor Peter Richmond · Dr Charlie McLeod · Ms Alexandra Robertson · Adjunct Associate Professor Sandra Bellekom · Ms Sharon Webb · Professor Chris Reid · Dr Stacey Waters · Professor Eli Gabbay · Ms Deb Langridge · Dr Debbie Turner · Dr Jason Lenzo · Ms Emma Boucher