Statement from the Board Chair: Chief Executive Update

Over recent years, cohealth has navigated a period of heightened demand for complex services, system pressure and organisational growth, while remaining firmly focused on its values and mission to improve access, equity and outcomes for people and communities facing the greatest barriers to care.

With cohealth’s 2025–2035 Strategy now established, the organisation is entering its next phase, focused on the implementation and delivery of that strategic direction.

In this context, Chief Executive Ms Nicole Bartholomeusz has advised the Board in early February of her decision to transition from the role, creating space for leadership renewal as the organisation moves into its next phase.

Over the past six and half years, Nicole has provided exceptional leadership during a period of unprecedented challenge for the State, including the COVID-19 pandemic and growing complexity in the delivery of care, ensuring cohealth continued to support communities most in need.

Under her leadership, cohealth was sought out to deliver complex and emerging services, such as the State’s first sobering centre, mental health and wellbeing locals, complex care delivery across multiple services and delivery of healthcare at the Royal Children’s Hospital and Parkville youth detention centre. The organisation also expanded its reach into Tasmania during this time.

Nicole has demonstrated a sustained commitment to cohealth’s staff, clients and communities, leading with integrity, care and an unwavering focus on those the organisation exists to support.

On behalf of the Board and the organisation, I thank Nicole for her leadership of cohealth and her deep commitment to care, communities and equity.

We wish Nicole all the very best. Nicole’s last day will be Friday 1st May 2026.

The Board has commenced the process to recruit a new Chief Executive for cohealth. In the interim, Chris Turner will be the acting CE. Nicole and Chris will work together closely over the next 6 weeks to ensure a smooth transition.

Kate MacRae
Board Chair, cohealth