Board of Directors
The GV Health Foundation directors are nominated independently, and their nominations are endorsed by the GV Health Board of Directors
Stephen Merrylees Chair
Stephen has been the Managing Director of SMR Legal for 15 years and brings extensive prior experience as a senior political adviser and government lawyer, including roles with the Commonwealth Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
A five-term Mayor and nationally accredited mediator, Stephen’s diverse background spans large-scale primary production, lecturing in law at the University of Melbourne’s Dookie Campus, and serving as Executive Director of the Fairley Leadership program. He has completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course and has served on numerous state and local advisory boards. Stephen is a Life Member of both the CFA and Shepparton Retirement Villages. Deeply committed to the region, Stephen is also currently Chair of the Shepparton Art Museum Board and First Lieutenant of the CFA Shepparton District Headquarters Brigade.
Ella Cannon Director
Ella Cannon is a Partner at CIE Legal and a highly regarded commercial and regulatory lawyer.Originally from Shepparton, Ella studied Arts and Law at the University of Melbourne. After 15 years of studying and practicing in Melbourne and Sydney, she relocated back to the Goulburn Valley in 2021 with her young family.
Ella is deeply committed to the health sector and promoting regional opportunities. She brings significant experience in legal governance and the Victorian health regulatory landscape to her board positions at Murray PHN and the GV Health Foundation. A frequent speaker at industry events, Ella is passionate about translating complex developments in telehealth, privacy, and emerging technology into engaging, practical guidance.
John Evans Director
John possesses a distinguished background in accounting and finance, providing strategic counsel to a wide array of clients ranging from small-to-medium enterprises to large corporate entities.
His expertise encompasses strategic planning, governance, marketing, and financial analysis. Prior to his current advisory work, John spent 15 years in executive finance and general management positions within Australian public company groups. He has held several non-executive directorships across public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, maintaining a long-standing commitment to leadership roles within the Shepparton and Goulburn Valley community.
Nadine Holgate Director
Nadine is an Occupational Therapist and the Founder and Director of Neurolinks, a community-based rehabilitation service specializing in brain injury recovery.
With over 25 years of experience, she is a respected educator who trains allied health professionals across Australia in rebuilding skills and confidence for patients after injury. Raised in the Goulburn Valley, Nadine returned to the region in 2010 after 15 years of working in Melbourne and abroad. She is a strong advocate for accessible, high-quality rural healthcare and has contributed to various local committees and advisory groups to strengthen the health services available to regional families.
Raathika Saranathan Director
Raathika is a dedicated dental professional who has been practicing at the Goulburn Valley Dental Group since moving to Shepparton in 2007. Originally from the UK, where she graduated as a dentist in 2005, Raathika has become an active and vibrant member of the local community.
Raathika is a long-standing committee member of the ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ event, serving as Co-Chair in 2025 to raise significant funds for women’s health. Raathika is passionate about raising community awareness for local health causes and brings a frontline clinical perspective to the Foundation Board while balancing her professional life with raising her three children.
Fiona Smolenaars Director
Fiona is a highly skilled regional leader and strategic planning specialist with over 30 years of experience in community development.
Currently serving as a Partnership Broker with the University of Melbourne, she leverages her extensive networks to build projects that drive social and economic outcomes for the region. Fiona holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Science and Masters degrees in both Rural Development and Business & Empathy. Her leadership record includes a successful tenure as Chair of the Shepparton Festival, where she oversaw significant strategic growth and financial sustainability. Fiona is recognized for her collaborative approach and her commitment to creating a thriving, inclusive community for all who live and work in Greater Shepparton.
GV Health Companions
2014
Paul Archer
Simon Furphy
Sam Renato
2015
Lorraine Riordan
Chris McPherson
2016
David and Dolly Berwick
2017
Graham O Hill OAM
Dr John F Hetherington
2024
Ross McPherson AM
Dr John Mackellar
Suzanna Sheed AM
Darryl Twitt
John McNeil
John Gaylard
Peter Ross-Edwards AM
John Panton
Graham Hofmeyer
Alice Tallis
2025
Robyn Fennell