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 is the Managing Director of SMR Legal and bring extensive experience as a senior political adviser and government lawyer, including roles with the Federal 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 or the Fairley Leadership program. He has completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course and serves on numerous state and local advisory boards. Deeply committed to the region, Stephen is also the Chair of Shepparton Art Museum Board and a member of the CFA Shepparton District Headquarters Brigade.
Ella Cannon Director
Ella is a principal at Hive Legal, specialising in commercial and regulatory law with deep expertise in digital health, privacy, and data protection. She advises a broad range of stakeholders, from ASX-listed companies to health industry providers, and co-leads a team recognised as “Commercial Team of the Year” at the Australian Law Awards. After 15 years of studying and practicing in Melbourne and Sydney, Ella returned to her hometown of Shepparton in 2021. She is passionate about improving regional health outcomes and navigating complex regulatory environments. In addition to her role with the GV Health Foundation, Ella sits on the board of the Murray PHN and frequently presents at industry events on emerging technologies.
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 Australia public company groups. He has held several non-executive directorships across public, private, an not-for-profit sectors, maintaining a long-standing commitment to leadership roles within the Shepparton and Goulburn Valley community.
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. She 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.
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.
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 recognised 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