As Chair of the Mercy Health Boards, Virginia Bourke brings experience across a range of sectors including health, aged care, community services, education, training and publishing. She has particular expertise in the governance of charitable not-for-profit organisations.
Virginia joined the Mercy Health Boards in 2016 and is Chair of the Mercy Health Corporate Governance, Remuneration and Nomination Committee. She previously served a term as a Director of Mercy Health from 2008 – 2014.
In addition to chairing Mercy Health, Virginia is Pro-Chancellor of Australian Catholic University and a Director of Catholic Health Australia and Caritas Australia. She was formerly Chair of St John Ambulance Victoria and a Director of St John Ambulance Australia. She holds an advisory role with the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea (ISMAPNG).
Virginia’s Non-Executive Director career has been complemented by her work as a lawyer and consultant in private practice and senior in-house counsel positions for over 25 years. She is currently a consultant with the national health and aged care industry team at MinterEllison Lawyers. Through that work she has developed a breadth of commercial experience, business development skill and a deep knowledge of corporate governance law.
“I am proud to be part of the Mercy story. For me there is immense appeal in the story of Catherine McAuley: a visionary, yet practical woman, whose leadership style was based on warm relationships with those around her. I believe one of the strengths of our Boards is the diversity of its members, particularly its gender diversity. I aim to contribute not only my professional skills, but my real life experience and my perspective as a woman involved in many aspects of community life.”
Last reviewed November 26, 2018.