Community & Business
13 April, 2026
New Health Service Board
A seven-person board with experience in frontline clinical service delivery, leadership and governance is in place to help shape the future of healthcare across the Darling Downs.
The newly appointed Darling Downs Hospital and Health Board will be led by new Chair Merrilyn Strohfeldt.
Ms Strohfeldt was previously a board member before her new Chair appointment this year.
She has also previously held various leadership roles such as the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Communities, Child Safety, Disability Services and Office for Women and the Chief Executive Officer for the Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network.
“Ms Strohfeldt’s extensive experience in government, health management and leadership will help make a positive impact in the Darling Downs region,” Darling Downs Health Service Chief Executive, Annette Scott PSM said.
“It’s wonderful to see three new faces with new skill sets joining the board this year.”
“Among the new faces is HHS clinician Dr Brodie Quinn who works as an Emergency Staff Specialist at Toowoomba Hospital and as a Telehealth Emergency Consultant for Retrieval Services Queensland.
“Dr Quinn brings significant expertise in emergency medicine and local knowledge to the HHS Board.”
Ms Strohfeldt and Dr Quinn are joined by new board members Brendan Baulch and Professor Victoria Brazil.
Emeritus Professor Julie Cotter has been re-appointed for a two-year term, while the other remaining board members, Dr Ross Hetherington (Deputy Chair) and Professor Maree Toombs are continuing their current terms.
The Darling Downs Health and Hospital Service has joined all other Queensland Hospital and Health Services in welcoming a local frontline practitioner to its board.
Changes to the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 were announced last year, requiring all sixteen of Queensland’s Hospital and Health Service Boards to include at least one AHPRA registered health practitioner currently working for its local HHS.
