Before joining Digital Health CRC…
I’ve spent the last 6+ years at The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF) Group building and leading a stellar communications team. THRF Group is a profit-for-purpose organisation that has become the largest non-government funder of medical research in South Australia. My team was responsible for translating technical research and crafting it into engaging stories that built brand awareness and supported income generation that is invested back into research. It was an extremely rewarding role.
Previously, I’ve worked in a PR agency with a focus on healthcare, and also in a Research and Development Corporation (RDC) in the wine industry. I have a Bachelor of Journalism and a Graduate Certificate in Business.
At DHCRC, my role is …
… Head of Communications and Marketing. I’ll be leading the development and implementation of an integrated brand, communications and marketing strategy for the DHCRC. I am looking forward to connecting with key stakeholders and working collectively to build the profile of the CRC and its community. I’m thrilled to be joining an organisation that ultimately exists to benefit the community through innovation and collaboration.
My favourite bit of technology is…
… my Apple watch, which keeps me accountable and motivated to move and stand up during the day. Gamechanger!
The area of health/tech that most interests me is…
I’m personally quite passionate about health literacy and believe digital health initiatives have the ability to drastically improve this in Australia. Information is power and everyone has the right to make informed decisions for their own healthcare.
On the way to work, I like to…
… pop into local coffee spots, grabbing an almond latte and checking in on emails with the buzz of the café around me. I am a self-confessed coffee snob – fortunately, Adelaide is full of hidden gems.
My heritage is…
…pretty Aussie – I’m about sixth-generation Australian, but my heritage goes back to Ireland. My maiden name is Flanagan, so it doesn’t get more Irish. My husband is from New Zealand, so our son Darcy may struggle with who he goes for in cricket and rugby!
My most recent holiday was…
… a family trip to Kangaroo Island over the new year. It was incredible to see how this community have rebuilt after the horrific bushfires of early 2020 – they are so resilient and strong. My little boy Darcy loved the trip – exploring the beaches and meeting the native wildlife. My favourite place in the world is Taormina in Sicily. This was one of the last stops on my honeymoon in 2017 and it was like being in a fairy tale.
My favourite subject at school was…
… a close tie between English and Drama.
Outside work, you’ll often find me…
… chasing after my energetic two-year-old son Darcy, or spending quality time with friends over a glass of riesling.
The last great event I went to was…
… the Adelaide Fringe Festival. We’ve been so privileged in Adelaide to be able to sit in crowded shows, mingle and dance with the pandemic still impacting so many communities around the world.
Describe yourself in three words
Passionate. Purposeful. Ambitious.
If I could have dinner with anyone (living or dead) it would be…
Princess Diana
In five years from now, I hope to have achieved…
Professionally – I hope to have been a key part of the success and impact of the DHCRC in collaboration with the wonderful team and industry partners.
Personally – I am extremely passionate about being a driven working mum. I hope that I still have a very happy and healthy little boy who by then will have started school…and that’s a scary thought! My husband and I are also thinking about renovating our house, so that will be a big and long-term project.
