Children’s Hospital Foundation is pleased to welcome James Walker to its Board following recent appointments confirmed by the Queensland Government. The Foundation also congratulates Jane Black on her reappointment as Chair and Board Member.
James joins the Foundation at an important time as it continues to expand its statewide impact through its Care Closer to Home strategy, helping ensure more children and families can access care, support services and therapeutic programs closer to where they live. With one in three children treated at Queensland Children’s Hospital travelling from regional and rural Queensland and Northern NSW, strong regional representation and perspectives at the Board table are critical to shaping the Foundation’s future direction.
A fifth-generation Queensland farmer from Longreach, James brings extensive experience across business, governance, innovation and regional development and has spent much of his career helping strengthen the resilience, sustainability and economic prosperity of regional communities across Queensland and Australia.
His connection to regional Queensland is also deeply personal. Through his own experiences in farming and regional communities, James has developed a strong interest in farm and regional safety, particularly opportunities to raise awareness of safety for children and alongside regional communities. He has dedicated his tenure on the Foundation Board to his niece Willow, whom his family tragically lost.
This perspective further strengthens the Foundation’s regional representation as more Queensland families seek access to specialised healthcare and support closer to home. James’s understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing rural and regional communities, together with his experience, networks and commitment to regional Queensland, will help inform the Foundation’s statewide vision and its focus on supporting children and families wherever they live.
Children’s Hospital Foundation Chair Jane Black said James would bring valuable experience and perspective to the Board.
“We are delighted to welcome James to the Children’s Hospital Foundation Board. His strong governance background, commercial expertise and deep understanding of regional Queensland will be a tremendous asset to the Foundation.”
“As an organisation supporting children and families from every corner of Queensland, it is important that our Board reflects the diverse communities we serve. James brings an important regional perspective and a strong commitment to helping improve outcomes for children and families across Queensland.”
James Walker said he was honoured to join the Foundation.
“The Children’s Hospital Foundation has an extraordinary impact on the lives of children and families across Queensland. As someone with deep roots in regional Queensland, I’m particularly passionate about ensuring the experiences and needs of regional communities are part of the conversation.”
“Through my own experiences in farming communities, farm and regional safety for children is also something I care deeply about, and I hope to contribute to greater awareness of these issues. I’m looking forward to contributing to the Foundation’s important work and helping support positive outcomes for children, young people and families across Queensland.”
The Foundation also acknowledges the continued service of Board members Catherine Parker and Sharon Houghton, who will remain on the Board following changes to Hospital Foundation Board tenure arrangements announced by the Office of Health Statutory Agencies.
The Children’s Hospital Foundation thanks all Board members for their ongoing leadership, expertise and commitment to supporting healthier futures for children across Queensland.
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