Chief Operating Officer, Colin Frick

Colin commenced with the Improvement Foundation Australia in March 2007 and has significant senior management experience. Colin has been responsible for managing large budgets and has experience working within complex organisations with diverse stakeholder involvement. He was previously the General Manager for the Australian National Primary Care Collaboratives (ANPCC) Program and has been trained by the Improvement Foundation (UK) in the Collaborative methodology. Prior to this, Colin was engaged at SA Ambulance Service where he occupied a number of positions, including two executive positions as Marketing Director and Director of Corporate Services. With a strong background in technology through his role as Director Corporate Services and ongoing interest, Colin has advanced IT skills and has a strong understanding of data reporting.

Colin is an innovative organisational leader, who has been a catalyst for change during his career. Holding many senior management positions, he has been responsible for strategic planning and taking strategic opportunities from concept stage to implementation. Colin is a strategic thinker with broad executive experience across a range of areas and has managed small and large teams. Colin holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Adelaide and has attended many development courses including quality systems, balanced scorecard development, strategic planning and risk management. In his spare time he enjoys music and playing sports.

Principal Clinical Advisor, Dr Dale Ford

Dr Dale Ford was previously Clinical Director of the Australian Primary Care Collaboratives, a role which he held for approximately two years. He was also Chair of the Diabetes Expert Reference Panel and undertook training with the Improvement Foundation in Manchester with the rest of the ANPCC team, in 2004. Dale is a GP and has been a Partner in a group practice in Hamilton, Western Victoria, for the last 20 years. He is also Medical Director of Otway Division of General Practice. He helped set up Greater "Green Triangle GP Education and Training" (which is a Regional Training Provider), was the inaugural Chair for the organisation and is currently on the Board. He has interests in Diabetes and CVD, working in ICU at Hamilton’s Hospital, and is involved in a Diabetes Prevention Project and research with Greater Green Triangle University Department of Rural Health.

National Program Director, Alison Coughlin

Prior to working with the Improvement Foundation, Alison was a Regional Manager for the Australian National Primary Care Collaboratives Program. In this role she was responsible for the development of key resources (such as the program handbook), training in the Collaborative methodology and the management of Collaborative Program Managers. Alison has strong project management and research experience through her work for Flinders University, in leading their student database ‘help system’ implementation, and as a research assistant to the head of the ‘School of Computing & Information Science’ at the University of South Australia. She is experienced in a broad range of project implementation functions from developing websites to design and writing of both technical and non-technical system support documentation and user manuals.

Alison holds a Masters degree in e-Commerce and a Bachelor of Arts (multimedia studies), both from the University of South Australia. She has also attended many development courses including project management, facilitation training, instructional design, curriculum development and supervision/management fundamentals.

National Program Director, Business Development & Learning, Sarah Wrzeszczynski

Sarah was previously employed in the role of Regional Manager for the Australian National Primary Care Collaboratives Program, being one of the original staff members to be trained in the Collaborative methodology by the Improvement Foundation (UK) in Manchester.  She was responsible for the implementation of training in the collaborative methodology, the management of Collaborative Program Managers nationally and workshop operations.

Sarah has worked on various information technology and management initiatives both in General Practice and local government throughout her career, including nearly 10 years with the Adelaide Southern Division of General Practice. Her strengths include project management, education, helpdesk and database management. Sarah has completed a Diploma of IT and is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Business in Management.  Out of work hours Sarah enjoys walking, reading and spending time with friends and family, including her young son.

National Director ICT, Julian Flint

Prior to working with the Improvement Foundation, Julian worked at the Adelaide Western General Practice Network as Informatics Coordinator. Julian was also on the original National Primary Care Collaboratives Team to be trained in Manchester; and worked for the ANPCC as Data Manager and Regional Manager for Queensland. In his former rol,e he was heavily involved in the specification of the clinical codes behind the measures, testing and specification of the relevant extraction tools; and the NPCC Online Reporting System. Julian’s work in Divisions of General Practice include managing the AWGPN Practice Health Atlas training and development; and leading initial Divisional testing of the Pen Clinical Audit Tool.

Julian has a background in Health, Information Management and Information Technology. His professional interests include Project Management, Database development and Networking. Julian holds a Bachelor of Health Sciences, Cisco Certified Networking Associate and is currently doing postgraduate studies in Geographical Information Systems. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his young family, gardening, cycling and music.

Program Manager, Business Development & Learning, Amanda Taylor

Prior to joining the Improvement Foundation Australia, Amanda held the position of Regional Manager for SA, WA & NT with the Australian Primary Care Collaboratives Program, and was one of the original staff members to have been trained in the Collaborative methodology by the Improvement Foundation (UK) in Manchester. Through involvement in the Collaboratives Program, Amanda has experience at the program and service delivery level, with skills in administration, event management, and supporting Collaborative Program Managers. She was previously engaged as an education officer with the Adelaide to Outback GP Training Program, where she assisted the medical education coordinator with organising GP registrar training and running GP supervisor and registrar education events.

Senior Program Manager, Mini Dhillon

Mini has a Bachelor of Science and Nursing from Canada. Recently she acquired a Graduate Diploma in Public Sector Administration from Flinders University and has recently completed her Masters program. Mini possesses extensive overseas clinical experience in both the primary and secondary healthcare sectors as well as project experience in Australia. Mini worked in a part-time role at the Southern Division of General Practice, Adelaide before joining Improvement Foundation Australia in a full-time role. Mini’s interests include reading, and travel.

Program Manager, Donna Bridges

Before her employment with IFA, Donna was previously the Victoria/Tasmania Regional Manager for the Australian Primary Care Collaboratives Program, prior to this, she was one of the first Collaborative Program Managers for the Program, looking after general practices across Gippsland. With 8 years experience working for Central West Gippsland Division of General Practice across a variety of health related programs, Donna possesses a great deal of experience working with General Practice.

Donna has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Consumer Science) from RMIT University and has undertaken a range of courses such as health promotion, facilitation, community development participation and practice health atlas.  In her spare time Donna enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 daughters, playing netball, gardening, trying to catch fish and travelling.

Program Manager, Bryan Foley

Bryan has a wide range of experience spanning more than 10 years and three countries. He started out his professional career working as a sports coach and facilitator in England working with disaffected youth, and quickly moved into alternative and experiential education.

Since moving to Australia, Bryan has successfully completed projects with brand leaders such as Bonds and AMP, but made the move into health in 2004. After working with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, he became a Collaborative Program Manager in Sydney and later moved to Adelaide to become a Regional Manager with the Australian National Primary Care Collaboratives program.

When not at work, Bryan is a keen guitarist and can be found playing at open mic nights around Adelaide.

Program Manager, Sheena Stell

Prior to joining the Improvement Foundation Australia, Sheena worked as a Project Officer for the Department of Health, South Australia, facilitating the development of secure primary healthcare communications infrastructure and worked closely with PEN Computer Systems, to help develop applications for the improved prevention and management of patients with chronic disease. Before migrating from the UK to South Australia in 2006, Sheena was a Project Manager for a not-for-profit organisation, working with teachers to encourage young people to take up careers in science, technology, engineering and maths, as well as managing local education projects.

Sheena has experience in program management, event delivery and coordination, clinical software development and the delivery of training programs. She holds a Masters in Medieval History from the University of Glasgow, UK. In her spare time, Sheena loves cooking and baking, bush walking and camping.

APCC Program Support Officer / Event Coordinator, Jade Regan

Jade brings to IFA an outstanding set of executive administration skills including office management coordination, accounts, company website administration, and travel arrangements / logistics.   Jade’s administration background gives our IFA office the daily support required to deliver our range of quality improvement services and programs. 

Data Officer, Matt Lewis

‘Matt has approximately 5 years office experience in a number of roles in both Australia and the United Kingdom. He is most adept at statistical and numerical evaluation with a large part of his experience in database administration. He plays basketball socially for the Adelaide University Griffins and enjoys following the cricket and Formula 1 motor racing.

ICT Officer, David Cresp

David has a Bachelor of Commerce (Management) from the University of Adelaide. Prior to joining the Improvement Foundation he held various roles within the jewellery industry.
With an interest in business data analysis and management psychology, David is always looking for challenges to improve his knowledge base through his work at IF. During his spare time he enjoys hockey, tennis, catching up with friends and family, and riding the waves on a waveski.

ICT Officer, Kristian Pepe

Before starting at the Improvement Foundation, Kristian worked for eight years at the home of AFL Football in South Australia, AAMI Stadium. He was in charge of maintaining their Stock Control and Point of Sale systems. Kristian was also responsible for the implementation, setup and maintenance of the Stock Control and Point of Sale system at The Distinctive Homes Dome.

In his spare time Kristian enjoys photography and watching motorsport.

Manager: Business Services, Andy Dallisson

Prior to his role at the Improvement Foundation Australia, Andy was Business Manager for the Australian National Primary Care Collaboratives program. He coordinated event organisation and administration work associated with the Program and managed financial systems.  Andy has an in depth understanding of the APCC program, having worked on it since the original tender preparations and lodgement.

Andy worked in Project Management and Financial Administration for four years before moving in to the Business Manager role. Andy also has experience managing small business after being a partner for over a year in a Café in the Adelaide Hills. Andy is currently completing a Bachelor Degree in Commerce, and his hobbies include playing lacrosse and golf.

Administration Coordinator, Teagan Coe

Teagan worked in office administration for more than 5 years prior to joining the Improvement Foundation Australia. She has strong finance and event organisation skills and holds a Certificate of Business Administration from Business SA.Teagan enjoys dancing and acting and regularly performs with the Adelaide based Venture Theatre Company, where she also holds the position of Company Treasurer.

Administration Officer, Stacey Martin

Prior to joining the Improvement Foundation, Stacey worked in the mortgage and finance industry, project managing the construction of investment properties and as a personal assistant. She brings excellent administration skills, including travel and event arrangements, to the team. Stacey has a Certificate III in Business and in her spare time enjoys travel, cooking and working out at the gym.

Administration Officer, Alison Konicek

Prior to joining The Improvement Foundation Australia, Alison worked in various positions within the Federal Government and Recruitment Industry, with a large part of her time as a Recruitment Consultant, she enjoys reception and administration roles.  Her interests include Tennis, spending time with her family, swimming and following football and motor racing.

Finance Clerk, John Loy

Prior to joining the Improvement Foundation, John worked within a range of customer service roles. He has strong financial and numerical skills and is currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of South Australia. In his spare time John enjoys playing Baseball, Football and Golf.

Accounts Clerk, Angeline Nieddu

Angeline brings to IF extensive experience, spanning over 15 years in the banking and finance industry. She has worked for numerous organisations, including the Adelaide Bank and Fisher Jefferies in mortgage processing roles, and has worked in payroll and accounts roles prior to joining the IF team.

In her spare time, Angeline enjoys spending time with family and friends, camping, hiking and travel.

Communications and Marketing Coordinator,
Rebecca Esteve

Rebecca has a Bachelor of Journalism and a Graduate Diploma in Communications, both from the University of South Australia. She has business management experience in the health and fitness sector, and has enjoyed working in the hospitality industry, customer service and sales with a variety of organisations. Rebecca enjoys walking, movies, home improvement projects, catching up with family and friends, and reading.

Communications Officer, Kirsty Dummin

Kirsty has a Bachelor of Communication and Media Management from the University of South Australia, as well as a Diploma in Freelance Journalism. Prior to joining the Improvement Foundation Australia, Kirsty worked in Public Relations for an aged care facility, as well as a Public Relations consultancy. Kirsty is a member of the intercomm committee, which is the student/new practitioner branch of the Public Relations Institute of Australia (SA). During her spare time, Kirsty enjoys travel, reading, writing, cooking and catching up with her family and friends.

Communications Assistant, Michelle Murray

Michelle has recently completed a Bachelor of Media at the University of Adelaide. Prior to joining the Improvement Foundation she was actively involved in numerous volunteer roles including a Public Relations Volunteer with the Adelaide Festival, Media Volunteer with the Special Olympics National Games 2010, and a Court Support Volunteer with the Women’s Information Service. Michelle is a member of the Golden Key Honor Society and the Public Relations Institute of Australia.