The Royal farewells respected leader & friend: Vanessa Madunic

Colleagues and comrades at the Royal Hospital for Women gathered over morning tea to say a heartfelt goodbye to Vanessa Madunic, who has resigned from the position of General Manager at the hospital.

Vanessa kick-started her career at SESLHD 25 years ago and has taken on a number of roles across the District over the past two decades. To her colleagues’ delight Vanessa will still occasionally be sighted in SESLHD, as she takes on an exciting secondment opportunity with Health Infrastructure as Director of Project Advisory Services.  

Vanessa delivered a heart-warming speech, thanking her devoted staff for their tireless work over the past 25 years. “All of you have made The Royal what it is today – a special place to work and a hospital that provides gold-standard care to women and their families. I could not have done this job without you. I’ll miss you all.

“The impact that this organisation has had on me is really quite amazing – it has been a wonderful journey. I know the future holds so many great things for The Royal with a new General Manager at the helm,” Ms Madunic said.

Colleague and friend, Dr Danny Challis – a Senior Staff Specialist at The Royal – said Vanessa should feel a great sense of satisfaction from her time as General Manager.

“The Royal wouldn’t be the same without you – all of the remarkable things you’ve done for this hospital and the services you’ve started – there are too many to mention! If you tallied them all up there’d be pages and pages.  

“You’ve been a great friend and leader, your door has always been open, it’s obvious how much you care about The Royal and its staff. It’ll be hard to come to work every day and not see you here however we wish you all the best, and thank you for your outstanding leadership and support,” Dr Challis said.

Kim Olesen, Acting Executive Director of Operations, SESLHD, said Vanessa’s passion for The Royal is unsurpassed.

“Vanessa’s experience and knowledge in women’s and children’s health has ensured The Royal remains at the forefront of the delivery of world-class care, and a centre of excellence in women’s health,” Ms Olesen said.

“Please join me in thanking Vanessa for her leadership at The Royal, and more recently the support she has provided to corporate services functions across the District. We wish Vanessa all the best in this next chapter of her career.”

Donna Garland will continue in the role of General Manager at The Royal while permanent recruitment to the position is undertaken.