Basil likes a challenge. Be it achieving an operating surplus for five consecutive years, restructuring the revenue function, turning a negative operating cash balance to a positive balance, delivering an end-to-end procurement function, bringing our biomedical services in-house or ensuring stock levels and financial control through the pandemic.

Or even joining in an impromptu push-up challenge. See picture below.

After five years in his role as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Basil leaves Northern Health to take on yet another challenge as Chief Financial Officer at Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group.

Basil was accorded a moving and musical farewell, with bagpipes played by Anne Ramsay, Manager Supply and Procurement, fulfilling a promise she made to Basil when she first joined. 

For Basil, some of the highlights of his time here, include “the 75 per cent increase in WIES (Weighted Inlier Equivalent Separation) activity, seeing the growth in capability in my team, reporting to Siva and working with a very supportive Executive”.

In thanking Basil for his time at Northern Health, Siva Sivarajah, Chief Executive, said “You are dedicated, generous and liked by people. All of us will miss you!”

Kathryn Bartho, Director, Revenue and Financial Services, speaking on behalf of the Finance team says, “It has been an honour to work with Basil over the last eight years at both Monash and Northern Health. In that time, Basil has been an amazing manager, leader and most importantly a supportive mentor.”

“The role of a CFO is mainly focused on financial performance, however, Basil is able to combine financial performance with patient-focused priorities and services. He is always approachable and supportive to all whom he interacts with. Basil will always make the time to collaborate with his team and ensure cohesive understanding between both parties. Basil has built positive working relationships with his directorate with transparency, collaboration and inclusion.”

“We have all valued our time working with Basil and while he will be missed, we wish him all the best on his future endeavours,” concludes Kathryn.

“Basil will be very much missed but we are also excited for him and his future endeavours,” adds Rick Garotti, Financial Controller.

Greg Warman, Director Support Services, says, “Basil will be sorely missed. He has always gone to bat for Support Services, providing the necessary support to implement initiatives such as the Computer Assisted Radio Personnel System (CARPs).”

“Working at Northern Health has been the most enjoyable experience, because of the approachability and collegiality of all our staff,” says Basil.

“I will miss Northern and I will be watching it continue to punch above its weight,” he adds.

We are up to the challenge Basil. May we in turn wish you the very best in your new role.