Ms Feeny has worked in the health industry for 20 years, including the past decade at Stawell Regional Health as an executive in human resources and acting chief executive when required.

Rural Northwest Health board chairwoman Sally Gebert said she was thrilled with Ms Feeny’s appointment.

She said the announcement was the result of a thorough recruitment process that started immediately after former chief executive Catherine Morley announced her resignation in August.

“Janet will be an ideal fit for us with her strong human resources background and her extensive work in the health industry,” Mrs Gebert said.

“We had an outstanding list of applications which put us in a wonderful position to make the right appointment and I am confident that Janet will continue the great work being achieved at Rural Northwest Health.

“She has a true passion for people and ensuring our health service treats everyone with care and respect.”

Ms Feeny said she was really excited with her appointment.

“Rural Northwest Health is renowned through the industry for its achievements, particularly in aged care,” she said.

“I’ve been so impressed with how the health service has evolved in the past few years to become the very best and particularly with its close community ties.

“For an isolated regional health service to gain such recognition and be leading the way in aged care is simply amazing.”

Ms Feeny said she wanted to working closely with the board and RNH team members to continue their great work.

“The board wanted someone to keep growing Rural Northwest Health’s community development and continue with the directives of its new strategic plan,” she said.

“I am looking forward to meeting the team and community at each campus, as well as the residents being cared for so well by the team.”

Ms Feeny is originally from Sydney but moved to St Arnaud with her family when she was a teenager.

She worked for nine years in human resources with East Wimmera Health Service before accepting an executive position with Stawell Regional Health.

Ms Feeny and husband David live on their Cope Cope farm with their three children Nicholas, Darcy and Isobel.