Harmony Week Staff Profile - Andrew Saunders

Describe your background

I am one of 7 children and am the middle boy, this may also explain a lot of things!

I spent my formative years in Ballarat and attended what was then St Paul’s College, this may also explain a lot of thingsJ

I played all sports but loved footy and basketball

I trained as a Chef and worked at the QEH in Ballarat from 1983 to 1989.

I married my beautiful wife Dianne and have 4 daughters and 9 grandchildren. I am blessed!

How long have you been working at EDMH?

I started at Edenhope in 1990 as the Chef.

I had many opportunities to progress and grow over the years culminating in being the CEO from 2018 prior to the Amalgamation.

I am now the Executive Director of the Grampians Region Health Service Partnership.

What does diversity mean to you?

Diversity to me, is where everyone in our community feels like they belong and that differences are embraced and celebrated.

Everyone should be afforded the opportunity to contribute and be part of the organisation.

What would you like other people to know about your heritage?

My Mother emigrated to Australia from Holland after WW2 so I am half Dutch, this may also explain a lot of thingsJ

Everyone should eat Dutch Licorice at least once in their life

My Opa (Grandfather) was a pastry Chef.

My Nan raised my dad and his 3 brothers and one sister on her own following the war.

I spent every summer in Tungamah with her growing up with my cousins.

Family means everything to me.

This year’s theme is ‘everyone belongs’, what does that mean to you?

We take every opportunity to ask all staff to be equally involved in all areas of the workplace and to foster a sense of belonging to our GH community.