Rhonda Galbally is an Australian working in health development, disability, ageing and social policy in Australia. Galbally was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1991 for services to the community. She was awarded Honorary Doctorate degrees in health and social science from RMIT 2005 and La Trobe 1999, and was awarded the Centenary Medal in 2001 in recognition of her service to the community.
Current work
Since its establishment, 2013 Galbally has been a Board member of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Principal Member ( Chair) of the Independent Advisory Council.
Galbally is Patron Compassionate Friends and WISA Wellbeing in Schools Australia.
Previous experience
Teacher: Galbally began her career in the early 1970s as a teacher at secondary and tertiary levels. In the late 1970s to 1982 she was senior policy analyst for the Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS). In the early 1980s Galbally was appointed CEO of Australian progressive philanthropic grant makers the Sidney Myer Fund and the Myer Foundation. During that time she was Chair of the Australian association of Philanthropy (now Philanthropy Australia).
CEO: Since the mid-1980s, Galbally has been the foundation CEO of five new Australian organisations, including in the mid 1980s the Australian Commission for the Future. In the late 1980's for 10 years Galbally was CEO the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation ( VicHealth). During this time under Galbally's leadership, VicHealth established a number of cutting edge research centres including the Centre for Adolescent Health Melbourne University, the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) Latrobe University, the Centre for research into Mother and Child Health Latrobe University, Onenda VicHealth Koori Health Centre Melbourne University.[1] In the late 1990s, Galbally established the Australian International Health Institute in the faculty of Medicine at the University of Melbourne (now the Nossal institute). In 2000 Galbally was appointed as the Independent Chair of the Review of Drugs Poisons and Controlled Substances Legislation ( the Galbally Review).
2000 - 2010: From 2000 to 2010 Galbally was co founder and CEO of Our Community Pty. Ltd.
2004 - 2013: In 2004 - 2013 Galbally was Chair of the Royal Women's Hospital. During that time the hospital established the Research Centre for Women's Mental Health funded by the Pratt Foundation.
2005: In 2005 Galbally was a member of the expert panel that developed the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities (2006).
2011: In 2011, Galbally was establishment CEO of the Australian National Preventive Health Agency.
2012 - 2015: From 2012 to 2015 Galbally chaired the International Evaluation Committee for the Thai Health Promotion Foundation.
2008 - 2013: From 2008 to 2013 Galbally was the Chair of the National People with Disability and Carer's Council. In 2012 Galbally was a member of the independent Advisory Panel for the Productivity Commission Inquiry into a lifetime care and support scheme for people with a disability and chronic illness.
Boards: Galbally was a member of the Veterans Review Board; trustee of Reichstein Foundation 1985-2010; trustee of the National Gallery of Victoria 1985-1995; board member of the Malthouse Theatre 1983-1992; board member of the Alfred Hospital 1990-1995; council member Monash University 2002-2007; council member RMIT University 1992-1997; member of the Commonwealth Tertiary Education Commission Advanced Education Council 1983-1987; chair of Philanthropy Australia 1982-1985.
Author: Pluto Press published her book, Just Passions (1-86403-296-0) in 2004. Just Passions was republished by Yooralla in August 2012.
The response to Dr Rhonda Galbally's presentation was overwhelmingly positive. Delegates commented that they were inspired by her presentation and it was just what they needed to focus their ... keep reading Pathways 10
Rhonda Galbally is an outstanding speaker she combines intelligence, passion and articulate communication into a compelling performance.
The evaluation forms for the day all spoke highly of Rhonda's talk. She managed to get our message of the value of the school community across very well, many said it she was very inspirational.
Rhonda's talk was spot-on in its focus and many staff told us it had given them a lot to consider... and in a positive, 'how can I incorporate this' way which is exactly what we wanted the day to be.
