selectability welcomes new chair, Danielle Hornsby

selectability today announced the appointment of Townsville Hospital’s Executive Director – Allied Health, Danielle Hornsby, as chair of its board of directors.

The announcement comes after Ms Hornsby, who has been a selectability board director since January, was elected to the role at the organisation’s recent annual general meeting (AGM).

selectability CEO Debra Burden said she was delighted to welcome Ms Hornsby to the position and thanked retiring chair, Tom Ryan, for his support and strategic direction.

“Danielle is passionate about making a difference in the lives of regional Queenslanders with severe and permanent mental illness,” said Ms Burden.

“I am looking forward to working with her and the selectability board to continue the growth of the organisation and providing vital mental wellbeing and suicide prevention services to the individuals and communities that need it most.

“I would also like to acknowledge outgoing chair, Tom Ryan, for his long-term commitment to selectability and the people we support.” 

Mr Ryan joined selectability’s predecessor organisation, SOLAS, in 2000, chaired the board until the merger with MIFNQ in 2017 where he remained chair.

“selectability is in a really strong position thanks to Tom’s focus and strategic direction.”

In its financial statements released at the AGM, selectability recorded a surplus of $1m and revenue of $34m.

“The financial result of a $1m support for the past financial year is particularly pleasing when taking into consideration the significant investment made to increase services to meet the mental wellbeing needs and regional Queenslanders.” 

selectabiity’s expansion over the last 12 months includes opening new Mental Health Hubs in Cairns, Mount Isa, Bowen, Longreach and Townsville along with establishing 30 quality leased residential properties.

Ms Hornsby said she was thrilled to be stepping into the role and chairing a board of such skilled and highly qualified directors. 

“selectability has seen rapid and significant growth over the last 12 months - this would not have been possible without the strategic oversight of the board or the commitment of the workforce,” said Ms Hornsby.

“It’s a really exciting time for selectability.”

 Ms Hornsby currently leads the practice of some 700 allied health clinicians across the broader Townsville region and has influenced rural health policy and practice nationally for over two decades.  She is also chair of the Townsville Suicide Prevention Network.