Consumer Advisory Committee

Photo L to R: Kitty Knappstein (Deputy Chair), Libby Owen-Jones (Chair), Trish Dixon, Bill Little, Brigid Clarke

About Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC)

The CAC gives community members a voice in service planning, program development, and improvement processes, advising the Board of Directors on diversity, equity, and community priorities. It ensures that Alpine Health’s decisions and services are shaped by the people who use them and strengthens governance by embedding person-centred perspectives in the operation of health and aged care services

The CAC has an Executive Officer to assist with administration, communication and promotion. The Partnering with Consumers Officer is the CAC Executive Officer.

CAC Members

Libby Owen-Jones (Chair)
Kitty Knappstein (Deputy Chair)
Brigid Clarke
Carol Gillman
Linda Cohn
Mary Tomaino
Natalie Ellis

If you have any questions about CAC, please contact the Partnering with Consumer Officer on 0438 325 235 or [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some recent achievements of the CAC?

In recent years, CAC members have been engaged in the following activities:

Listening to consumers – CAC members review consumer feedback and staff responses, offering practical advice on how to improve communication and actively promoting the Care Opinion platform in the community.
Improving information – CAC members shaped the design and delivery of the 2024 Positive Ageing Expos to help the community access the information they need in the way they need it. They also helped transform the Patient Resource Folder into a clear, consumer-friendly Patient Information Guide and regularly review a wide range of resources including flyers, newsletters, and service directories.
Supporting age-friendly communities – CAC members contributed to the community rollout of the 4Ms resources, including the development of a guide tailored to the Upper Kiewa Valley community, and an Italian translation project in Myrtleford. Indigo 4Ms Age-Friendly Health Care Program Age-Friendly Communities
Bringing community to life – CAC members worked with hospitals to display local artwork, creating warm, welcoming spaces that have been well received by staff, patients and visitors.
Strengthening partnerships with consumers - By interviewing Consumer Members from our operational and Board committees, CAC members gained valuable perspectives on how Alpine Health collaborates with consumers and identified practical ways to enhance this partnership.

How are members recruited and appointed?

CAC members are appointed by and accountable to the Alpine Health Board of Directors and the committee is established in accordance with the Health Services Act 1988 and the Aged Care Act 2024. See CAC Charter and Terms of Reference for further information [add link]

If you have any questions about CAC, please contact the Partnering with Consumer Officer on 0438 325 235 or [email protected]. CAC member applications can be submitted via the Volunteer portal - Become a Volunteer | Alpine Health

How do members of the community raise an issue with CAC?

A community member may discuss an issue directly with the CAC Chairperson or the Executive Officer. If relevant, the issue will then be added to the CAC meeting agenda. Where appropriate, a community member may be invited to attend a CAC meeting as a visitor.

CAC Charter and Terms of Reference

Coming soon