Inspirational Leader Series Breakfast with Dr Catherine Stoddart

Dr Catherine Stoddart PSM is the Chief Executive Officer of Brightwater Care Group, one of Western Australia’s leading not-for-profit providers of residential aged care, home care, retirement living, disability and commercial services. Founded in 1898, Brightwater includes a unique industry-based research centre focused on brain health and ageing well, supporting people to maintain their independence.

Catherine joined Brightwater in April 2022, following senior leadership roles including Deputy Director General at the Western Australian Department of Communities and Chief Executive Officer of Northern Territory Health (2017–2021). She has more than 35 years’ experience in health and social care, including roles as Chief Nurse at WA Health, Deputy Chief Executive of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Executive Director at WA Country Health Service, where she currently serves as a Board member.

She is also a Board member of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, WA Country Health Service and an Associate Editor of BMJ Leader. Catherine’s achievements include being named Telstra Western Australian Businesswoman of the Year (2011), receiving the Public Service Medal (2013) for services to healthcare, and being awarded a Churchill Fellowship (2006). In 2024, she received the Curtin Alumni Award for Health Sciences, and in 2026 was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.

She is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Management