New South Wales Advisory Board

The National Heart Foundation of Australia values the commitment of the New South Wales Advisory Board, which forms an essential component of our national arrangements, allowing the Heart Foundation to connect strategy, local community engagement and external stakeholder expertise.

Mr James L’Estrange (Chair)

Jim L'Estrange is a well-respected and high achieving CEO and Board Director with extensive experience in strategy, people leadership and commercial management in for-purpose charities, banking, sporting administration and entertainment sectors.

Jim is currently the Chair of the NSW Advisory Board for the National Heart Foundation. He was previously the CEO of Cancer Council NSW, where he led a significant cultural change program to ensure a more commercial focus supported by implementation of strong business practices across the organisation and increasing sustainable fundraising income. The development of a clear vision, mission and values underpinned a stronger performance and development-focused culture, supporting a clear strategic intent and achievement of organisational priorities to bring the defeat of cancer closer.

Jim has also been CEO of the NSW Waratahs and NSW Rugby Union, and has held leadership roles at Westpac, Citibank and Star Entertainment. Jim has a very strong commitment to support 'for-purpose' organisations, and uses his commercial skills and experiences to strengthen the mission. He has mentored a number of people in executive and leadership roles.

Mr Kiel Hennessey 

Mr Kiel Hennessey is the Manager, Manager Aboriginal Chronic Conditions Network, Primary Care & Chronic Services, Agency for Clinical Innovation, NSW Department of Health.

A/Prof Raj Puranik 

Professor Raj Puranik is a consultant cardiologist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Raj is also a consultant at Children's Hospital Westmead, where he runs the cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging program for infants and young children. Raj set up the first ever cardiac clinic at Redfern Aboriginal Medical Service over 10 years ago.

Raj runs a research program at the University of Sydney focussing on minimising invasive tests for heart disease and evaluating the role of cardiac MRI in congenital and acquired heart disease. He has published over 100 papers, mentored over 40 research students and has an. ongoing commitment to medical education. Raj has recently been appointed Clinical Practice Advisor and become a board member of CSANZ.

Mr Matthew O’Donnell

Matt is an Adviser and Partner at Koda Capital in Sydney. Matt has a Bachelor of Economics, a Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance and an MBA from the Macquarie Graduate School of Management. Matt has worked with several financial and investment organisations over the past 25 years and brings broad financial and investment skills. Matt is also a former Board Member of the NSW Heart Foundation.

Mr Andrew Best 

Mr Andrew Best is a Former Managing Director of JP Morgan. Andrew is a long-time supporter of the Heart Foundation and a committed member of the NSW Advisory Board.

Ms Rowena Newman

Rowena Newman is an experienced senior marketing professional, currently employed by Publicis Groupe as the head of Media Intelligence for Australia and New Zealand. Over the past 25 years Rowena has lead the marketing of large OTC healthcare brands in global markets including Australia, the USA and the UK and Europe. After graduating from the University of Sydney with a BSc. Hons1 in Microbiology and a double major in Microbiology and Biochemistry, Rowena’s passion has always been around making science accessible for all. Rowena is on the Council for the Women’s College within the University of Sydney where she also leads the marketing committee.

Rowena has been a vocal advocate for the Heart Foundation since surviving a sudden cardiac arrest and being diagnosed with coronary artery disease in 2020. When it comes to cardiac rehabilitation, Rowena walks the talk, crediting the cardiac rehabilitation program with getting her back on her feet, Rowena has completed Coastrek for the past several years. Rowena coaches several netball teams and is committed to helping keep teenage girls playing social sport, with all the benefits that brings.

David Anderson

David Anderson has spent more than 30 years in the broadcast television and media industry.

Prior to becoming Managing Director, David established himself as a creative leader in television production, responsible for commissioning some of the most successful Australian programs across all genres.

David has played a pivotal role in leading the ABC in its transition into a modern digital media organisation, providing trusted online and on-demand content for the changing needs and expectations of audiences.

As Managing Director, David also led the expansion of the ABC’s presence in regional Australia and the Pacific region. David was an inaugural member of the global task force on public media. Working with international peers, he promoted and defended public broadcasting with a particular focus on the safety of journalists and fighting mis and disinformation.

Prior to his appointment as Managing Director in May 2019, David held the position of Director Entertainment & Specialist. This broad portfolio spans the ABC’s broadcast television networks, including on-demand products and services and all associated websites and apps, along with all ABC radio music networks, podcasts and specialist radio content.

David was a member of the ABC Board, UTS Vice-Chancellor Advisory Council, and was a Board member of Freeview Australia from 2018 until June 2020 and a Board member of Screenrights from 2012 to 2018.