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.

Lucie Austin

Lucie is a seasoned brand strategy and marketing leader with over 30 years’ experience across FMCG and healthcare sectors in Australia, New Zealand, Europe and ASEAN. More recently she has focused on advisory roles, supporting organisations through periods of growth and change. Her board and advisory work spans entrepreneurial businesses through to large, highly governed financial and not-for-profit organisations. Drawing on a scientific background (including a natural science degree, majoring in pathology, from the University of Cambridge) and a creative marketing career, Lucie brings a balanced perspective that blends analytical rigour with a strong understanding of audiences and cultural impact.