Ovarian Cancer Australia Welcomes Dr Juliet Bourke as New Chair Following Meghan Speers’ Legacy

Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Juliet Bourke as the new Chair of the Board.  

Dr Juliet Bourke has served on the Board since 2021. She established and chaired the Culture and Remuneration Committee and has been a member of the Finance and Risk Committee. Dr Bourke brings exemplary leadership and governance experience to the role of OCA Chair. She is a Professor of Practice at the Business School at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), the inaugural independent Chair of the NSW Parliamentary Advisory Group, and a former human capital partner at Deloitte.  

Juliet’s passion for gender equity and improving health outcomes for women, matched with her strategic and leadership skills, will enable her to lead OCA into the unveiling and delivery of its new strategy, set to be revealed early next year.  

Dr Juliet Bourke commented, "This is a terrible disease, and we can and should do more to prevent and support women and people affected by ovarian cancer. I am deeply honoured to take on the role of Chair of OCA and am incredibly grateful to Meghan Speers for the wonderful legacy she leaves. Together with our fabulous board and staff, and supported by so many in our community, I am excited to build on Meghan’s stewardship and launch OCA’s ambitious new strategic plan in 2025. Alongside our community, I am committed to advancing the organisation’s critical mission and ensuring that the voices of those affected are heard and no woman walks alone."  

Meghan’s journey with OCA began in 2006 when she first walked into its office as a woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer. At that time, the organisation was still in its infancy, with just three full-time staff members. Yet Meghan was welcomed with compassion and supported by the organisation during this difficult time.   

Meghan has been involved with the organisation ever since and became Chair of the Board in 2021. With over 15 years of dedication to the cause, Meghan has been a leading voice in shaping OCA’s vision and mission and driving its success. Today, the organisation boasts a team of more than 40 professionals, providing support and advocacy for women and families affected by ovarian cancer – Australia’s most lethal women’s cancer.  

Meghan shared: "Serving as Chair of Ovarian Cancer Australia has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. I am incredibly proud of the work our team has done to support those impacted by ovarian cancer. As I transition to focus on my new role at Deloitte, my commitment to OCA’s mission remains unwavering. I look forward to seeing Juliet lead the organisation into its next chapter."  

Debbie Shiell, CEO of Ovarian Cancer Australia, expressed: Meghan’s leadership has been transformative, and we are deeply grateful for the lasting impact she has had on Ovarian Cancer Australia. As we welcome Dr Bourke as our new Chair, we are confident that her vast experience and passion will ensure we continue to make meaningful strides in supporting the ovarian cancer community."