Posted: 24 November 2025
BioMelbourne Network members, partners and supporters gathered high above Docklands at KPMG’s Tower Two for the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and networking event – an evening that blended strong governance with a clear sense of momentum for Victoria’s health technologies sector.
Set against sweeping city views, the AGM provided space to reflect on a year of transition and renewal, celebrate sector leadership and look ahead as the organisation advances its 2025–2028 Strategic Plan.
Chair of the Board, Dr Emma Ball, opened proceedings by acknowledging the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation and connecting First Nations knowledge systems with the values of collaboration and care that underpin Victoria’s health innovation ecosystem.
Dr Ball continued welcoming BioMelbourne Networks Board Members Prof Vera Ignajotvic AM (Deputy Chair), Dr Alison Greenway (Secretary), Dr Irene Kourtis (Treasurer), Dr Elane Zelcer, Andrew Wear and Prof Ian Meredith AM, and AGM attendees including Life Members Lusia Guthrie AM and Alun Needham.
Reflecting on the past year, Dr Ball described 2024–25 as “a year of transition, renewal and momentum”, noting leadership changes and a strengthening organisational foundation. She acknowledged former Chair David Herd for seven years of service and stewardship and thanked former CEO Karen Parr for her clarity, energy and impact.
Emma reaffirmed the organisation’s strategic direction, grounded in the 2025–2028 Strategic Plan and Victoria’s position as a leading health technologies hub. With more than 51,000 people employed in commercial health technologies and around 20,000 in research, the sector, she said, “creates jobs, attracts capital and partnerships, and – most importantly – improves people’s lives here and around the world.”
Steady leadership and a strong year of activity
For Acting CEO Vicky Jones, this AGM marked her first week in the role – although, as she reminded Members, hardly her first week with the organisation. Having been Operations Manager for almost 11 years, she spoke from deep experience of BioMelbourne Network’s evolution.
“Many of you know me in my role as Operations Manager. In that time, I’ve seen our organisation evolve, adapt and grow stronger through each new chapter.” Drawing on her background as a mountain biker and triathlete, Vicky likened the sector’s work to the discipline and focus of endurance sport – a collective drive to “chase the best that you can achieve” in improving health outcomes.
Her core message was one of continuity and confidence: “So today, my message is one of confidence: our work continues with focus and momentum. Our programs, partnerships and priorities remain on track. Our team is energised and proud of what we’re achieving.”
Vicky highlighted a strong year of activity and engagement, including a busy program of events, the continued growth of Wilam, the expansion of the BioResource Hub, and the launch of the Careers Hub to strengthen the sector’s talent pipeline. She also noted the ongoing development of the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Alliance (AMMA) and its Better Health Made Here strategy, which is deepening collaboration between industry, government and healthcare.
Treasurer Dr Irene Kourtis provided an overview of the FY25 financial results, noting a significant uplift in project and grant income aligned with the Strategic Plan and a return to surplus. She emphasised that this marks “a major advancement in BMN’s ability to attract grant income aligned with our strategic priorities, positioning us for continued success into FY26.”
Honouring leadership and long service
A key moment in the evening was the recognition of Honorary Life Membership for Mr David Herd, acknowledging his outstanding contribution to BioMelbourne Network and the Victorian health technologies sector.
The citation reflected David’s seven years on the Board, his leadership as Deputy Chair and Chair, his role on the Nominations & Remuneration Committee and his advocacy through initiatives such as the Women in Leadership Awards judging panel. Emma described his leadership as “steady”, his counsel as “wise” and his sector advocacy as a driving force in strengthening the organisation through a period of growth and change.
In his acceptance remarks, David spoke with characteristic humility, emphasising the collective effort behind BioMelbourne Network’s impact: “I’m a great believer of this organisation, this network. I believe it does make a difference to our sector in terms of driving our agenda, connecting to government, and bringing us together as different sponsors and figures.”
He reflected on the privilege of serving alongside a committed group of Board Members: “I’ve had the fortunate opportunity of learning from the best. I have served with many, many board members who are very committed and always privileged to serve this network.”
The AGM also marked the retirement of Dr Elane Zelcer from the Board after six years of service, including as Deputy Chair and member of the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee. Elane described her time on the Board as “an absolute privilege” and highlighted the “knowledge, experience, enthusiasm and the opportunities that come from the people that drive this organisation”, while reaffirming she is “not leaving the network” and urging others to stay involved.
Transitioning from the formalities into the networking reception, attendees heard from Matthew Muscat, a partner from KPMG Australia, spoke about the critical balance between innovation and regulation in health technologies.
“Health technologies operates at the intersection of innovation and regulation… We bring data-driven insights, global best practices and deep local expertise to accelerate growth”. He emphasised artificial intelligence as a transformative force, driving progress from clinical trial optimisation to enhanced biomanufacturing efficiency. These innovations dramatically accelerate discovery timelines, enabling life sciences organisations to bring new treatments to market faster, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes. This reflects KPMG’s enduring commitment to the sector, “At KPMG, we help organisations build trust in AI through explainable models, ethical governance, and robust compliance frameworks – ensuring technology delivers value responsibly.”
BioMelbourne Network extended its thanks to KPMG as both a long-term member and generous host of the 2025 AGM and to the Victorian Government for their ongoing support.
“There’s never been a better time to be in life science”
Keynote speaker Rebecca Lee, Managing Director, Merck Life Science ANZ, shared reflections from her leadership journey across global industries and her perspective on the opportunities ahead for Victoria’s life science ecosystem.
Having joined life sciences after more than 20 years in the chemical industry, Rebecca spoke candidly about navigating a new sector, acknowledging both current challenges and the resilience she sees in Victoria’s ecosystem: “There are a number of headwinds that are inclined to us. We have never seen such an uncertainty in the global trade markets, with tariffs, fundings in the academic sector and with changing competition. … Companies that we thought were competitors yesterday are very different today. But alongside those headwinds come opportunities.”
She highlighted the long-term vision and planning behind Victoria’s strengths – including early government leadership on biotechnology and the growth of sovereign capability – and emphasised the importance of partnerships that endure over decades, not just deal cycles.
At the heart of her message was a deep optimism about the future: “One of the things that I’ve been saying over the last few years to the team is there’s never been a better time to be in life science. And I truly believe that. I think the future ahead is really bright.”
Rebecca also touched on the need for robust frameworks around AI and digital ethics, noting Merck’s work with BioMelbourne Network to convene conversations about the topic during a roundtable with Merck’s Global Head of Digital Ethics on what responsible innovation should look like in practice.
Acting CEO, Vicky Jones, thanked Rebecca Lee and before the evening drew to a close, Members paused to recognise Nicole Pitcher, BioMelbourne Network’s Office Manager and beloved team member, farewelling the organisation after more than 20 years of service.
Described as hardworking, loyal, dedicated and passionate, Nicki was celebrated not only for her operational impact but for the care she has shown for members and colleagues over two decades. As Acting CEO Vicky Jones said: “She knows our members, she knows you. She knows who has twins, she knows who plays hockey… She was actually with BioMelbourne Network before we even had a member.”
As conversations continued, the mood was one of connection and continuity: a community proud of what has been built, attentive to the challenges ahead and energised by the possibilities of science, technology and collaboration.
With strong leadership, engaged Life Members and partners, and an ecosystem that continues to welcome new voices, BioMelbourne Network’s AGM 2025 reinforced a simple message: the sector’s strength lies in its people, its partnerships and its shared commitment to better health outcomes for Victoria and the world.
