Donna Parkes is a senior leader at the Agency for Clinical Innovation, committed to improving health outcomes and service delivery across New South Wales. Born, raised, and proudly living in regional NSW, Donna brings a deep personal understanding of the challenges and opportunities that shape rural health care.

A recognised virtual care expert, she takes a practical and systems‑focused approach to integrating fit‑for‑purpose digital technologies that enable innovative models of care. Her work centres on expanding safe, high‑quality care options close to home for rural and remote communities, ensuring technology enhances—not replaces—the human aspects of care.

Donna partners closely with clinicians, consumers, and local services to co-design solutions that are sustainable, person‑centred, and responsive to community needs. At the National Rural Health Conference, she shares insights on scaling virtual care and strengthening equitable access for regional populations through thoughtful, evidence‑informed innovation.