What’s happening?
Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service has welcomed Dr Gulam Khandaker and Ms Margaret Strelow to its Board.
Both were first appointed on 1 April 2026. Their current terms run until 31 March 2030.
Dr Khandaker joins with strong clinical and executive experience. He is currently working as a Senior Public Health Physician.
Ms Strelow brings strong governance and community leadership. She is a former Mayor of Rockhampton Regional Council.
The appointments come as statewide reforms strengthen clinical representation on Hospital and Health Boards.
The Board also retains important continuity. Tina Zawila, Michelle Webster, BCom GAICD and Leann Wilson will continue after their terms were extended.
Together, the Board brings the experience needed to support safe, high-quality care for Central Queensland communities.
Why it matters?
These appointments strengthen the Board with both clinical insight and local leadership.
That mix matters as health services make decisions that affect hospitals, public health and community care across Central Queensland.
The changes also reflect statewide reforms aimed at improving clinical representation on Hospital and Health Boards.
At the same time, the extension of three current members helps keep continuity in leadership and decision-making.
Local Impact
For Central Queensland, these appointments bring in two people with direct links to the region.
Ms Strelow served for years in local government in Rockhampton. Her experience is closely tied to community development and regional priorities.
Dr Khandaker also has a long connection to the area. He began his medical career as an intern at Rockhampton Hospital.
He later served Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service as Executive Director of Medical Services and as Director of Public Health.
That local knowledge gives the Board stronger links to the communities it serves.
By the numbers
- Ms Margaret Strelow served as Mayor of Rockhampton for 16 years, giving her long experience in regional leadership.
- Dr Gulam Khandaker has contributed to more than 200 publications, showing the depth of his research and public health work.
- Three current Board members, Tina Zawila, Michelle Webster BCom GAICD and Leann Wilson, have had their terms extended, keeping leadership continuity in place.
Zoom In
Ms Margaret Strelow brings extensive experience in local government and community leadership.
During her 16 years as Mayor of Rockhampton, she led infrastructure and community initiatives. These supported economic development and major regional events.
She has long advocated for Central Queensland. She has also supported services that improve outcomes for local communities.
Her qualifications include a Master of Education Studies in literacy and language education. She also holds a Graduate Diploma in Local and Applied History.
Ms Strelow also has a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma of Teaching in Primary.
Dr Gulam Khandaker brings extensive experience in clinical care, public health medicine and medical leadership.
He is the Associate Director and Head of Global Health at the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance.
He previously served as Executive Director of Medical Services for Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service. In that role, he led medical teams and supported high-quality, evidence-based care.
He also led Public Health services in Central Queensland as Director of Public Health. His work focused on communicable diseases and health risk prevention.
Dr Khandaker began his medical career as an intern at Rockhampton Hospital, which gives him a strong connection to the region.
His research record is extensive. He has more than 200 publications and focuses on vaccine-preventable diseases and childhood disability.
He is also an Adjunct Professor at CQUniversity and the University of Sydney. He leads a global cerebral palsy research program.
He is a Fellow of the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine. He is also an Associate Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators.
His qualifications include a Doctor of Philosophy in infectious diseases and a Master of Public Health.
Zoom Out
These Board changes reflect a broader move across Queensland to strengthen clinical representation on Hospital and Health Boards.
For Central Queensland, that means decision-making is being shaped by stronger public health, medical and community experience.
It also shows an effort to balance fresh appointments with continuity, as existing members remain part of the Board’s work.
What To Look For Next?
With the appointments now in place, the Board begins this new term with added clinical and community experience through to 31 March 2030.
That refreshed mix of leadership will help guide decisions that support safe, high-quality care across Central Queensland.
