Imelda Lynch’s best life
With Gather Round less than a week away, we talk to Crows board member Imelda Lynch about footy, family and her various roles, including as the chair of the ACH Group.
Give us a brief insight into what you do.
I’m hugely passionate about community, sport and health. This combination can be an incredibly positive and powerful force for wellbeing at an individual level, and more broadly. With 30-plus years’ experience in health – from a registered nurse to CEO – I love talking with people and engaging with them around the theme of care and wellbeing. This is reflected in my governance roles including chair of ACH Group; as a board member of organisations such as Bellberry Ltd, the Australian Medical Research Advisory Board and as a director on the board of the Adelaide Football Club.
What brings you joy in life? grew up on a wheat/sheep farm in Wirrabara Forest in the state’s mid-north. One of seven children, we had a very adventurous childhood. To this day, I love being active outdoors with friends. In the last four years I’ve got back into horse riding, and I’ve recently returned from a riding trip with friends to New Zealand. We went up to Henderson Bay and cantered along the beach, through sand dunes and forests. Personally and professionally, it brings me great joy to see people connected and having fun. This is so important to quality of life as we get older and a key priority for us at ACH Group.
Clearly, watching the Crows win also brings plenty of joy!
What is your most treasured photograph and why?
It’s a family photo from my nephew’s wedding in Melbourne. Mum was living with dementia and was also legally blind, but she desperately wanted to go to the wedding. I remember sitting on the plane with her as it started to gain pace on the tarmac. She yelled out: “Are we driving there now?” Everyone, including Mum, had a bit of a chuckle. Maintaining a sense of humour while caring for someone with dementia can be incredibly important for the person with dementia and those caring for them. Mum had a wonderful time at the wedding – we all did. The photo reminds me that no matter what stage you are at, your life remaining connected with your community brings people joy.
What is the hardest lesson you’ve had to learn?
You have to take opportunities when they arise because you never know where they might lead you. In the early 2000s, I was approached by a mentor, Fraser Bell, who was establishing one of the first private companies reviewing clinical trials harnessing the expertise of an independent, Human Research Ethics Committee. Fraser asked me to be CEO of the not-for-profit venture but was very honest in saying he couldn’t guarantee there would be a future for the business beyond 12 months. I took the chance. Soon, we managed to reduce review times from six months to 21 days. Today, Bellberry is the largest reviewer of human research in Australia providing robust, rigorous and timely reviews for around 40 per cent of clinical trial notifications across the country.
Top five songs on your play list
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Hallelujah – KD Lang
Bennie and the Jets – Elton John
Walking in Memphis – Marc Cohn
Both Sides Now – Joni Mitchell
And, last but not least – The Pride of South Australia (Adelaide Football Club song)
My life philosophy is …. Put yourself out there and have a go. Do it with a sense of humour. Having a laugh with others is grounding. It connects us.