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Rural Doctors Foundation

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Fran Avon

Chief Executive Officer | Brisbane

About Fran

Fran is committed to improving health outcomes for those living in rural and remote communities and has spent more than twenty years working in the not-for-profit sector. She joined Rural Doctors Foundation in February 2021 after having spent several years in the Northern Territory – a time that fuelled her desire to help those without access to the services that many of us take for granted.

Fran is an incredibly experienced CEO, fundraiser, and marketer. For her, it was an easy decision to join a much needed and respected organisation. She is inspired by the commitment, compassion and resilience of those who live and work in our rural communities. Fran’s vision is to help those living remotely enjoy a a long and healthy life.

“Having travelled extensively across Australia including living two years in the Northern Territory, I have witnessed the resilience, strength and optimism of people who live in rural and remote communities.”

Fran's journey

Fran’s passion for remote communities was ignited in her previous role as CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society in the Northern Territory.

Prior to her role at Vinnies, Fran spent 12 years at Wesley Mission in Sydney, as General Manager for Community Engagement and Property and Executive Manager, Marketing, Fundraising and Volunteering. 

In her early career, Fran has worked as a Marketing Manager in the Publishing, Telecommunications and Technology sectors. She spent many years working in a consultancy capacity for a major marketing agency in business transformation, change management and marketing.

One of the things that Fran loves about working at Rural Doctors Foundation is that she gets to wear many hats – and one of those is as an author writing articles on various health issues. She does not profess to be an expert in this area – she draws on her skills as a researcher and communications specialist – and the support of wonderful volunteers like Dr Gabrielle du Preez-Wilkinson. Gabrielle reviews our medical articles to check our advice is accurate and up to date. 

Fran's qualifications

Bachelor of Arts Information Science

University of Technology

Graduate Diploma of Management

Australian Institute of Management 

Diploma in Social Media Marketing

Australian Institute of Management 

Director &
Secretary

Sandpiper Australia

Accredited DiSC Facilitator 

Integro

And, her personal story

Fran has realised her dream of living close to the ocean and you will often find her walking or cycling the esplanade taking in the beautiful vista that is Moreton Bay.

When there is some quiet time, you will always find her with her head in a book as Fran has a love of language and losing herself in a good story! 

Fran is married to Ben the Builder (not Bob!).  They have two children – both who have inherited their sense of adventure – with their son Jake living for snowboarding and surfing – and their daughter traveling the country (and the world!) in her role as an officer with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

 

In conversation with Fran

Articles by Fran

Promoting good health in rural and remote locations

Read more articles