Facilitated by Luke Bowen

About Luke: Our Board – Meaningful Ageing Australia

Luke Bowen is currently serving as a Board Observer for the next 12 months, as part of an agreement with Spiritual Health Association and Meaningful Ageing Australia. Although this role is not a Board-appointed position, it supports the transition process in an advisory capacity. During this period, Luke will leverage a network of key healthcare leaders. Luke Bowen is the Director of Best Care Improvement at Western Health, located in Footscray, Victoria. Prior to this role, Luke served as the Director of Patient Safety, Experience, and Clinical Excellence at Austin Health from 2019. Luke’s educational background is both diverse and comprehensive, including undergraduate degrees in criminology and theology, a Master’s in Pastoral Care, a Master of Business Administration, and a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Governance. He is also a certified improvement coach with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and has led numerous health service and statewide clinical governance improvement initiatives. In addition to his professional roles, Luke is the past Board Chair of Spiritual Health Association. He is an Associate Fellow of the Australasian College for Health Service Management, a member of the Australasian Institute for Clinical Governance, a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and an Associate Lecturer in Practical Theology at the University of Divinity.

Allie Ernst, Executive Director – Mission, Identity and Culture, Lutheran Services

Allie Ernst is an experienced executive who brings deep experience in faith-based leadership and cultural transformation to the Lutheran Services leadership team. She has developed formation programs, built cross-denominational partnerships, and led strategy and mission for a Registered Training Organisation supporting Christian ministry in the education and social services sectors.

With over 40 years of lived experience in the Lutheran Church, Allie offers both credibility and insight, and a unique ability to translate theology and spirituality into identity, culture, and organisational practice.

Allie holds qualifications in theology, social sciences, and business, including a PhD in Studies in Religion, Master of Social Science and Master of Business Administration.

Agenda

• Introductions and Acknowledgement of Country
• Monthly Topic for discussion
• New research in spirituality and health
• Strategic or advocacy matters arising
• Network news around the grounds
• Professional development opportunities
• Wrap up and reflection