Vale Peter Craighead

June 23, 2026

Gippsland has lost a giant of regional healthcare with the passing of Peter Craighead, whose leadership, vison and commitment to community shaped health services across the region for more than three decades.

Peter’s leadership journey included Chief Executive Officer roles at Latrobe Regional Health (LRH), Central Gippsland Health (CGH), and Yarram and District Health Service (YDHS), across which he championed the delivery of high-quality healthcare closer to home for the region’s communities

As CEO of Latrobe Regional Health from 2008 to 2021, Peter oversaw a period of significant growth and transformation, strengthening services and helping position the organisation as a leading regional health service.

LRH Board Chair Linda McCoy said Peter would be remembered as a leader who left the organisation stronger than he found it.

“Peter led LRH through a challenging period, helping build a financially sustainable organisation capable of meeting the needs of a growing region,” McCoy said.

“Peter believed regional communities deserved access to the very best healthcare. His vision helped lay the foundations for the leading research and clinical trials work underway at

LRH today, giving local patients access to innovative treatments and opportunities closer to home.”

“The organisation we know today bears the imprint of his leadership, and his contribution will be remembered with respect and gratitude.”

Yarram and District Health Service CEO Paul Head reflected on Peter Craighead’s enormous contribution to healthcare within the region:

“Peter leaves a legacy that continues to be felt across the region’s healthcare network.”

“He was a true reformer and so many of the wonderful services and healthcare facilities that provide care to so many across Gippsland are as a result of his tireless advocacy and commitment to getting the best outcomes for consumers over many years.”

Central Gippsland Health Chief Executive Officer, Michele Gardner, paid tribute to Peter’s leadership.

“Peter spent four years at CGH, initially as Administrator and then CEO before being appointed CEO at Latrobe Regional Hospital,” Ms Gardner said.

“He then led the way with health service partnerships in Gippsland, strengthening collaboration and helping to create foundations for health services to form strong relationships with each other to benefit their respective communities.”

Peter was respected not only for his professional achievements but for the way he led, with integrity, determination and a deep commitment to the communities he served.

He was a mentor, colleague and friend to many and his legacy will continue to be felt in the services, facilities and people that have had such a significant impact on the way health is delivered in Gippsland.

Together, Latrobe Regional Health, Central Gippsland Health and Yarram and District Health Service pay tribute to Peter’s remarkable contribution and extend heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.