11/03/2026
The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service would like to acknowledge, respect, celebrate, and show gratitude for the steadfast leadership of Arrernte, Gurdanji woman Pat Turner AM, following the announcement of her retirement as CEO of NACCHO Aboriginal Health Australia.
Pat has dedicated her life to advancing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and strengthening Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations across the country.
VAHS CEO Michael Graham has had the utmost pleasure on serving with Pat on the NACCHO board, working collaboratively with dedicated advocates for creating meaningful change in Aboriginal health.
Pat's leaves behind her a legacy of lasting reform for Aboriginal health in Australia, putting our voices at front of mind for governments, holding them to account to mend the systems that have failed us, and compelling them to invest in self-determined, Aboriginal-led solutions.
We wish Pat the very best in her retirement and congratulate her on a stellar career. VAHS also welcomes the appointment of NACCHO's Deputy CEO Dr Dawn Casey PSM FAHA as the new CEO of NACCHO, and looks forward to continuing our vital work together π€πβ€οΈ