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Sheryl Lawton to lead key regional health committee
CWAATSICH Chief Executive Officer Sheryl Lawton has been appointed Chairperson of the South West region’s peak First Nations health Committee. Ms Lawton will be the second Chairperson of the South West First Nations Equity Committee, following its establishment in December 2023.
New Queensland web resource supports First Nations health
Queensland Health and the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet have launched a new Queensland Portal, which provides Queensland-specific health information and resources to support anyone working or studying in First Nations health in Queensland, including students, academics and policy makers.
Mind the gap: Growing links to culture and identity key to wellness
Despite national commitments to Closing the Gap as well as national mental health strategies and agreements, mental health outcomes for Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples remain deeply unequal to non-Indigenous Queenslanders. In some areas, the gap is growing. Recent findings from the Productivity Commission’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement Review interim report found the Agreement was “not working as intended” and that current arrangements were too focused on jurisdictions and funding flows rather than on delivering better outcomes for people.
Sheryl Lawton to lead key regional health committee
CWAATSICH Chief Executive Officer Sheryl Lawton has been appointed Chairperson of the South West region’s peak First Nations health Committee. Ms Lawton will be the second Chairperson of the South West First Nations Equity Committee, following its establishment in December 2023.
Psychological health in our communities
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders continue to face disproportionately high rates of psychological distress, suicide, and hospitalisation for mental health conditions. Mental and substance use disorders remain the leading cause of disease burden, underscoring the urgent need for stronger investment in social and emotional wellbeing and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health organisations (ACCHOs).
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In Depth
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Five minutes with Gindaja CEO Ailsa Lively
Ailsa Lively’s journey into leadership is grounded in community and service. After early jobs in retail and hospitality, she began her career in administration with the Aboriginal Coordinating Council, where she was inspired by strong Aboriginal leaders advocating for better outcomes. That passion led to 17 years with Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council, progressing to Deputy CEO before taking on the top job at Gindaja Treatment and Healing Indigenous Corporation in 2008. Today, Ailsa continues to serve Yarrabah through her leadership at Gindaja and as a Board member of several local and national organisations.
Interviews
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QAIHC appoints new Chairperson Dorothy Smith: “Bridging now with next”
QAIHC’s new Chairperson Dorothy Smith is looking forward to leading the organisation into its next chapter — grounded in culture, driven by Community and united in its vision to bridge “now with next” for all First Nations people. Ms Smith, who is also the Chairperson of Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Service (TAIHS), was appointed the new QAIHC Chairperson at the Annual General Meeting on 5 June. She takes over the role from outgoing Chairperson Matthew Cooke, who has served since 2020.
DEADLY ENTERTAINMENT
Deadly Reading
Latest
This book thinks ya deadly: A celebration of Blak excellence (2023) by Corey Tutt, Molly Hunt
This Book Thinks Ya Deadly! is an inspirational, illustrated compendium that celebrates the diversity and success of First Nations People.
Deadly Viewing
Latest
The Moogai (2024) directed by Jon Bell
A young Aboriginal couple brings home their second baby. What should be a joyous time takes a sinister turn, as the baby’s mother starts seeing a malevolent spirit she is convinced is trying to take her baby.
Deadly Listening
Latest
For the Dreams (2024) by King Stingray
King Stingray return with their highly anticipated and melodically rich sophomore album For The...
ABOUT
Sector Leader Magazine is published by the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC).
We welcome submissions from our Members, Associates and Affiliates on the great work being undertaken within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisation Sector.
If you would like to contribute story ideas for consideration or comment on items in the current issue, please contact our Communications Team at communications@qaihc.com.au. Previous issues can be viewed online at qaihc.com.au
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this publication may contain images or names of people who have passed away.
